Chhath Puja is simply across the nook and with it comes a wave of warmth, traditions and prasad preparations! This pageant holds a particular place within the coronary heart of each Bihari and Jharkhandi, bringing households collectively to pay homage to Surya Dev (Solar God) and Chhathi Maiya. The pageant begins with the much-awaited “Nahay Khay”, which, if you’re within the know, is all about cleansing, getting ready and making kua! This yr, Nahay Khay falls on November fifth, marking a wholesome begin to the pageant.
What’s Nahay Khay?
The primary day of Chhath Puja, often known as “Nahay Khay”, actually interprets to “bathing and consuming”. It is all about purification – each bodily and psychological. Devotees start their day with a sacred bathtub, normally taken in close by rivers or our bodies of water. For individuals who cannot get to the river, a shower at dwelling with full reverence will do the trick. After cleansing, it is time to put together the primary of many prasad delicacies and meals, all made with utmost simplicity, love and a splash of celebration!
Time is of the essence
Devotees who strictly observe Chhath Puja rituals have a tendency to look at auspicious instances for bathing and the Nahay Khay meal. Though particular instances could fluctuate, it’s typically thought-about ultimate to carry out Nahay Khay rituals early within the morning throughout dawn. This bathtub is important as a result of it symbolizes the start of purification earlier than the three predominant fasting days of Chhath Puja. Early risers get additional factors for devotion, and hey, a morning bathe within the festive spirit will be tremendous refreshing! And this yr, Nahay Khay timing begins at 6:39 am and ends at 5:41 pm.
Nahay Khay: meals, prasad and the magic of thekua
After the cleaning bathtub, it’s time to put together the primary meal, with solely satvik (pure and vegetarian) meals being ready. Garlic and onion are off the desk; as an alternative, rice, dal, pumpkin and bottle gourd (lauki) take middle stage. This simplicity has all the things to do with devotion! Thekua, a beloved prasad of Chhath, will be ready at present or within the following days. With its golden-brown texture and brown sugar sweetness, thekua brings a wholesome vibe that no different snack can match.
Why Nahay Khay Feels So Particular
Nahay Khay is not only a ritual; It’s a time that brings households collectively as they embark on this journey of devotion and gratitude. Whether or not you are celebrating within the coronary heart of Bihar or tuning in out of your condominium within the metropolis, Nahay Khay units the temper for Chhath. The wholesome aura and anticipation of today is sort of a deep breath of recent air earlier than the fasting marathon begins. So, gear up, take a holy dip, preserve your spirits excessive and let the Chhath vibes circulation!
