Festivals

Chhath Puja: Four days of devotion and festivity for Biharis across the world

The uniqueness of this festival is that it unites the whole family who travel back from across the globe just to celebrate Chhath Puja with their dear ones.

Published

3 years ago

October 25, 2022

Diwali is done and dusted. While the rest of India bids adieu to the festive season, it’s the beginning of the most-anticipated festival for Bihar, Chhath Puja. This year, the festival will be observed from October 28 to 31.

The preparations for Chhath Puja begin three months before the festival. From the hustle-bustle of arranging train tickets to Bihar from the varied metros and their satellite towns to selecting outfits for each of the four Chhath days, the festival of homecoming is an emotion and more for people who are proud to be Biharis. Of them the lucky ones are those who manage to get tickets while others get by in unreserved compartments and even in reserved compartments, bearing the pejoratives and insults thrown at them, for home is where Chhath will be celebrated in Bihar. Some even break their journeys across random many mofussil locations in Uttar Pradesh for that one train ride home.

And not to forget the vibe and togetherness one witnesses on trains and flights while travelling back to Bihar. The view on the railway platforms and airports itself can give one the goosebumps.

Though the festival is associated with Biharis, it is celebrated vividly and with the same exuberance in Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, and some parts of Nepal.

Chhath Puja is a carnival of devotion which attracts all Biharis across the world towards it more potently than a magnet. The aroma of thekuas and gud wali kheer, Shardha Sinha’s Chhath geet, vibrantly decorated streets and ghats, the festival lasts four days. It starts with Nahay Khay and concludes with Usha Arghya. Chhath is dedicated to the Sun God and devotees worship Chhathi Maiya, Shashthi Devi, the mother goddess and the Sun’s sister.

According to Hindu mythology, Chhathi Maiya protects one’s offspring and provides longevity to them. The festival is for expressing gratitude to the Sun for bestowing the fortune of life. No Sun, no rain, no Sun, no grain, no Sun, no moon, no Sun, nothing!

Chhath Puja rituals

Nahay Khay

The first day of Chhath Puja begins with Nahay Khay and will be celebrated on October 28 this year. On this day, devotees, also called Vratis, clean their bodies and their houses and then eat a heavenly meal prepared without onion and garlic. The meal has bhaat, channe ki daal, daal kaddu ki sabzi, aloo gobhi ki sabzi, and dhaniya chutney that strikes the right chords in the heart and is gentle on the tummy and is like a warm hug for Biharis who migrated to other states for a better standard of life.

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Kharna

The second day of Chhath Puja falls on October 29 this year. Kharna involves a strict fast wherein Vratis avoid water. This day is a hectic one as it goes by preparing prasad that consists gud wali kheer (kheer of jaggery), doodh wali kheer, rotis, and rice balls. All the prasad is prepared on earthen chulhas which add their magic of aroma and taste.

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Sandhya Arghya

Chhath Puja is synonymous with thekuas and Sandhya Arghya is the day when Vratis begin preparing the delicacy, not only for themselves but also for their children to distribute it to their friends and colleagues after they return to their respective work states. The day will be celebrated on October 30. In the evening, the Vratis worship the setting Sun or the dusk. The family members of the Vrati offer milk and water to the dawn. Chhath is the only festival where devotees worship the setting Sun, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi in an old video.

Watch the video here:

Usha Arghya

This is the last day of the Mahaparv and will be observed on October 31. Usha Arghya begins at 3 am with Vratis reaching river banks or ghats to worship the rising Sun or the dawn. The rituals of Sandhya Argya and Usha Arghya are the same and this is the day when Vratis break their fast after 3-long days. It is also known as Prana, which refers to the end of fasting.

Prana is also like a feast with meals cooked without onion and garlic.

Chhath Puja ends after 4-long days of fasting and family gatherings. The uniqueness of this festival is that it unites the whole family who travel back from across the globe just to celebrate Chhath Puja with their dear ones.

What also remains the soul of Chhath Puja is the folk songs sung by the women of the house. This adds positivity and fun to the occasion. With the bundle full of thekuas and memories, Biharis travel back only yearning to return for Chhath Puja next year and worrying about the train tickets!

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Festivals

Happy Makar Sankranti 2026 wishes shared as festival of faith, positivity and new beginnings

Makar Sankranti 2026 marks a new beginning as devotees observe holy rituals and exchange heartfelt wishes across India.

Published

1 month ago

January 14, 2026

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Makar Sankranti is being celebrated across India with great enthusiasm on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, marking one of the most significant festivals in the Hindu calendar. Observed as the day when the Sun begins its northward journey, the festival symbolises new beginnings, positive energy and prosperity.

