PM Modi greets nation on Chhath Puja

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday extended his greetings on the occasion of Chhath Puja.

"My greetings on the auspicious occasion of Chhath Puja. May the blessings of the Sun God brighten our lives with joy, peace and prosperity," said Prime Minister Modi.

The Chhath is celebrated on the sixth and seventh day, after Diwali, the festival of lights. It is significant for married women who observe a three-day fast and present religious offerings to the Sun God while standing in waist-deep river waters.

Chhath is considered an extremely auspicious festival by the people of Bihar and in parts of neighbouring northern Uttar Pradesh state.

Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung earlier on Tuesday announced the declaration of Chhath Puja as a public holiday in the national capital, wherein all the government offices in the state will be shut on the occasion.

Last year, Chhath Puja had been declared a restricted holiday.