Nepal celebrates 'Chhath' festival

People in Nepal on Tuesday celebrated the Chhath festival dedicated to the Sun god in the southern part of the country with traditional fervour.

The festival is extensively celebrated in the Madhes region - the southern plains mainly in Hanusha, Saptari, Siraha, Sunsari, Mahottari, Morang, Parsa and Bara districts.

Along with these districts, Chhath is also being celebrated in Kathmandu Valley, as well other areas where the Madhesi community lives.

In Janakpurdham, devotees observed the occasion around ponds, lakes and rivers including Gangasagar, Dhanushsagar, Ramsagar, Ratnasagar, and others.

Thousands of devotees made oblations to the Sun god at the banks of Bagmati and Bishnumati rivers and ponds in Kathmandu amid devotional songs.

Nepal's President Bidya Devi Bhandari visited Kamalpokhar pond situated in the heart of Kathmandu to take part in Chhath festival and offered prayers.

The riversides and ponds in Kathmandu have been decorated with paper flags, banners and colourful lights on the occasion. Various delicacies such as 'thekuwa' and rice pudding are prepared and served during the festival.

Chhath festival is also being observed with zeal and enthusiasm in Terai Madhes region of southern Nepal including Janakpur, Birgunj and Biratnagar.

Bhandari and Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli greeted people on the occasion of Chhath.

The Chhath festival is dedicated to the Sun god, which is seen as essential to support life on earth and the festival is a way to pay tribute to the sun. The Hindu festival is observed for four days.

Devotees also offer 'Arghya' (offering of water) and pay a special homage to the sun in the evening. The festival will conclude with offerings to the rising sun on Wednesday, wishing for prosperity and happiness.