Devotees offer ‘arghya’ to setting sun on 3rd day of Chaiti Chhath

Patna: A large number of devotees gathered along the banks of Ganga river and various ponds across the city to offer the evening ‘arghya' (oblation of water and milk) to the setting sun, on the third day of Chaiti Chhath on Thursday, while many performed the ritual on their terraces.
Worshippers assembled along various ghats, including Digha, Collectorate and NIT ghats in Patna, besides Shahpur Ghat in Danapur subdivision, carrying ‘soop' and ‘daura' (basket), crafted from bamboo, while the air resonated with traditional Chhath songs as mostly women performed the rituals.
The participants look forward to the culmination of the four-day Chhath Puja, when they will offer ‘arghya' to the rising sun on Friday.
"We wait for this day throughout the year. The ‘arghya' is offered with a mixture of milk and sacred Gangajal, symbolising purity and devotion. We are blessed to get such a chance twice a year during Chaitra (March-April) and Kartik (Oct-Nov)," said Seema Devi, a devotee at the Digha Ghat.
Meanwhile, all parks and Patna Zoo, housing ponds, opened their gates from 2pm, allowing free entry to the ‘vratis' (those who observe fast) and other devotees.
According to Acharya Rakesh Jha, Chhath is a festival of Lord Bhaskar (sun). "The devotees offered ‘arghya' to the setting sun in Rohini Nakshatra and Ayushman Yoga on Thursday. Tomorrow (Friday), on Chaitra Shukla Saptami, devotees will offer ‘arghya' to the rising sun in Mrigashira Nakshatra, Shobhan Yoga and Ravi Yoga," he said.
"Offering ‘arghya' to Lord Bhaskar with water is believed to bring mental peace and prosperity in life, while oblation with red sandalwood and flowers is believed to bring fame and prosperity. Offering ‘arghya' with jaggery mixed in water is believed to bring blessings of progeny and good fortune, and oblation with milk is believed to bring the blessings of Goddess Mahalakshmi," Acharya added.
Sameer Upadhyay, an astrologer, said sun is a deity visible to human eyes. "The primary sources of his divine strength are believed to be his wives, Usha and Pratyusha. During Chhath, devotees worship both these powers, alongside Surya. The evening ‘arghya' honours Pratyusha, symbolised by the sun's final rays, whilst the morning oblation venerates Usha, represented by the first light of dawn," explained Upadhyay.