Hyderabad turns into mini-Bihar as people gear up for Chhath Puja

Hyderabad: Post Diwali, Hyderabad continues to be in festive spirit as the local Bihari community gears up to celebrate Chhath Puja.

Observed six days after Diwali, this four-day festival dedicated to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya is scheduled to be celebrated from November 17 to 20 this year, following the Hindu almanac.

Chhath Puja, predominantly celebrated in Bihar, Jharkhand, and specific areas of Uttar Pradesh, resonates strongly with the community in Hyderabad. The festivities unfold at various locations such as Hussain Sagar, Malkam Cheruvu, Alwal, Patancheru, Miyapur, Medchal, and other ghats and baby ponds across the city.

Vikas Singh, Secretary at Bihar Samaj Seva Sangh, saId, “We’ve been living in Hyderabad for several years and celebrating the festival on a grand scale. This time, we are anticipating more than 2,000 people taking part at Tank Bund. The decorations will reflect our indigenous atmosphere.”

The festival kicks off with Nahaye Khaye, where devotees clean and sanctify their homes, fasting and eating only once in the day. Kharna, the second day, involves a day-long fast, an evening offering of rice pudding to Suryadev, and the initiation of a 36-hour Nirjala fast.

The third and fourth days, "Sandhya Arghya" and "Usha Arghya," hold significant importance. On the fourth day, devotees gather at water bodies, standing knee-deep to watch the rising sun. Following this, they break their fast with the prasad.

“The initial 'argh’ takes place from 3 pm to 10 pm on Sunday, while the second 'argh’ occurs from 4 am to 8 am on Monday. During this period, from Saturday’s sunset to Monday’s sunrise, devotees abstain from consuming food and water,” said Vikas Singh,

Emphasizing the eco-friendly nature of Chhath Puja, Vikas notes, “Chhath Puja is perceived by many as an eco-friendly way of celebrating the elements of Nature, and anyone, regardless of gender, can participate in the fast.”

As Chhath Puja illuminates Hyderabad, the community embraces the festival with devotion, blending tradition and spirituality on the banks of the city’s water bodies.