Chhath songs have echoed in every home, know how the great festival starts with ‘Nahay-Khay’

After the splendor of Diwali, now from the East to every corner of the country, preparations for the great festival of folk faith, Chhath, are at their peak. This difficult penance of four days from today i.e. Chaturthi date of Kartik month. ‘Bathing and eating’ Starting with the tradition of.

This festival is not just a worship, but a symbol of purity, spiritual practice and gratitude towards nature. The foundation of this fast is laid by its first day i.e. ‘Nahay-Khay’, after which the devotees start the world’s toughest Nirjala (without water) fast of about 36 hours. Let us know what Nahay-Khay is and why Chhath Puja is considered incomplete without it.

So what is ‘Nahay-Khay’?

As is clear from the name itself, it is made up of two words- ‘Nahay’ (i.e. bathing) and ‘eat’ (i.e. food).
On this day, people observing fast go to Ganga or any other holy river-pond early in the morning and take a dip. After bathing, we return home wearing clean clothes and then preparations for making Prasad begin.

The main prasad on this day is pumpkin vegetable, gram dal and Arwa rice (rice). It is cooked with utmost purity, often on a new earthen stove. From this day onwards the use of garlic and onion in the house is completely stopped. The fasting person consumes this satvik food and after him the rest of the family members also eat it as Prasad.

Why is this tradition so important?

‘Nahay-Khay’ is not just a ritual, but the first step to prepare the body, mind and soul for this difficult fast.

• Religious significance: It is believed that taking a holy bath on this day purifies both body and mind. Satvik food brings purity to the soul. It is believed that after ‘Nahay-Khay’, the body of the devotee becomes sacred like a temple, in which Chhathi Maiya resides for the next few days.
• Scientific importance: There is a deep science hidden behind this tradition. Bathing in the river makes the body externally clean and infection-free. At the same time, food made from pumpkin, gram dal and rice is full of nutrition. This combination provides the body with proteins, vitamins and carbohydrates, giving the fasting person the energy he needs for the rigorous 36-hour fast ahead.
• Social Importance: This tradition binds the entire family together. From cleaning the house to making Prasad, everyone works together, which increases mutual love and unity.

In short, ‘Nahay-Khay’ is not just eating and bathing, but is the beginning of the practice of discipline, purity and devotion, which is the soul of the great festival of Chhath.