🌅 Day 1 – Nahay Khay (Bath & Eat): The Sacred Beginning of Chhath Puja

🌅 Day 1 – Nahay Khay (Bath & Eat): The Sacred Beginning of Chhath Puja

Chhath Puja begins with Nahay Khay, the first day of this four-day festival devoted to Surya Dev (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya. This day marks the purification of mind, body, and surroundings — symbolizing the devotee’s commitment to cleanliness, simplicity, and devotion.

Early in the morning, devotees take a holy bath in a river, pond, or nearby water body, signifying spiritual cleansing. After bathing, the kitchen is cleaned thoroughly, and food is prepared in a pure environment — without onion, garlic, or even grains from previous days. The meal is simple, sattvik, and wholesome.

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🥣 The Traditional Meal — Kaddu Bhat (Pumpkin & Rice)

Kaddu Bhat (also called Lauki Bhat or Pumpkin Rice) is the signature dish of the day. It’s light, pure, and filled with warmth — an offering of gratitude to nature before the rigorous fasting begins.

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👩‍🍳 Ingredients

For Kaddu (Pumpkin Curry):

• 2 cups pumpkin (peeled and cubed)

• 2 tbsp mustard oil or ghee

• ½ tsp cumin seeds

• 1 pinch asafoetida (hing)

• 1 green chili (slit)

• ½ tsp turmeric powder

• ½ tsp red chili powder

• ½ tsp coriander powder

• ½ tsp sugar (optional)

• Rock salt (sendha namak) to taste

• ½ cup water

For Bhat (Rice):

• 1 cup rice (preferably Sona Masuri or Gobind Bhog)

• 2 cups water

• 1 tsp ghee

• A pinch of salt

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🔥 Method

Step 1 – Prepare the Pumpkin:

1. Heat mustard oil or ghee in a pan until lightly smoky.

2. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.

3. Add hing and green chili, then the pumpkin cubes.

4. Add turmeric, red chili, coriander powder, and salt. Mix well.

5. Add a little water, cover, and cook on low flame until the pumpkin softens.

6. Adjust sweetness with sugar if desired.

Step 2 – Cook the Rice:

1. Wash the rice and soak for 10 minutes.

2. Boil water, add ghee and salt, then rice.

3. Cook on low flame until soft and fluffy.

Step 3 – Serve:
Serve Kaddu with plain rice, often accompanied by chana dal or roti. This pure, sattvik meal marks the devotee’s final meal before the main fasting rituals of Chhath.

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🌞 Spiritual Significance

Nahay Khay reminds devotees of humility and purity. It represents detoxification of the body and cleansing of the soul — an essential preparation for the upcoming days of fasting and meditation.

As the aroma of Kaddu Bhat fills the home, it signifies the beginning of divine devotion and family togetherness — welcoming Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya with gratitude and simplicity.