Chaiti Chhath concludes with morning ‘arghya’

Patna: The four-day Chaiti Chhath Puja concluded on Wednesday with devotees offering ‘arghya’ to the rising sun at Ganga ghats, artificial ponds and rooftops across the city. The 36-hour fast observed by devotees also ended with the ‘parana’ ritual.After the morning ‘arghya’, devotees exchanged ‘mangal tika’ and distributed ‘prasad’, breaking their fast with ‘sherbet’, tea and milk.Devotees offered ‘arghya’ on Chaitra Shukla Saptami under Mrigshira Nakshatra and Ayushman Yoga. The evening ‘arghya’ was offered on Tuesday during Rohini Nakshatra and Preeti Yoga, considered an auspicious combination.“It was a moment of pure joy and spirituality,” said Ritu Singh, a devotee.

“I offered ‘arghya’ to the Sun God with my family, seeking blessings for our well-being and prosperity.”Following the rituals, devotees distributed ‘prasad’, including fruits and thekua, among family members and others present at the ghats, ponds and terraces.“The ‘prasad’ was delicious, and the atmosphere was filled with devotion. It was a wonderful experience,” said Rohan Kumar, a resident of Patel Nagar.

Jyotishacharya Pandit Rakesh Jha of the Bharatiya Jyotish Vigyan Parishad said devotees concluded the fast by offering ‘arghya’ of milk and water to the rising sun. He said the ritual is believed to enhance longevity, health, fame and prosperity.He added that this year’s Chhath was observed during an auspicious planetary alignment. “Offering ‘arghya’ from a copper vessel with water mixed with red sandalwood, red flowers and perfume is believed to bestow longevity, knowledge and strength. Offering milk helps attain prosperity, while water mixed with jaggery is associated with good fortune,” he said.Jha also cited references from the Skanda Purana, stating that King Priyavrat observed the Chhath fast to seek relief from leprosy, where the ritual is described as ‘Pratihar Shashthi’.