Ranchi: The four day Chhath puja rituals began across Jharkhand on Friday with Nahay – Khay, marking the commencement of one of the most significant festivals dedicated to the Sun God and Chhath Maiya. Devotees observed the occasion by taking ritual baths, cleaning their homes and preparing bottle gourd, rice chana dal and rice.
Sima Yadav, a devotee said, “Nahay Khay holds special significance as devotees begin the four-day observance by following strict practices of cleanliness and purity. After bathing, devotees clean their kitchens and prepare the traditional meal, generally cooked on a clay stove. The devotees and family members consumed the prasad.”
The demand for bottle gourd, an essential ingredient of the traditional Nahay Khay meal, has pushed its price from Rs 40 to Rs 50 and above in the market. However, the bottle guard is being sold between Rs 80 to Rs 100 online.
Preparations are underway for Kharna on Saturday, when devotees will observe a day long fast and consume prasad after sunset. The prasad is generally consist of jaggery based kheer, roti and fruits. To meet the increased demand, around 2 lakhs liters of milk will be supplied by Medha Dairy.
Amritesh Kumar, marketing head of Medha Dairy, said, “When customer demand doubles in the market, the supply of goods also double so that every buyer’s need is satisfied, keeping the entire marketplace balanced, stable, and well stocked for everyone.”
The most important rituals will follow on the third day, when devotees observe a strict waterless fast and offer Sandhya Arghya to the setting sun at riverbanks, ponds and other designated water bodies. On the final day, devotees will offer Usha Arghaya to the rising Sun, marking the conclusion of the festival.
