New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and several other leaders from across the political spectrum extended their heartfelt greetings to the nation on Friday on the auspicious occasion of Chhath Puja.
Prime Minister Modi wrote on X, “Heartfelt greetings to all my fellow citizens on the commencement of Chhath, the four-day sacred festival dedicated to folk faith and the worship of the Sun God. Today marks ‘Nahay-Khay’. I offer my respects to all those observing the fast. May everyone be blessed by Chhathi Maiya.”
लोक आस्था और सूर्य उपासना के चार दिवसीय पावन अनुष्ठान महापर्व छठ के शुभारंभ पर सभी देशवासियों को हार्दिक शुभकामनाएँ। आज नहाय-खाय है। सभी व्रतियों को मेरा नमन। सबको छठी मइया का आशीर्वाद मिले, यही कामना है।
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 13, 2026
Om Birla stated that Chhath Puja is a grand festival rooted in faith, tradition, and gratitude towards nature. Dedicated to the worship of the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya, this festival conveys a message of devotion, self-discipline, purity, and dedication. From ‘Nahay-Khay’ and ‘Kharna’ to the *nirjala* (waterless) fast and the offering of *arghya* to both the setting and the rising Sun, every tradition associated with it underscores the importance of discipline, patience, and spiritual purity in life. The festival also inspires everyone to protect nature, cherish their families, and foster mutual cooperation and harmony within society. May the blessings of the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya bring happiness, peace, good health, and prosperity to the lives of all citizens. May this sacred festival further strengthen the spirit of harmony, mutual cooperation, and public welfare in society.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh remarked that Chhath—a grand festival of folk faith, purity, and unwavering devotion—begins today with the sacred ritual of ‘Nahay-Khay’. Dedicated to the worship of the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya, this significant festival serves as a unique symbol of our rich spiritual and cultural traditions. May the boundless grace of Chhathi Maiya and the Sun God bring happiness, peace, good health, and prosperity to everyone, and may all wishes be fulfilled. Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah stated that ‘Chhath’—a major festival deeply rooted in people’s faith—begins today with the ‘Nahay-Khay’ ritual. Heartfelt wishes for ‘Nahay-Khay’ to everyone, especially those observing the Chhath fast. May the blessings of Chhathi Maiya be upon all.
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari noted that the festival commences today with the sacred ritual of ‘Nahay-Khay’. May the blessings of the Sun God be upon everyone.
Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal remarked that with the ritual of taking a holy dip in rivers and the gentle aroma of pumpkin and rice wafting through homes, the great festival of ‘Chhath’—a celebration of deep-rooted faith—has begun today with ‘Nahay-Khay’. May the grace of the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya bring happiness, peace, prosperity, and good health to everyone’s life.
Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan expressed his wish that the blessings of Chhathi Maiya and the Sun God (Bhagwan Bhaskar) may always remain with everyone. May every home and courtyard be filled with well-being, prosperity, happiness, and joy. He prayed that everyone’s wishes may be fulfilled.
Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat stated that this festival is a symbol of faith, purity, and the worship of the Sun. May the grace of the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya bring happiness, peace, good health, and prosperity to all.
Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment Dr. Virendra Kumar conveyed his best wishes, hoping that the grace of the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya brings advancement, happiness, prosperity, and progress into everyone’s life.
Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge remarked that a unique feature of India’s great culture is that people worship the setting sun with the same devotion and respect as they do the rising sun. This tradition teaches us about our deep connection with nature and the importance of respecting every stage of life. It is my sincere wish that this sacred festival brings new energy, well-being, prosperity, and joy into all of your lives.