The day holds deep religious importance. Devotees across the country take a holy dip in sacred rivers and perform charity and donations, practices believed to bring spiritual merit and peace. Sun worship is also an integral part of the festival, with many offering prayers at sunrise, seeking happiness, good health and success.

Beyond its spiritual meaning, Makar Sankranti is also known for its vibrant cultural celebrations. From rooftops filled with colourful kites to homes preparing traditional sweets made of jaggery and sesame, the festival brings together families and communities in celebration.

Festival of harvest, harmony and hope

Makar Sankranti is widely regarded as a harvest festival, especially in agrarian regions, marking the arrival of fresh crops and renewed hope. The exchange of sweets made from sesame seeds and jaggery reflects the message of sweetness in relationships and warmth in communication.

As part of the celebrations, people are sharing thoughtful wishes and messages with friends, family and loved ones, expressing hopes for happiness, success and togetherness in the year ahead. Many messages highlight themes such as strong bonds, rising ambitions and uncut kites of success, drawing inspiration from the festival’s symbols.

A celebration that unites tradition and joy

With blue skies dotted with flying kites and households resonating with festive prayers, Makar Sankranti continues to stand as a reminder of tradition, gratitude and renewal. The festival encourages people to let go of negativity and move forward with optimism, making it one of the most cherished occasions of the year.

As celebrations unfold nationwide, exchanging warm wishes remains a simple yet meaningful way to make the festival special, reinforcing bonds and spreading joy.

Happy Makar Sankranti 2026 Wishes in English

1.
The sweetness of jaggery, the aroma of sesame,
Colorful kites in the sky and love in every heart.
Wishing you and your family a joyful
and wonderful Makar Sankranti!

Happy Makar Sankranti 2026

2.
If sesame is us and jaggery is you,
If sweets are us and sweetness is you,
As the first festival of the year begins,
May Makar Sankranti bring happiness to you.

Warm wishes on Makar Sankranti

3.
Kites filling the sky,
Sweetness of jaggery all around,
May happiness find a permanent place
in your life this Makar Sankranti.

Happy Makar Sankranti 2026

4.
With sesame laddoos and peanuts in abundance,
Wishing you a joyful and blessed
festival of Makar Sankranti.

5.
Blue skies, colorful kites,
and joy in every direction.
Celebrate Makar Sankranti
with your loved ones.

Heartfelt Makar Sankranti wishes

6.
May your kite never be cut,
May your string always stay strong.
May happiness surround your home,
and success follow you all year long.
May Makar Sankranti bring prosperity
and joy into your life.

Happy Makar Sankranti 2026

7.
Temple bells, sacred prayers,
The golden glow of the rising sun by the river.
May happiness bloom in your life,
Wishing you a blessed Makar Sankranti.

8.
The first harvest of the year
and the first happiness too.
Wishing you a joyful
Makar Sankranti.

9.
May the kite of your success
always soar high in the sky.
Happy Makar Sankranti!

10.
May your flight be high and your string be strong,
May happiness echo around you all along.
May your success rise so high,
That no one can ever bring it down.

Warm wishes on Makar Sankranti

Festivals

Happy Lohri 2026 Wishes, quotes and messages to share with family and friends

Lohri 2026 will be celebrated on January 13. Here are the date, timing, significance and heartfelt wishes to share with loved ones.

Published

1 month ago

January 13, 2026

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Lohri, one of north India’s most vibrant festivals, marks the end of the winter season and the arrival of the harvest period. Known for its colourful traditions, bonfires, folk dances and seasonal delicacies, the festival brings warmth and togetherness during the cold days of January.

In 2026, Lohri will be celebrated in mid-January, continuing the tradition of welcoming prosperity, happiness and new beginnings.

When is Lohri in 2026

According to the Druk Panchang, Lohri will be observed on Tuesday, January 13, 2026.

The auspicious time for Lohri Sankranti will begin at 03:13 pm on January 14, while Makar Sankranti will be celebrated on Wednesday, January 14, 2026.

Lohri holds cultural significance, especially in Punjab, Haryana and parts of north India, where families gather around bonfires, offer prayers, and celebrate with music, dance and traditional food such as jaggery, groundnuts and popcorn.

