Chhat festival being observed by offering argha to setting sun today

KATHMANDU: The Chhat festival is being observed by offering argha (curd) to the setting sun on Friday.

Today is the main day of the festival. The festival, which is celebrated from Kartik Shukla Chaturthi to Saptami according to the lunar calendar, had started on Wednesday.

According to the ancient grand epic Mahabharata, five Pandavas with Draupadi had worshipped the sun wishing for success during their exile.

They had taken a shelter at the palace of King Virata during their last year of exile. The Chhat festival had started since then, according to Mahabharat.

The Chhathi Mata (the Goddess of Power) is worshipped during this festival that is mostly celebrated in Terai region of the country.

It is equally celebrated with fervor in the Kathmandu Valley and other hilly and mountainous areas across the country of late.

On this day, devotees offer worships to the Sun God and Chhathi Mata. Argha (curd) is offered to the rising and setting sun by visiting the riverside or ponds where the puja takes place during this festival.

It is believed that fasting observed during this festival would relieve people of trouble and miseries and the observer is blessed with good fortune.