KATHMANDU: President Ram Chandra Paudel has expressed confidence that the Chhath festival will help eliminate all forms of discrimination, social evils, and malpractices, including those based on class, caste, and gender, while strengthening national unity among Nepalis.
In a message issued today on the occasion of Chhath 2026, President Paudel said the festival inspires people to preserve and promote their traditional culture while fostering mutual understanding, harmony, and solidarity.
He noted that Chhath, celebrated with prayers for longevity, cleanliness, moderation, harmony, and prosperity, promotes a message of balance between society and nature through the worship of the Sun God.
President Paudel also referred to the popular belief that observing the Chhath fast with devotion and proper rituals brings desired blessings, happiness to families, and relief from suffering and hardships.
Highlighting the importance of the Sun as the source of life on Earth, the President said that the rituals of Chhath reflect respect for nature, environmental awareness, and family and social solidarity.
In his message, he described the tradition of worshipping the setting sun and the rising sun by offering milk and prayers while standing in flowing water during the four-day festival, which begins on the fourth day and concludes on the seventh day of the lunar fortnight in Kartik.
He further noted that devotees traditionally celebrate Chhath by staying awake through the night along the banks of rivers, streams, ponds, and lakes, worshipping the Sun, water, and Earth, and observing fasts in devotion to Chhathi Mata.
The President expressed happiness that Chhath, traditionally celebrated with great enthusiasm in the Terai and Madhes regions, has increasingly gained popularity in other parts of the country, including the Kathmandu Valley and various hill and mountain districts.
Concluding his message, President Paudel expressed hope that the blessings of Chhathi Mata and the Sun God would help eliminate all forms of social discrimination and inequality and contribute to lasting peace, good governance, development, and prosperity in the country.
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