Chief Minister Raghubar Das along with other devotees offered ‘arghya’ on the last two days of Chhath. Das on Wednesday reached the Sidhgora based Surya Mandir at around 5:00 am in the morning to offer prayers to the rising Sun. The Chief Minister along with other members of BJP offered milk and water as part of the rituals.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister said that Chhath plays an important role in our culture as we pray the Sun God. It is the source of energy on earth and we need to revere. The festival speaks a lot of about women power. The 36-hour fast is something that women can only perform and it is a matter of pride," said Das.
The Chief Minister spent about three hours watching all the rituals from the watch tower at the Surya Mandir. On Tuesday he also took part in the musical programme by playback and bhajan singer Sadhna Sargam and other artists.
Meanwhile, devotees offered prayers to the Sun God on the last day of the four-day Chhath Puja celebrations in the city. Thousands of housewives along with their families thronged the riverbanks to pray before the setting Sun for prosperity and happiness of their husbands and family members.
While the footfall of devotees was around 30,000 at the Surya Mandir in Sidhgora, Bhuiyadih ghat witnessed a footfall of around 35 ,000 while the Subernarekha ghat in Mango was where about 1.5 lakh devotees.
Before sunrise, worshipers returned to the riverbank to pray to the rising sun; this ritual is considered the focal point of the ceremony of Chhath Puja.
Following prayers and the purifying bathing ritual, the fast ended with the offering, or prasad, to the Sun God. lakhs of devotees offered prayers after taking dip in rivers. The festival is also believed to be of truth, non-violence, forgiveness and compassion.
Devotees after offering salutations to the Sun indulge in singing folklores, hymns from Rig Veda for the better upkeep of their family. One of the popular beliefs associated with the festival is that worshiping Sun help in curing diseases such as leprosy and ensure longevity of family and friends.
A Bhojpuri Sangh official, said, "The festival which aims at bringing peace and harmony in the family should be celebrated across the country. It is because of the Sun, we are able to survive and live. Hence, worshiping Sun god is a must."