Happy Lohri 2026 Wishes, messages and quotes

Here are some heartfelt wishes and messages to share with family, friends and loved ones on Lohri:

Wishing you a Lohri filled with joy, happiness and prosperity. May this festival bring warmth and light to your life.
May the bonfire of Lohri burn away all your worries and bring you warmth, joy and success. Happy Lohri.
On this day of Lohri, may the divine festival fill your life with prosperity and growth. Happy Lohri to you and your loved ones.
As the fire of Lohri flourishes, may all your sorrows and troubles vanish with it. Happy Lohri to you and your family.
May the warmth of the Lohri bonfire fill your home with happiness and love. Happy Lohri.
Wishing you a harvest of joy and prosperity this Lohri. May your days be filled with happiness.
On this auspicious occasion of Lohri, may all your dreams come true.
Let the festival of Lohri bring you endless joy and abundance. Wishing you and your family a very Happy Lohri.
May the Lohri fire burn away sadness and bring warmth, joy and happiness into your life.
Sending you warm wishes for this festive season of Lohri. May it bring prosperity and success.
This Lohri, may the sweetness of jaggery and the warmth of groundnuts add happiness to your life.
May the festival of harvest fill your life with abundance and prosperity. Happy Lohri.

Featured

Happy Navratri 2025: Wishes, messages, quotes, greetings, images, and whatsApp greetings

Celebrate Navratri 2025 with heartfelt wishes, messages, quotes, and WhatsApp greetings. Share the joy of the nine nights of devotion to Maa Durga, spread positivity, and bless your loved ones with happiness, strength, and prosperity this festive season.

Published

5 months ago

September 22, 2025

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Navratri 2025, starting on September 22, is a nine-night festival dedicated to Maa Durga, celebrating the victory of good over evil. Across India and around the world, devotees mark the occasion with prayers, fasting, music, dance, and community gatherings. The festival emphasizes devotion, courage, and inner strength, and is a time to share blessings with loved ones through heartfelt Navratri wishes.

Unlike large-scale celebrations in India, many households and communities celebrate in more intimate settings, decorating homes with diyas, offering prayers at temples, and organizing dandiya nights and devotional gatherings. Traditional foods and vrat-friendly recipes are also an integral part of the celebration.

Here’s a collection of Happy Navratri wishes you can share with friends, family, and colleagues:

Wishes to Share During Navratri:

Wishing you a Navratri filled with devotion, joy, and prosperity.
May the nine nights bring peace to your home and happiness to your heart.
Let’s celebrate the spirit of Navratri with prayers, music, and love.
May Goddess Durga bless you with strength to face every challenge.
Wishing you health, harmony, and happiness this Navratri.
May these nine nights light up your life with positivity.
Sending warm Navratri wishes from my family to yours.
May every dance step and prayer you offer reach Maa Durga’s blessings.
Here’s to a Navratri that feels bright, peaceful, and full of grace.
May this festive season give you courage and clarity.

Happy Navratri Quotes:

May your prayers during these nine nights bring success and harmony.
Celebrate the spirit of Navratri with a heart full of gratitude.
Wishing you good health, prosperity, and endless joy this Navratri.
Let the divine energy of Durga guide your path this festive season.
May Goddess Durga empower you with strength, wisdom, and courage this Navratri and always.
Let us celebrate the triumph of good over evil. Happy Navratri to you and your loved ones.
May the colors of Navratri brighten your life with happiness, health, and prosperity.
On this auspicious occasion, may Maa Durga fulfill all your wishes and bless your home with peace.

Messages to Share on WhatsApp and Social Media:

Happy Navratri! May Maa Durga guide you toward wisdom and strength.
The nine nights remind us that patience and devotion bring results.
Celebrate Navratri with faith in your heart and kindness in your actions.
May you find joy in the small rituals and blessings in every prayer.
Wishing you courage to overcome negativity, just like Durga did.
Navratri is not only about fasting — it’s about feeding your soul with positivity.
May this Navratri open doors of success and peace for you.
Sending warm wishes across the miles this festive season.

Happy Navratri 2025 Greetings:

Remember: every night of Navratri is a chance to start fresh.
Happy Navratri 2025! Celebrate with love, and let blessings surround you.
May Maa Durga fill your home with peace and happiness this Navratri.
Wishing you nine nights of devotion, joy, and togetherness.
May the blessings of Navratri bring love and light into your life.
Happy Navratri! Let every day be a step toward positivity.
May this festive season strengthen bonds with family and friends.

Navratri 2025 Quotes and Inspiration:

“Navratri is not only a festival, it’s a reminder that good always wins.”
“Nine nights, nine forms, infinite blessings.”
“Strength is not given, it is awakened — just like the spirit of Durga.”
“Dance, devotion, and discipline — the rhythm of Navratri.”
“Every prayer during Navratri is a step closer to peace.”

This Navratri, let devotion, love, and positivity fill every home. Share these Navratri wishes, quotes, and messages to spread blessings and joy with friends and family.