Thousands Gather at Bihar River Ghats to Mark Start of Chhath with Nahay‑Khay Ritual

Early morning scenes across Bihar showed throngs of worshippers converging on the banks of the Ganges and its tributaries. Families, women in bright saris and men in dhotis gathered at the ghats, preparing for the first ritual of the four‑day Chhath festival.

The ceremony, known as Nahay‑Khay, involves a ceremonial bath followed by the offering of a simple vegetarian meal to the setting sun. Devotees cleanse themselves in the river, then sit on the ghats to partake in the prepared food, invoking blessings for health and prosperity.

Local authorities reported smooth crowd management, with police and municipal workers ensuring safety and cleanliness at the sites. The atmosphere was marked by devotional songs, the rhythmic beating of drums, and the collective anticipation of the subsequent rituals that will unfold over the coming days.

Organisers emphasized that the Nahay‑Khay ritual sets the spiritual tone for the entire Chhath period, reinforcing community bonds and reaffirming devotion to the Sun God.