Chhath Puja begins as devotees gather across northern India, Nepal for four-day festival

The four-day Chhath Puja, an annual festival celebrated in northern and eastern India as well as in Nepal, began on Tuesday.

The first day, known as Nahay Khay, marks the beginning of the festival with a cleansing ritual in preparation for the days ahead. Day two is observed as Kharna, followed by the main Chhath Puja on the third day, and the festival concludes with Usha Arghya—the offering of prayers to the rising sun—on the final day.

Chhath Puja is known for its strict rituals, including fasting and devotional offerings, to express gratitude to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya for sustaining life on Earth.

In Delhi, visuals from Kalindi Kunj on Tuesday morning showed devotees performing ritual baths along the banks of the Yamuna river.

On Monday, Delhi Chief Minister Atishi reviewed preparations for the festival at the ITO ghat and said that over 1,000 spots along the Yamuna banks across the national capital have been set up for devotees. She had earlier declared a public holiday on November 7, recognizing Chhath Puja as an “important festival” for the residents of the National Capital Territory of Delhi.

To accommodate the surge in travelers heading to their hometowns for Chhath, Indian Railways has announced special trains across the country.