New Delhi:
As millions of devotees across India and abroad observe Chhath Puja 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended warm greetings to the people on the occasion of Kharna Puja, the second and most spiritually significant day of the four-day festival. The Prime Minister also shared a soulful Bhojpuri folk song sung by renowned actor-singer and MP Dinesh Lal Yadav ‘Nirahua’, expressing his admiration for India’s rich cultural and devotional traditions.
Taking to his official account on X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi wrote:
“Best wishes to all devotees observing Kharna during the sacred Chhath Puja. May Chhathi Maiya bless every family with good health, happiness, and prosperity. This festival reflects our gratitude towards nature and the Sun God, reminding us of the deep spiritual bond between humans and the environment.”
A Festival Rooted in Faith, Purity, and Gratitude
Chhath Puja is one of the oldest and most eco-friendly Hindu festivals, celebrated mainly in Bihar, Jharkhand, eastern Uttar Pradesh, and Nepal, and among the Indian diaspora worldwide. Dedicated to Surya Dev (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya (Usha, the Goddess of dawn), the festival is a thanksgiving ritual where devotees offer prayers for health, happiness, and prosperity.
The four-day festival includes:
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Nahay Khay (Day 1): Devotees purify themselves by bathing in holy water and preparing traditional vegetarian meals.
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Kharna (Day 2): Devotees fast throughout the day, breaking their fast in the evening after sunset by consuming gur ki kheer, fruits, and chapati.
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Sandhya Arghya (Day 3): Devotees offer prayers to the setting sun at riverbanks, ponds, or lakes.
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Usha Arghya (Day 4): The final day marks the offering to the rising sun, symbolizing renewal, hope, and gratitude.
The rituals are marked by strict discipline, fasting, and purity. Devotees maintain complete abstinence from impure food and thoughts, dedicating the festival to the spiritual connection between humans and nature.
PM Modi Shares Nirahua’s Folk Song: A Tribute to Devotion and Culture
To mark the auspicious occasion, PM Modi shared a Bhojpuri devotional song by Dinesh Lal Yadav ‘Nirahua’, one of the most loved artists in North India. The song, filled with deep devotion and simplicity, reflects the emotion and reverence devotees hold for Chhathi Maiya.
In his message, the Prime Minister highlighted how such songs not only strengthen cultural identity but also connect younger generations to India’s traditional roots.
“Chhath is a festival that inspires purity, discipline, and devotion. The melodies of our folk culture—like this beautiful song by Nirahua—keep our traditions alive,” PM Modi stated.
Nirahua, who also serves as a Member of Parliament from Azamgarh (Uttar Pradesh), responded by expressing gratitude to PM Modi for acknowledging the essence of regional music and culture.
Chhath Celebrations Across India
From Delhi’s Yamuna ghats to Patna’s Ganga riverbanks, lakhs of devotees thronged to perform rituals and offer prayers. Cities like Varanasi, Lucknow, Ranchi, and Kolkata saw elaborate arrangements by local administrations to ensure safety and cleanliness at ghats.
In Mumbai and Delhi, temporary ponds and artificial water bodies were created for devotees who couldn’t reach natural water sources. NRIs in the United States, UAE, and Mauritius also celebrated Chhath with equal enthusiasm, turning community parks and lakes into worship venues.
Women dressed in traditional sarees and men in ethnic wear could be seen carrying bamboo baskets filled with fruits, sugarcane, and thekua — the traditional Chhath offering. The air resonated with devotional songs and chants of “Chhathi Maiya ki Jai!”
Leaders Extend Greetings Nationwide
Apart from PM Modi, several leaders, including President Droupadi Murmu, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, extended their wishes.
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President Murmu said, “Chhath is not just a festival; it is a symbol of harmony between humans and nature.”
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Amit Shah called it “a festival of discipline and devotion that embodies India’s spiritual strength.”
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Nitish Kumar, who has been actively promoting eco-friendly Chhath celebrations in Bihar, wished for peace and prosperity in every home.
Environmental and Social Importance of Chhath
Experts often describe Chhath Puja as India’s most environment-conscious festival. Unlike other religious observances, no loud music, animal sacrifice, or firecrackers are used. Devotees pray directly to the setting and rising sun, symbolizing balance and sustainability.
Moreover, the festival promotes community unity, as people of all backgrounds come together to clean water bodies, prepare offerings, and help one another during rituals.
About Dinesh Lal Yadav ‘Nirahua’
Dinesh Lal Yadav, popularly known as Nirahua, is a superstar in Bhojpuri cinema and an elected Member of Parliament (BJP). His devotional Chhath songs, such as “Kaanch Hi Baans Ke Bahangiya” and “Chhathi Maiya Ke Ghat Pe,” are among the most played during the festival season.
Nirahua has often credited his success to his cultural roots, saying, “I feel proud to represent Bhojpuri culture, which keeps our traditions alive through music and storytelling.”
Conclusion
Chhath Puja 2025 once again showcases India’s beautiful blend of faith, environment, and culture. As devotees pray to the Sun God with unwavering devotion, leaders like PM Modi emphasize the values of purity, nature, and unity that this ancient festival represents.
From the ghats of Patna to the homes of the Indian diaspora worldwide, the light of Chhath continues to inspire hope, gratitude, and togetherness.
FAQs:
1. What is Chhath Puja and why is it celebrated?
Chhath Puja is an ancient Hindu festival dedicated to Surya Dev (Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya, celebrated mainly in Bihar, Jharkhand, eastern Uttar Pradesh, and Nepal. It expresses gratitude for life, health, and prosperity, and emphasizes purity, nature, and discipline.
2. What is the significance of Kharna Puja during Chhath?
Kharna, the second day of Chhath Puja, marks a day-long fast where devotees refrain from food and water. The fast is broken after sunset with offerings of gur ki kheer, fruits, and chapati, symbolizing purity and devotion.
3. What message did PM Modi share on Chhath Puja 2025?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended heartfelt greetings to all devotees observing Kharna Puja. He emphasized the festival’s spiritual connection to nature and praised its message of faith, gratitude, and discipline. PM Modi also shared a Bhojpuri folk song by Dinesh Lal Yadav ‘Nirahua’ on social media.
4. Why did PM Modi share Dinesh Lal Yadav ‘Nirahua’s’ song?
PM Modi shared the Bhojpuri devotional song by Nirahua to celebrate India’s rich folk traditions and cultural heritage. The song reflects the deep emotional and spiritual connection that Chhath devotees have with Chhathi Maiya.
5. How is Chhath Puja celebrated across India and abroad?
Devotees gather on riverbanks, lakes, and ponds to offer prayers to the setting and rising sun. The rituals include fasting, preparing traditional sweets like thekua, and singing devotional songs. Indian communities abroad also celebrate Chhath in public parks and artificial ponds, keeping the tradition alive globally.
6. What makes Chhath Puja an eco-friendly festival?
Chhath Puja promotes environmental awareness—it involves no loud music, animal sacrifices, or firecrackers. Devotees use natural offerings and biodegradable materials, focusing on cleanliness and sustainability of water bodies.
7. Who is Dinesh Lal Yadav ‘Nirahua’?
Dinesh Lal Yadav, popularly known as Nirahua, is a celebrated Bhojpuri actor, singer, and Member of Parliament. His devotional songs, especially during Chhath, are immensely popular and symbolize the cultural pride of Bihar and eastern India.
