Kathmandu: The main day of the Chhath festival is being observed this evening with devotees across the country offering Argha (ritual offerings) to the setting sun.
The government has declared a public holiday today to mark the occasion. Devotees will stay awake through the night and offer Argha to the rising sun tomorrow morning, concluding the four-day festival.
In the Kathmandu Valley, major worship sites have been prepared at Gaurighat, Kamal Pokhari, Bishnumati, Nakkhu, Gahana Pokhari, and Kupondole for devotees to perform rituals.
Traditionally celebrated in Nepal’s Terai region, the Chhath festival has gained growing participation in the hilly and Himalayan areas in recent years, fostering social harmony and unity.
According to belief, observing Chhath with devotion brings prosperity, family welfare, and freedom from sorrow. Devotees maintain purity and consume only clean, vegetarian food during the festival, which is regarded as one of Nepal’s most sacred celebrations.