KATHMANDU: Chhath, the festival of purity, goodwill and faith, is being observed with high regard and much fanfare today.
The main ritual of this four-day Chhath festival begins in the evening by worshipping and making offerings to the setting sun.
Mostly observed in the districts of Tarai, this festival is being marked in the districts of hilly and mountainous areas including in the Kathmandu Valley in recent years.
Accordingly, the revellers take a holy bath while fasting and worshipping the sun standing inside water, offering Prasad and Argha to the setting sun.
In Janakpurdham, the festival is being observed with people gathering at the local historical ponds-Ganga Sagar, Dhanus Sagar, Ram Sagar, Ratna Sagar, Bihar Kunda, Argaja, Maharaj Sagar and Agni Kunda among others.
The stage has already been set with bamboo fencing and banana trees and lots of colourful lighting.
On the occasion of this festival, Speaker of the House of Representatives Devraj Ghimie has extended his best wishes to all Nepalis at home and abroad.
Likewise, former President Bidya Devi Bhandari has said that festivals like Chhath help contribute to promoting social goodwill and unity in the diverse Nepali society.
In a message of best wishes, the former President has expressed her confidence that national unity would be strengthened through this festival.
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