The Chhath Mahaparva, which lasts for four days, has begun today. Today is the first day of this festival, known as Nahay-Khay. On the seventh day, i.e., November 20, the fasting will conclude by offering arghya to the rising sun. During this festival, women observe a nirjala vrat (fast without water) with the desire for the well-being, long life, and bright future of their offspring. Nahay-Khay involves taking a bath and then having a meal. On this day, special significance is given to eating rice with pumpkin, known as kaddu-bhaat.


Tradition of Nahay-Khay:


On the fourth day of Diwali, i.e., the fourth day of the bright fortnight of the Kartik month, the tradition of Nahay-Khay is observed. On this day, certain specific rituals and traditions are followed. This year, Chhath Puja begins on November 17. On this day, the house is cleaned and purified. After that, Chhath devotees take a bath and consume pure vegetarian food, starting their fast. In Nahay-Khay, all family members, including the fasting individual, consume dishes like pumpkin curry, chickpeas, and radishes along with rice. After the fasting individual has their meal, the rest of the family members partake in their meals.


Significance of Nahay-Khay:


The tradition of Nahay-Khay on the fourth day of the bright fortnight of the Kartik month, is considered significant. On this day, the fasting individuals take a bath in a river or pond and consume a meal consisting of raw rice, chickpeas, and pumpkin (bottle gourd or calabash) as prasad. This meal is considered pure and sacred. On this day, a meal with salt is consumed only once. The essence of Nahay-Khay is closely associated with purity, as fasting individuals purify themselves and begin the Chhath fast in a sattvic and sacred manner.


Nahay Khay Niyam:


On the day of Nahay-Khay, fasting individuals should thoroughly clean the entire house because cleanliness holds special importance in this festival. Additionally, devotees are required to take a bath in a holy river or pond. On this day, fasting individuals eat only one meal. The first day's meal includes salt, and while preparing it, no impure items should be used. Even those who do not observe fasting during the four days of Chhath must consume a sattvic meal.