Kathmandu, Nov 19: President Ramchandra Paudel worshiped the Chhathi Mai on the occasion of Chhath Puja today.
President Paudel visited the Chhath Puja site on the bank of Kamal Pokhari in the evening. He also made offerings of argha (curd) to the setting sun at the Chhath Puja ceremony near Guheshwori Temple.
Devotees are observing the festival dedicated to the Sun God by offering argha to the setting sun at various Chhath Puja sites, including at Kamal Pokhari, Guiheshwori Gaurighat, and Kupandole.
Today is the main day of the four-day festival dedicated to Sun God as well as Chhathi Mata (Goddess of Power). The festival is one of the major festivals of the country and predominately celebrated in the Terai region.
Celebrants also observe a fast and stay awake throughout the night and offer prayers to the rising sun Monday morning. It is widely believed that observing a fast in veneration of Chhathi Mata would bring desired results and well-being for the family and relieve them of sorrows and starvation.
Rice pudding is savored as a prasad by the celebrants and their families at night after bathing in the scared rivers, ponds and streams.
Meanwhile, Vice-President Ramsahay Prasad Yadav and other distinguished personalities worshipped Chhati Mata in the Chhat Puja organized by the Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC), informed Dipendra Jha, advisor of the Kamal Pokhari Chhath Puja Society.
The Chhath Puja sites have been decked up with colourful lights, flowers and festoons. KMC Mayor Balendra Shah and Deputy Mayor Sunita Dangol also reached Kamal Pokhari to offer prayers to Chhathi Mata. RSS
