The Delhi government, in its latest order, said that a 'dry day' will be observed in the city on November 19 on the occasion of Chhath Puja. An order issued by Excise department on Thursday said all liquor vends will stay closed as Surya Shashti (Chhath Puja) on Sunday has been declared a dry day.
A significant six-day festival after Diwali, Chhath Puja holds a special place in Hindu traditions. The festivities, which span over four days, commence with the Nahay Khay ritual. This year, Chhath Puja Nahay Khay is observed on November 17, 2023. Dedicated to the worship of Surya Dev (the Sun God), Chhath Puja involves unique rituals spanning Kharna, offering Arghya to the setting and rising sun, concluding with the Udaygami Surya Arghya.
Rooted in ancient traditions, Chhath Puja is a celebration of gratitude and reverence towards the Sun God, Surya Dev. Devotees, predominantly in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and West Bengal, participate in the four-day rituals with unwavering devotion.
The Nahay Khay tradition, observed a day before Chhath Puja, maintains its cultural significance. In 2023, Nahay Khay falls on November 17, a Friday. The Chhath Puja rituals initiate with Nahay Khay on Kartika Shukla Paksha's fourth day, and the fasting concludes on the seventh day with the offering to the rising sun.
Meanwhile, Aam Aadmi Party leader Atishi Marlena said on Thursday that the Delhi government has made 1000 Chhath ghats across Delhi. Speaking to ANI, Atishi took a swipe at previous Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party governments in the state and said, "I don't think 100 ghats used to be made across Delhi for Chhath." She further said, "I would like to urge the Uttar Pradesh government to not send its polluted water to Delhi."