The great festival of the Mithilanchal, Chhath is being observed from today, the fourth day of the lunar calendar. The festival bears a great significance on increasing the faith of the mankind on truth and non-violence as well as sympathy to all the living beings.

This is the festival in which the sun is worshipped when it rises and sets.

The festival is celebrated after Dipawali. It is especially significant for married women. They observe a two-day fast and offer prayers while keeping almost three-quarters of their body immersed in water for two hours.

This festival is observed for four days. The first day is Arba Arbain or Nahan Khan. The devotees take fast by discarding meat, garlic and onion. The second day is Kharana meaning the reduction of sin. On the third day, the devotees go to the rivers and ponds singing folk and devotional songs. The fourth day is called Paran or Parwan.

There is a tradition of listening to Surya Puran after the conclusion of Arghya or offering of curd, the devotees listen to the stories of the Chhath fasting.

They also listen to a story of a greedy mother-in -law and her daughter-in-law.

According to Mahabharat scriptures, the Pandavas and Draupadi had also observed the fast with sun worship for the successful completion of their exile.

Meanwhile, the Kathmandu metropolis has decided to open the historic Rani Pokhari Pond for the Chhath festival.

People of Terai communities had been demanding to open the pond for celebration of Chhath festival.