Chhath Puja Begins With Nahay-Khay Ritual
Why in News?
- The four-day Chhath festival began on 13 November 2026 with the Nahay-Khay ritual in Bihar and other parts of the country, News On AIR reported.
- Devotees prayed to the Sun God and ate a simple vegetarian meal of rice and pumpkin curry. The festival continues with Kharna on 14 November, Arghya to the setting Sun on 15 November and prayers to the rising Sun on 16 November.
- Sun temples across Bihar drew large crowds and markets were busy with fruit and earthen pots.
Key Terminologies
- Chhath Puja
- A four-day festival dedicated to the Sun God, celebrated mainly in Bihar and other parts of the country. Devotees fast, bathe in rivers or ponds and offer prayers at sunset and sunrise.
- Nahay-Khay
- The first day, whose name means bathe and eat. Devotees bathe, pray to the Sun God and eat a simple vegetarian meal prepared in the satvik style. In 2026 the meal included rice and pumpkin curry.
- Kharna
- The second day, on 14 November in 2026. Devotees pray and eat the Kharna prasad in the evening, and then begin a 36-hour fast without food or water.
- Arghya
- The offering of water to the Sun. On the third day, 15 November, devotees offer Arghya to the setting Sun, and on the fourth day, 16 November, they pray to the rising Sun to end the festival.
- Satvik Food
- Simple vegetarian food cooked without onion and garlic, which is the style prepared for the Nahay-Khay meal.
- Sun Temples
- Temples dedicated to the Sun God in Bihar, where the report said large crowds gathered to seek blessings.
- Digha Ghat
- A river ghat in Patna. BJP National President Nitin Nabin visited it and said the festival reflects Bihar's culture and traditions.
Key Issues
- Festival Start: Chhath began on 13 November 2026 with the Nahay-Khay ritual, in which devotees prayed to the Sun God and ate rice and pumpkin curry cooked in the satvik style.
- Four Days: Kharna falls on 14 November, Arghya to the setting Sun on 15 November and prayers to the rising Sun on 16 November.
- Fasting: After Kharna devotees keep a 36-hour fast without food or water.
- Public Mood: Chhath songs could be heard across Bihar, markets were busy with fruit and earthen pots, and Sun temples drew large crowds.
- Political Remark: BJP National President Nitin Nabin said, during a visit to Digha Ghat in Patna, that Chhath brings new energy and strength and reflects Bihar's culture and traditions.
Key Implications
Positive/Pros/Merits
- Living Tradition: Chhath keeps alive a festival centred on the Sun, nature and the family, and it is celebrated in homes, rivers and ponds.
- Local Economy: Demand for fruit, earthen pots and other items supports small traders and potters.
- Social Unity: Communities come together at ghats and share preparation, which strengthens social bonds.
- Cultural Identity: The festival is a strong marker of Bihar's culture and is carried by people who have moved to other states and countries.
Negative/Cons/Demerits
- Crowd Safety: Large gatherings at ghats and temples need careful arrangements for safety, crowd control and sanitation.
- River and Pond Health: Water bodies used for rituals need cleaning before and after the festival to prevent pollution.
- Strict Fast: A 36-hour fast without water can be hard on elderly or unwell devotees, so health care needs attention.
- Limited Detail: The report did not give figures on crowds, arrangements or preparations by the administration.
Key Initiatives
- State Administration in Bihar: Ghats and Sun temples saw large crowds, and arrangements are usually made by the administration, though the report did not describe them.
- Community Preparation: Markets in Bihar were busy as families bought fruit, earthen pots and other items.
- Political Presence: BJP National President Nitin Nabin visited Digha Ghat in Patna during the festival.
- Festival Schedule: Nahay-Khay on 13 November, Kharna on 14 November, Arghya to the setting Sun on 15 November and to the rising Sun on 16 November.
News On AIR described the four-day schedule and the meal but gave no official arrangement details. The explanation of the meaning of Nahay-Khay and the satvik style is standard background.
Director's Perspective
Way Forward
- Know that Chhath is a four-day festival dedicated to the Sun God, mainly in Bihar.
- Remember the four stages: Nahay-Khay, Kharna, Arghya to the setting Sun and prayers to the rising Sun.
- Recall that the fast after Kharna lasts 36 hours without food or water.
- Understand that the Nahay-Khay meal is vegetarian and satvik, with rice and pumpkin curry mentioned in the report.
- Link festivals with intangible cultural heritage, local economy and community life.
- In answers, mention the need for safety, clean water bodies and inclusive celebration.
Chhath begins with Nahay-Khay and moves through Kharna and the offerings of Arghya, showing a tradition centred on the Sun, discipline and community. It supports local trade and cultural identity, but large gatherings need good safety and clean water bodies. In a Mains answer, describe the stages and meaning, link the festival with Indian cultural diversity and the local economy, and conclude that tradition and public safety can be balanced through planning and community involvement.
GS Relevance
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Nahay-Khay ritual in Chhath?
Nahay-Khay is the first day of the four-day Chhath festival. Devotees bathe, pray to the Sun God and eat a simple vegetarian meal, which in 2026 included rice and pumpkin curry cooked in the satvik style, News On AIR reported on 13 November 2026.
What are the four days of Chhath in 2026?
Nahay-Khay was on 13 November, Kharna on 14 November, Arghya to the setting Sun on 15 November and prayers to the rising Sun on 16 November 2026. After Kharna devotees keep a 36-hour fast without food or water, according to News On AIR.
Where is Chhath mainly celebrated?
Chhath is mainly celebrated in Bihar and other parts of the country, with Sun temples drawing large crowds and Chhath songs heard across the state, News On AIR reported. BJP National President Nitin Nabin visited Digha Ghat in Patna during the festival.
PYQ Practice — Statement Analysis
1 Chhath Puja is dedicated to the Sun God.
Devotees offer Arghya to the setting and rising Sun.
2 The first day of Chhath is called Kharna.
The first day is Nahay-Khay and Kharna is the second day.
3 Devotees keep a 36-hour fast after Kharna.
The fast is without food or water.