Lucknow: Chief minister Yogi Adityanath greeted people of the state on the occasion of Chhath, saying he prayed to Lord Surya and Chhathi Maiya for the happiness, good health, prosperity and auspicious life of all.In his message issued on Saturday, the CM described Chhath as a unique celebration of faith, devotion, austerity, sacrifice and discipline of Indian folk culture. “Linked to the worship of Lord Surya and unwavering devotion to Chhathi Maiya, this great festival is a symbol of our rich cultural tradition. The rigorous spiritual practice, purity and adherence to rules of the fasting mothers and sisters make this festival distinctive. From offering ‘arghya’ to the setting sun to worshipping the rising sun, Chhath conveys a message of continuity, gratitude and positivity in life,” he said.Highlighting Chhath as a celebration of the bond between nature and humans, Yogi said reverence for the sun, water and earth inspires us to protect nature and remain grateful to it. The festival, he said, binds families together and strengthens the spirit of service, cooperation, harmony and collective participation in society.“It is the responsibility of all of us to see that the joy of Chhath reaches every section of society. People should share in the joys and sorrows of those around them and bring cheer into the lives of needy families. Keeping ghats, water bodies and surroundings clean is a collective responsibility of all,” the CM said.He also said govt ensured arrangements at ghats and major water bodies across the state for devotees during Chhath. He appealed to people to celebrate the festival with devotion, discipline and social harmony.“I pray that by the grace of Lord Surya and Chhathi Maiya, happiness, peace and prosperity may reside in every family, and that the spirit of public welfare, social harmony and the well-being of the people may continue to grow stronger in the state,” the CM said.
