Patna: The grand four-day festival of Chhath, a celebration of faith and devotion to the Sun God, began on Saturday with the ritual of 'Nahay-Khaay'.

Chhath Puja, which begins on the Chaturthi Tithi (fourth day) of the bright fortnight of Kartik month, will culminate with offerings to the rising sun on the Saptami Tithi (October 28).

The main ritual of 'Sandhya Arghya' (evening offerings to the setting sun) will take place on October 27, followed by 'Usha Arghya' (morning offerings) the next day.

The festival is being celebrated with great fervour and devotion across Bihar, Jharkhand, eastern Uttar Pradesh, and Nepal.

On 'Nahay-Khaay', devotees bathed in holy rivers and water bodies, cleaned their homes and kitchens, and took vows to maintain purity in mind, speech, and action.

They

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