chhath puja 2025Image Credit source: PTI
Chhath Puja Nahay Khay 2025: Chhath, the great festival of worship of Chhathi Maiya and Sun God, has started today with ‘Nahay-Khay’. This four-day ritual is a symbol of utmost purity, discipline and faith. This first day of the beginning of Chhath festival is considered very important not only for physical purification but also for mental preparation. On this day, Vrati (those observing fast) consume a special type of Satvik food, in which the Prasad of ‘Pumpkin Bhaat’ is the most special. Come, let us know the importance of Nahay-Khay, the specialty of pumpkin-rice prasad and the important rules of this day.
beginning of sun worship
Surya worship is considered to begin with Nahay-Khay. During Chhath Vrat, Sun God and Chhathi Maiya Is worshipped, which is a symbol of energy, life and child happiness. From this day itself, the fasting people take a pledge to keep their mind, words and deeds completely pure.
Nahay-Khay: The First Step to Purity
‘Nahay-Khay’ means taking food after taking bath. this day Chhath festival Lays the foundation of 36-hour waterless fast.
Purification and resolution: The fasting people wake up before sunrise and take bath in the Ganges or any holy river. If this is not possible then one can take bath at home by mixing Ganga water in the bath water. After bathing, the devotees wear clean clothes and take a pledge to perform Chhath Puja. This bath purifies the body and mind and prepares it for the fast.
Home Hygiene: On this day, special attention is given to the cleanliness of the entire house and kitchen, because purity has the utmost importance in Chhath Puja. Only new or clean utensils are used for making Prasad.
Satvik Food: On this day, the fasting person consumes satvik food only once.
Why is Pumpkin Rice Prasad special?
The satvik food prepared on the day of Nahay-Khay is called ‘Pumpkin-Bhat’ or ‘Lauki-Bhat’. It mainly includes Arwa rice, gram dal and pumpkin (or gourd) vegetable.
Integrity and purity: This food is prepared without garlic and onion, in pure ghee or mustard oil and rock salt. It is considered the purest and sacred food. Chhath festival It is best to start with honesty.
Preparation for the fast: Pumpkin is a vegetable which contains a lot of water. Consuming pumpkin before the rigorous four-day fast, which includes 36 hours of waterless fasting, provides the fasting person with adequate water, energy and nutrients, thereby preparing the body for the long fast.
Tradition and belief: Pumpkin is considered a very sacred fruit in folk beliefs. so chhath puja This traditional Prasad is given special importance to maintain the balance of purity and health.
Special rules of bathing and eating
- Some special rules are followed on the day of Nahay-Khay.
- Fasters wake up before sunrise and take bath and purify the house.
- Food is prepared only in earthen or bronze utensils.
- Wood or earthen stove is used for cooking.
- Garlic, onion and salt are not used in food.
- Prasad is first offered to Sun God and Goddess Annapurna, then the devotees consume food.
Disclaimer: The information given in this news is based on religious beliefs and general information. TV9 Bharatvarsha does not confirm this.