Gurugram: The grand celebration of the Chhath Festival took place at Sai Ka Aangan in Gurugram, organized by the Bhojpuri Sanskritik Sansthan in partnership with the Sai Prakash Charitable Trust. The event was illuminated by a spirit of devotion, gratitude, and cultural unity.
The festivities commenced on October 26 with the observance of Kharna, a deeply devotional event that also featured artistic expressions. Rev Gurujee Dr. Chandra Bhanu Satpathy initiated the evening with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp. This was followed by soulful Sai bhajans presented by the children of Sai Ka Aangan and a graceful classical dance performance accompanied by music composed by Dr. Satpathy Ji.
A major highlight was the release of Dr. Satpathy Ji’s new literary works: Guru Bhagwat (Maithili) Part–1 and a compilation of prayers (Bhojpuri Parts 1–6). The audience was also given a preview of his new Bhojpuri bhajans, for which he had written the lyrics and composed the music himself. These bhajans, sung by notable Bhojpuri actor, singer, and Member of Parliament Manoj Tiwari, beautifully conveyed Dr. Satpathy Ji’s profound connection with spirituality, language, and music.
Dr. Satpathy spoke about the deep spiritual meaning of Chhath Puja, emphasizing it as a festival that embodies purity, gratitude, and the timeless relationship between humanity and nature. He underlined the importance of preserving cultural and traditional values for maintaining social harmony and spiritual balance.
The following evening, October 27, featured the sacred ritual of Sandhya Arghya (evening offering) at the beautifully decorated ghats within Sai Ka Aangan. Dr. Satpathy led the devotees in offering prayers, fruits, and thekua to the setting Sun, a gesture of reverence for nature’s life-sustaining energy.
Devotees then followed his lead in offering arghya (water oblations), fostering an atmosphere of peace, devotion, and unity. In his address, Dr. Satpathy described Chhath as a festival that transcends regional and social divisions, uniting people of Bihari origin globally. He urged the attendees to uphold these sacred traditions and pass them on to future generations to safeguard India’s cultural heritage.
The celebration was attended by a distinguished gathering, including the High Commissioner of Guyana, senior IAS, IPS, and IRS officers, alongside a large number of devotees and well-wishers. The event concluded with a community meal and the distribution of prasad, featuring traditional delicacies from Eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, which symbolized togetherness and shared joy.