President Droupadi murmu
Chhath Puja Celebrated at Rashtrapati Bhavan: President Droupadi Murmu Offers Prayers for Nation’s Prosperity
In a remarkable gesture that reflects India’s rich cultural inclusivity, President Droupadi Murmu herself participated in the traditional rituals, offering prayers to the setting sun and seeking prosperity, peace, and well-being for all citizens of the country.
The celebration within the presidential estate showcased a beautiful blend of spirituality and tradition. The President, dressed in traditional attire, joined devotees in performing the “Arghya” ritual at a specially arranged water body inside the Rashtrapati Bhavan complex. This puja included offerings of fruits, sugarcane, and thekua—the prasad associated with Chhath Puja.
President Murmu, in her brief message, extended warm greetings to citizens across India and the world. “Chhath Puja is a festival that celebrates faith, nature, and human endurance. Basically this festival reminds us of the deep bond between human life and the elements of nature. I pray to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya to bless our nation with happiness, prosperity, and harmony,” she said.
The Rashtrapati Bhavan’s celebration of Chhath Puja holds deep symbolic value. Traditionally observed in the states of Bihar, Jharkhand, eastern Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Nepal, the festival honors Surya Dev (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya (the goddess associated with the Sun’s power). The rituals—spanning four days—are marked by rigorous fasting, holy bathing, and prayers offered to the rising and setting sun. By organizing the festival within the country’s highest constitutional office, the event highlighted India’s respect for cultural diversity and grassroots traditions.
The President’s participation in the ceremony was attended by staff members of Rashtrapati Bhavan, their families, and select invitees from the states where Chhath holds major significance. The ambiance was filled with devotional songs, sohar and kharna rituals, and the fragrance of incense and earthen lamps that lit up the evening sky.
Officials at Rashtrapati Bhavan stated that this was among the first instances where Chhath Puja was observed in such a grand and organized manner within the presidential campus. “President Murmu’s involvement reflects her deep connection with Indian cultural roots and her commitment to promoting inclusivity and respect for all traditions,” said an official familiar with the arrangements.
Across the country, millions of devotees observed Chhath Puja by offering prayers at riverbanks, ponds, and temporary water bodies, following strict discipline and cleanliness. Major cities such as Patna, Ranchi, Delhi, and Lucknow witnessed massive gatherings, with local administrations ensuring safety and sanitation arrangements. The participation of President Murmu added a special national sentiment to this year’s celebrations, inspiring many to celebrate the festival with renewed devotion and environmental awareness.
Social media platforms were abuzz with images and videos from Rashtrapati Bhavan, where citizens praised the President for honoring India’s folk traditions at such a dignified platform. Many users described it as a “moment of cultural pride” and “a reflection of India’s unity in diversity.”
As the sun set over the Rashtrapati Bhavan gardens, the sight of the President offering arghya symbolized not only devotion but also the strength of India’s spiritual heritage. Her prayer for the country’s progress, equality, and harmony resonated deeply with the spirit of Chhath Puja—a festival that celebrates the eternal bond between humanity and nature.
Through this gesture, President Droupadi Murmu not only celebrated faith but also reinforced the message that India’s true power lies in its ability to embrace every tradition, every culture, and every citizen with equal respect.
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