Dry Day in Delhi: As the great festival Chhath Puja kicks off in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Eastern Uttar Pradesh, preparations are in full swing in Delhi as well.
Thousands of people from the Purvanchal region, Bihar, and Jharkhand observe the Chhath festival in Delhi.
In light of this, special arrangements are being made in the capital to cater to the needs of these devotees.
As part of these efforts, a 'Dry Day' has been announced in Delhi on November 19 in honour of the Chhath Puja.
Notably, this directive has been issued by the Delhi Excise Department. On the same day, the final match of the Cricket World Cup is also scheduled to take place.
The declaration of the 'Dry Day' on November 19 in Delhi concerning Chhath Puja is considered politically significant. Delhi is home to a substantial population from Purvanchal, Bihar, and Jharkhand, making the decision to observe a 'Dry Day' a crucial move that could impact the voting preferences of this demographic.
The Delhi government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, has been consistently organizing grand arrangements for Chhath Puja since 2015.
According to the government, approximately 1000 ghats have been set up across Delhi to facilitate the Chhath Puja celebrations.
Delhi's Minister, Saurabh Bharadwaj, has remarked on the swift progress of preparations for the upcoming Chhath Puja. In anticipation of the festival, ghats (ritual bathing steps) have been set up across Delhi.
Minister Bharadwaj highlighted the arrangements made for devotees, including tents, lights, and other amenities. This year, the fasting and rituals associated with Chhath Puja will span four days, beginning on November 17 and concluding on November 20 with devotees offering arghya to the rising sun.
First Day: Nahai Khai (Taking a Holy Dip and Eating): On the inaugural day, also referred to as Kaddu Bhaat or Nahai Khai, the devotee, known as the parvaitin, prepares Satvik Kaddu Bhaat along with pulses. This wholesome meal is offered as 'bhog' to the deity in the afternoon.
Second Day: Kharna (Preparation of Roti and Kheer): The second day, known as Kharana, involves the preparation of roti and rice kheer, served as 'bhog' to Chandra Devta, the Moon God.
Third Day: Sandhya Arghya (Evening Offering to the Sun): On the pivotal third day, a rigorous full-day fast without water is observed. The main ritual involves offering Arghya (ritual offering) to the setting Sun, marking a profound moment of devotion.
Fourth Day: Usha Arghya (Morning Offering to the Sun): The concluding day, known as Usha Arghya, entails offering Dusri Arghya to the rising Sun. This marks the end of a 36-hour-long fast, broken after the Sun is revered with the final Arghya, concluding the Chhath Puja festivities.
