Nepal: Markets abuzz as devotees gear up for Chhath Festival

Oct 26, 2025

Birgunj (Nepal), Oct 26 (ANI): Thousands of devotees continue to crowd the bustling markets of Birgunj, located near the Indian border town of Raxaul, as preparations for the Chhath festival reach their final stage. The four-day Hindu festival of Chhath began on Saturday with the first ritual, Nahay Khay, attracting large gatherings at riverbanks and ghats. Worshippers took holy dips and offered prayers to the Sun God, marking the auspicious start of the Chhath Mahaparv. On Sunday, devotees observed Kharna, the second day of Chhath Puja, fasting from sunrise to sunset without food or water, breaking it only after offering prayers to the Sun God. Dedicated to Sun God and Chhathi Maiya, the festival symbolizes purity, gratitude, and family well-being.