Mithila region prepares for the four day chhath festival

Residents of the Mithila region in Nepal are preparing for the four day Chhath festival, which began today.

Local people in districts like Mahottari are organizing the festivities by building and cleaning Chhathghats, which are designated sites for worship near rivers and ponds. Young people are leading the construction and decoration of these sites using bamboo structures and colorful paints. Families are also decorating their homes with lights and traditional decorations to prepare for the religious period.

Market activity has increased as people buy essential items for the puja. Farmers are bringing sugarcane stalks, ginger, and turmeric plants to the markets. Traders report a high demand for bamboo products like baskets and fans, as well as clay pots used to hold water and offerings. Women in the region are busy preparing traditional offerings like Thakuwa and Bhusua, often using manual tools to grind rice and wheat at home to maintain purity.

The festival follows a specific four day sequence starting with Nahay Khay and moving through Kharna before reaching the final offerings to the sun. Participants believe the festival promotes harmony by bringing people together to worship the sun god and Shashti Devi. The community views the event as a way to forget past grievances and practice humility and cooperation.