Bihar leaders celebrate Chhath Puja (In pics)

Patna, Nov 8: Politicians in Bihar, including Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and former union minister Ram Vilas Paswan, are busy invoking the Sun God in their homes as they celebrate Chhath puja.

Former chief minister Rabri Devi and former deputy chief minister Sushil Kumar Modi will perform the rituals and offer prayers to the setting sun Friday evening and the rising sun Saturday morning.

Celebrated six days after Diwali, Chhath is dedicated to Surya, the sun god. During the festival, married women observe a fast for 36 hours. Devotees offer wheat, milk, sugarcane, bananas and coconuts to the god.

The main ritual is known as "arghya" - when devotees stand waist deep in water and offer prayers to the sun god on the banks of rivers.

Dozens of state ministers, legislators and MPs celebrated the festival that began Wednesday across the state.

However, one leader is missing during the Chhath festivities this time - former chief minister and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad who has been jailed for five years after being convicted in the fodder scam.

Nitish Kumar's official residence wore a festive look as his elder brother Satish Kumar's wife Geeta Devi and relatives performed the rituals.

"Nitish Kumar is helping out his family members despite his tight schedule," said an official at the chief minister's residence.

Officials said Nitish Kumar will not be performing Chhath. After his wife Manju Sinha died in 2007, his son Nishant has been taking active part in the rituals.

Meanwhile, in the absence of Lalu, his wife Rabri Devi along with their children celebrated Chhath at her official residence near the chief minister's home in the high security zone in Patna.

Chhath is dedicated to Surya, the sun god.

"After a long gap, I will celebrate Chhath in the absence of Laluji. His absence is something which can't be described in words," she said.

This is probably only the second time that Rabri Devi is celebrating Chhath when Lalu is not around.

In 1997, she had observed the rituals when Lalu was in jail in connection with the fodder scam, an RJD leader said.

Rabri Devi's celebrations have been gala affairs every year, attracting attention ever since she became chief minister in 1997.

"She will offer prayers at a pond at her residence instead of going to the bank of the Ganga river," party leaders said.

Paswan and his son Chirag are also in the state capital to celebrate Chhath with his brothers families.

Paswan visited Rabri Devi's residence Thursday night to participate in the "kharna" ritual when sweet dishes are prepared and distributed.

In Patna

Former Bihar chief minister Rabri Devi preparing foods with her family members on the occasion of Chhath festival in Patna on Thursday.

In Patna

BJP workers wear the masks of Gujrat Chief Minister Narendra Modi distribute worship material to devotees on the occasion of Chhath festival in Patna on Thursday.

In Patna

Bihar Chief Minister and deputy Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Sushil Modi greet people on Chhath puja in Patna.

In Patna

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar offers Prasad (holy food) to Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi during Chhath celebration in Patna.

Lalu missing this time

This is probably only the second time that Rabri Devi is celebrating Chhath when Lalu is not around. In 1997, she had observed the rituals when Lalu was in jail in connection with the fodder scam, an RJD leader said.

IANS