Nahay Khay marks the first day of the grand Chhath festival. Devotees begin the day with a holy bath, thorough kitchen cleaning, and preparation of a sattvik (pure) meal without onion or garlic. This meal symbolizes spiritual readiness for the fasting days ahead.

The traditional plate includes Bottle Gourd Rice — steamed rice served with bottle gourd curry. It’s light, easy to digest, and represents purity — a simple, wholesome start dedicated to Surya Dev (Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya.

Ingredients — Bottle Gourd & Rice

• Bottle gourd cubes — 2 cups
• Ghee or Mustard oil — 2 tbsp
• Cumin seeds — ½ tsp, Asafoetida (hing) — a pinch, Green chili — 1 slit
• Turmeric, Red chili powder, Coriander powder — ½ tsp each
• Rock salt to taste, Water as needed, Sugar — ½ tsp (optional)
• Rice — 1 cup, Water — 2 cups, Ghee — 1 tsp

Method

1. Heat ghee or oil in a pan. Add cumin, hing, and green chili.
2. Add bottle gourd, then mix in turmeric, red chili, coriander, and salt. Add water, cover, and cook until soft.
3. Optionally, balance flavors with a little sugar.
4. Cook rice with ghee and a pinch of salt until fluffy.

Recommended Utensils / Puja Items

Steel plate, Copper lota, Diya and wicks, Kalash

🌞 Spiritual Significance

Nahay Khay reminds devotees of humility and purity. It represents cleansing the body and purifying the soul — a vital step before fasting and meditation in the coming days.

As the aroma of Bottle Gourd Rice fills the home, it marks the beginning of divine devotion and family togetherness — a heartfelt welcome to Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya with gratitude and simplicity.