New Delhi, 15 November (H.S.): President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and several other leaders on Sunday extended warm greetings and best wishes to the people of India on the auspicious occasion of Chhath Puja.

In a message posted on X, President Murmu said, “On the sacred occasion of Chhath, the great festival of faith and devotion, I extend my heartfelt greetings and best wishes to all Indians living in India and abroad.”

Vice President Radhakrishnan said that the festival, which embodies people's faith, devotion, self-discipline and gratitude towards nature, also upholds the values of service, dedication and social harmony. He expressed hope that the sacred festival, celebrated through the worship of Chhathi Maiya, would bring happiness, peace, good health and prosperity into everyone's lives.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla described Chhath as a remarkable confluence of faith, austerity, discipline and gratitude towards nature. He said the tradition of offering *arghya* to the setting Sun reflected reverence for nature, gratitude for life and deep-rooted faith in Indian culture.

The festival, he added, reminded people of the importance of self-restraint, purity, collective participation and family values. He also paid tribute to all Chhath devotees who observe the rituals with unwavering faith and undertake rigorous fasting.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said Sunday marked the third day of Chhath, a festival steeped in faith, devotion and reverence. Devotees would offer *arghya* to the setting Sun on Sunday evening and perform special prayers. He expressed hope that the blessings of Lord Surya and Chhathi Maiya would remain with everyone and that their lives would be filled with happiness, peace and good health.

Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan said he prayed that the blessings of Lord Surya and Chhathi Maiya would fill every household with abundance and prosperity. He wished that happiness, well-being, prosperity and joy would prevail in everyone's lives, and prayed for the continued progress of all, divine blessings and the fulfilment of people's wishes.

Union Minister of Textiles Giriraj Singh also extended his greetings, saying he prayed to Lord Surya and Chhathi Maiya on the auspicious occasion for the continued blessings of happiness, peace, prosperity and good health upon everyone.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar