Lagatar24 Desk
The sacred Chhath Mahaparv, a festival of folk devotion, commenced today (October 25) with the ‘Nahay Khay’ ritual. Observed for four days, this auspicious festival starts on the fourth day (Chaturthi) of the Shukla Paksha in the Kartik month. Devotees begin their fast with purification rituals, and on this day, wheat is washed and dried to prepare the special offering, Thekua, used later in the puja.
Satvik Meal Marking Ritual Purity
Cleanliness and purity hold utmost importance during Chhath Puja. From this day onward, garlic and onions are excluded from meals. The ‘Nahay Khay’ meal includes boiled rice (arwa chawal), bottle gourd (lauki) curry, and Bengal gram dal (chana dal), all cooked in ghee and seasoned with rock salt. The fasting individual eats first, followed by the rest of the family treating the meal as prasad. From this day, devotees begin sleeping on the floor as a part of ritual austerity.
Religious Significance of Bottle Gourd and Dal
The choice of bottle gourd is rooted in the belief of its sacredness and its high water content — nearly 96% — symbolizing purity and sustenance. Bengal gram dal is considered one of the purest pulses, offering both physical strength and symbolic sanctity.
Spiritual Benefits and Devotion to the Sun God
Bengal gram dal is also revered as a favorite of Lord Surya (the Sun God). Consuming it on this day is believed to invoke divine blessings. The meal is symbolic of simplicity, purity, and energy — crucial for devotees who undertake a 36-hour waterless fast. Rich in protein, fiber, and iron, the meal helps devotees sustain strength and devotion throughout the rigorous observance.
