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Prime Minister Sushila Karki performed Chhath Puja of Chhathi Mata by attending the celebrations at Kamalpokhari in Kathmandu this evening. PM Karki worshipped the Sun god and Chhati Mata at Kamalpokhari.

Arghya (the curd holy water) is offered to the Sun god by paying homage to the setting sun today, the main day of the Chhath festival. 

Devotees who are observing the festival with much reverence and assiduousness remain awake at the Chhath worshipping area from early morning today until next morning that concludes after offering Arghya to the rising Sun. 

It is stated in the Surya Purana that one's wishes will come true by celebrating the Chhath festival. According to mythological accounts, during the era of the Mahabharata, Draupadi and the five Pandavas spent one year in incognito worshipping the Sun, and the celebration of the festival is rooted in the same mythical narration. 

The government had also announced the nationwide public holiday today on the occasion of the Chhath festival.

There is a possibility of light to moderate snow and rainfall in the country starting tonight. This is due to the influence of the low pressure system formed in the Arabian Sea along with the westerly winds.

Light to moderate snowfall and rain is likely in some places of Gandaki, Lumbini and Karnali Provinces and in a few places in the hilly and mountainous areas of the remaining provinces, says the Weather Forecasting Division in a Post-monsoon Special Weather Bulletin released earlier today.

In addition, there is a possibility of heavy snowfall in one or two places in the high hilly and mountainous areas of Gandaki Province. As a result, the division has requested people to take necessary precautions as the possible snow and rainfall may affect daily life, mountaineering, as well as the agriculture and tourism sectors.

The Division has also stated that it is continuously monitoring this system and will update regularly.

The Samachakewa festival has begun in the Mithila region, including Mahottari. 

This festival, dedicated to brothers, is observed by the women of Mithila (Mithilani) and started on Monday night.

It begins on the second day of the Chhath festival, or the fifth day of Kattik Shukla (the bright fortnight) in the month of Kartik, and is observed for 11 days, concluding on Purnima (the full moon day of Kartik).

During the festival, Mithila women from the same community gather at night to sing songs praising the bravery, benevolence, dedication, and love of their brothers. In the local language, the festival is called Samakhel.

The festival begins on the day of Kharana during Chhath, the major festival of the region. The women create clay figures of Sama and Chakewa (mythical characters from the Dwapara Yuga), Brindavan (forest), Saptarshi (seven revered sages in the Hindu mythology), birds, and Chugala (the gossip messenger). 

They decorate these figures with vibrant colours and sing songs while interacting symbolically with the characters. Oil lamps are lit in a dala (a traditional wicker basket), and through songs, the women describe the qualities of each figure, highlighting the philanthropic and brave deeds of their brothers. These songs express pride and admiration for their brothers’ courage, social contributions and good deeds.

The Chugala character, regarded as the gossipmonger, is symbolically punished during the festival by singing his beard with a small flame from a broom. 

In songs, the character is scolded and blamed for mischief and misdeeds. On the final day, Purnima, it is customary for brothers to place all the clay figures on their knees and break them. The broken figures are then disposed of in the deserted forests. After this, brothers offer their sisters beaten rice made from newly harvested paddy and Sakkhar (molasse). In return, sisters serve their brothers delicacies, and the brothers give their sisters clothes, jewelry, and cash (dakshina), marking the conclusion of the festival.

The Samachakewa festival is rooted in a legendary story from the Dwapara Yuga about Sama, the daughter of Lord Krishna, and her beloved, the army commander Chakradhar (Chakewa). According to the myth, the Chugala reported it to Krishna which angered him. Krishna cursed both Sama and Chakewa, turning them into birds.

To free them, Krishna’s son Samba performed penance to Lord Shiva and blessed with a boon allowing him to appease Krishna. As a result, Sama and Chakewa were freed from the curse, returned to human form, and married. 

In gratitude for her brother Samba’s help, Sama sang songs praising him. In remembrance of this, the tradition of the Sama-Chakewa festival was established. Hemnarayan Lal Karn, principal of Yajnavalkya Lakshminarayan Vidyapeeth (Sanskrit Campus) in Matihani, explains that this is the origin of the festival’s customs.

The Chhath devotees have been observing fasting since early morning and now preparing to offer arghya (curd and holy water) to the setting sun later this evening.

Observance of fasting is a significant part of the Chhath festival. However, only devotees and not all celebrants observe the rigorous fasting during which they have to abstain even a drop of water.

The Sun God, Chhathi Mata and rivers are worshipped during this festival. The offering of the curd is conducted on the sixth day of the bright fortnight in the month of Kartik. The curd is offered by adhering to the rituals. 

On the main day of the Chhath today, there is a bustling presence of celebrants and devotees from Guheshwori to Gaurighat- the Bagmati River bank above the Pashupatinath Temple- in Kathmandu. 

The mythological belief has it that Draupadi had worshipped the Sun God and wished success to the five Pandavas when their whereabouts was not clear. The holy text, Mahabharat, has such mention. It is believed the celebration of the Chhath festival began then.

Similarly, the Surya Purana has explained it was Anushuya, spouse of Atrimuni, observing the Chhath fasting, which resulted in happiness and love and fulfilling life with the spouse. The Surya Purana believes it is the beginning of the Chhath festival which continues thereafter.

As part of the festival, the devout abstain from meals for once since the fourth day of bright fortnight, while observing the rigorous fasting later. Similarly, the offering with fruits and pudding is made to Shasthi Mata on the sixth day.

The Guheshwori Gaurighat Chhath Puja Committee informed that the devotees who have observed rigorous fasting are offering arghya to the setting sun this evening.  

Kamalpokhari, Nakkhu and Bishnumati river banks are also decorated for Chhath celebration. 

The Chhath festival, initially limited to the Mithila region, expanded gradually to other Tarai districts and hills including the federal capital, Kathmandu, in recent years.

The President, Vice President and other dignitaries have extended best wishes to all Nepali sisters and brothers on this occasion. 

The government has given a public holiday for the Chhath celebration today. 

It is the festival of cleanliness, purity, worship to nature and Sun God, family bond and harmony in community.