Rekha Gupta takes part in Chhath puja celebrations in south Delhi

New Delhi, Nov 14 (PTI) Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Saturday attended the 'Pavitra Kharna Puja and Prasad Seva' programme organised at Panchsheel Enclave in south Delhi.

     On the occasion, she highlighted the religious, spiritual and social significance of Kharna, observed on the second day of Chhath Mahaparv.

     "Chhath teaches us that faith should not remain confined to words but should also be reflected in our conduct, discipline and dedication," Gupta said.

     Union Minister of State Harsh Malhotra and a large number of members of the Purvanchal community were also present on the occasion.

     Women welcomed the chief minister with traditional rituals upon her arrival. She then participated in the traditional Kharna Puja rituals and prayers and partook of the sacred prasad.

     On the second day of the festival, devotees observe a day-long fast without water and, in the evening, offer prayers to Lord Surya and Chhathi Maiya before partaking of the Kharna prasad. Traditionally, jaggery kheer, roti and other sattvik offerings are prepared. After Kharna, devotees take a vow to observe a rigorous fast without water for approximately 36 hours.

(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)