Patna: On the third day of Chaiti Chhath, devotees across the city offered the evening ‘arghya’ to the setting sun, marking one of the most significant rituals of the four-day festival dedicated to the Sun God.Various ghats and ponds in the city were seen crowded with devotees and Chhath songs adding piousness to the celebration.The day began early for the ‘vratis’ as they prepared the traditional offerings required for the evening ‘arghya’. “On the third day, devotees prepare ‘prasad’, including thekua and ladua. Besides, fruits are placed on the ‘soop’ to offer to the Sun God,” said Rinku Devi, a resident of Patliputra.She added, “Most people offer ‘arghya’ on their own terraces where artificial ponds are constructed. They also prefer avoiding rivers and ponds as they are usually dry or have low water levels during this time.”The makeshift ponds on terraces, decorated with marigold and sugar cane, have become a common sight across the city.“During both the evening and morning ‘arghya’ devotees stand in water, pray to God, and offer milk and water to the setting and rising sun. This is preceded by an arduous period of fasting,” said Sunita, who is observing the festival.“The person who observes Chhath takes ‘prasad’, including roti and kheer, on ‘kharna’. They break their fast after the morning ‘arghya’, which is the fourth day of the festival,” added Sunita. This totals to three-day fasting, where even water is not taken after eating the ‘kharna’ prasad.People fast for the peace and well-being of the family, and the family to grow. “The Chaiti Chhath is more difficult because of the summer. The Chhath observed in Oct or Nov in the ‘kartik’ month is more preferred and popular as the weather is pleasant in those months,” said Usha Singh, a resident of Boring Road.
