Sikkim Leaders Mark Chhath Puja with Calls for Harmony

Gangtok: Sikkim Governor Dushyant Gautam and Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang sent out formal greetings on November 15 for Chhath Puja. They wished the public health, prosperity, and harmony. The leaders pushed for a deeper connection with the natural world during the festivities.

Governor Gautam called Chhath a festival of purity and faith. He focused on the devotion directed toward Lord Surya. He noted the tradition of offering arghya to the sun reflects balance and positive energy. "The tradition of offering arghya to the rising and setting sun conveyed equanimity, positive energy and social harmony," Gautam stated. He sought blessings from Chhathi Maiya for all families.

Chief Minister Tamang highlighted the festival as a beacon of love and togetherness. He expects the blessings of Surya Dev to improve lives across the state. Chhath Puja, or Surya Shashthi, falls on the sixth day after Diwali. It remains deeply rooted in the cultures of Bihar, Jharkhand, and eastern Uttar Pradesh.

Devotees perform strict rituals to honor the sun. They fast and pray while standing in knee-deep water. Participants offer arghya to the setting sun this Sunday. They conclude the rites with prayers to the rising sun on Monday.