Chhath being celebrated at 21 locations in the Valley

KATHMANDU: Preparations are underway for the Chhath Puja festival in Kathmandu.

The festival will be celebrated at 21 locations in the Kathmandu Valley, including Gaurighat, Kamalpokhari, Bishnumati, Nakhkhu, Gahanapokhari, and Kupandol, this year, according to the organizers. Anil Singh, the chairperson of Gaurighat Chhath Puja Management Committee, said all preparations will be completed by Saturday. He mentioned that workers are cleaning the banks of the Bagmati River, removing weeds and trash from the river, and installing tents, tarpaulin, lights, and a statue of the goddess Chhati Mata.

The festival begins on Friday and will culminate on Sunday or the seventh day of the waxing moon in the month of Kartik as per the lunar calendar.

Chhath is a Hindu festival celebrated in the lower plains of Tarai as well as in some parts of northern India. The festival is dedicated to Surya Dev, the sun god, and his sister Chhathi Mata.

Although Chhath is celebrated for six days, the major festivities are on the final three days of the festival. Women observe a rigorous fast during Chhath and pray to Chhathi Mata and Surya Dev for the well-being of their children and family.

(With inputs from RSS)