Chhath puja celebrated around the country, President Murmu and PM Modi extend wishes

Devotees perform rituals during celebrations of 'Chhath Puja' festival, at Sanjay Lake in New Delhi. Many men carried wicker baskets on their heads, heavy with items used in the ritual worship while the more adventurous ones chose to cover the distance prostrating on their bare chests (dandvat). (Photo credit: PTI)

Chhath Puja celebrations took place across the country. Devotees were seen performing rituals on the banks of the Ganga River during the festival.

(BCCL photo)

Devotees worship the Sun god on the bank of Bagmati River, during the Hindu religious festival of Chhath in Lalitpur, Nepal.

The festival, spanning four days, commenced on Friday with the ritual of 'nahai-khai,' where devotees, including both men and women, observe fasting and offer reverence to the deity. (Photo credit: AFP)

It is believed that a person's desires and prayers from the heart's core will bring blessings. During the time of fasting, only those foods that are considered to be pure are consumed and cleanliness is one thing that is cared for the most during the period. (Photo credit: agency)

Lakhs of men and women across Bihar paid tributes to the setting sun on Sunday as part of Chhath, the state's most popular festival which has now gained fame far and wide. (Photo credit: TOI)

"Best wishes on the occasion of Chhath, the great festival of faith. This is a festival of self-discipline. People offer Arghya to the setting and rising Lord Surya with a pure conscience and pure mind. I pray to Lord Bhaskar for progress, happiness, prosperity and peace in the state," posted Nitish Kumar on X. (Photo credit: PTI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his wishes to the people on the occasion of Chhatt Puja. "My best wishes to all your family members on the auspicious occasion of evening Arghya of Mahaparva Chhath. May the worship of Sun God infuse new energy and new enthusiasm in everyone's life. Jai Chhathi Maiya!" Prime Minister said in a post on X. (Photo credit: PTI)

President Droupadi Murmu said along with worshipping the Sun God, Chhath Puja is also an opportunity to worship water bodies. "This festival related to nature inspires us to promote environmental protection. Come, on this auspicious occasion, let us resolve to move forward by balancing development and environment," she said in a post on X. (Photo credit: ANI)