KATHMANDU: Chhath Parva, the festival which is symbolic of purity, good will and faith, is being celebrated in the country today with much fanfare and enthusiasm.

The festival is extensively celebrated in Madhes including Dhanusha, Saptari, Siraha, Sunsari, Mahottari, Morang, Parsa and Bara districts. Along with these districts, Chhath is being celebrated with much fervour in Kathmandu Valley, as well other areas where the Madhesi people are settled.

In Janakpurdham of Dhanusha district, devotees have been celebrating the festival around ponds, lakes and rivers including Gangasagar, Dhanushsagar, Ramsagar, Ratnasagar, Biharkunda, Rukmini Sarobar, Argaza, Maharajsagar and Agnikunda, among others.

The Hindu festival dedicated to the Sun God is observed for four days.

During the celebrations, devotees avoid non-vegetarian food and certain kinds of grains and spices such as millet, buckwheat, lentils and garlic.

Holy dip into rivers, fasting, abstaining from even drinking water, and maintenance of purity and cleanliness are parts of the rigorous Chhath rituals.

Likewise, devotees will offer arghya (offering of water) and pay a special homage to the setting sun today evening. The festival will conclude by worshiping and offering arghya to the rising sun on Wednesday, wishing for prosperity, happiness, well-being and long life of family members.

Various delicacies like thekuwa and rice pudding are prepared and served during the festival.

(with inputs from Rastriya Samachar Samiti)