Kathmandu: Hindu all over the country are celebrating Chhaj Puja today worshipping the Sun. On the main day of Chhath festival, the setting sun is being worshiped this evening.
There is a religious belief that if one worships the sun properly and pays homage to Kartik Shukla, one will not get skin disease. Chhath, formerly celebrated in a limited area of the Terai, has now become national.
Various rivers, streams, ponds and reservoirs of Tarai have been made attractive for Chhath festival.
Meanwhile, President Bidhya Devi Bhandari wished happiness, peace and prosperity on the occasion of Chhath festival. It is mentioned in the message that this festival will help to further strengthen the national unity by deepening the spirit of mutual unity, harmony and brotherhood in our geographically, socially and culturally diverse society.
Similarly, Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba also conveyed a message of good wishes and mentioned that unity and social harmony within diversity is an example of our cultural practice. He also said that Chhath festival is one of the exemplary festivals promoting harmony and unity and expressed confidence that this festival would deepen the mutual relations among all Nepalis.