The sun-drenched lawns of Rashtrapati Bhavan glowed with divine fervor on Sunday evening as President Droupadi Murmu joined hundreds of devotees to celebrate Chhath Puja, one of India’s most sacred festivals dedicated to the worship of the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya. With lamps flickering, hymns echoing through the air, and the fragrance of incense merging with the golden hue of dusk, the President’s residence transformed into a sanctum of faith and tradition a powerful reflection of India’s living cultural heritage.
A Divine Evening at the Nation’s Highest Office
As the setting sun dipped beyond the horizon, President Murmu stepped onto the Rashtrapati Bhavan premises adorned with earthen diyas, sugarcane arches, and traditional bamboo baskets symbols that represent purity and gratitude in Chhath rituals. Dressed in a graceful handwoven saree from her native Odisha, the President joined the rituals with utmost humility, offering arghya (water oblation) to the setting sun alongside women devotees who had observed the rigorous fast.
The atmosphere was deeply spiritual yet vibrant a perfect blend of simplicity and grandeur. The Rashtrapati Bhavan’s Mughal Gardens, known for their serene water channels, served as the sacred venue where devotees gathered barefoot along the water banks, singing Chhath geet in melodious unison.
“Chhath Puja reminds us of our eternal bond with nature the Sun, water, and earth,” President Murmu said during the ceremony. “It is not merely a ritual; it is a message of discipline, faith, and respect for life’s sustaining forces.”
Blending Tradition and Modernity
This year’s Chhath Puja celebration at Rashtrapati Bhavan carried special significance. It was the first time that the nation’s highest constitutional office hosted such a large-scale traditional observance of the festival. The move was widely praised as a gesture of inclusivity, bringing national attention to a festival deeply rooted in India’s rural and cultural fabric.
The event symbolized how India’s traditions can harmoniously coexist with its institutions of democracy. From the grand colonial architecture of Rashtrapati Bhavan to the rhythmic folk songs sung in Bhojpuri and Maithili, the evening illustrated a beautiful confluence of heritage and modern identity.
“President Murmu’s participation in Chhath Puja marks a historic moment for cultural representation at the national level,” said a cultural historian from Jawaharlal Nehru University. “Her gesture reflects India’s idea of unity in diversity where every tradition, whether tribal or mainstream, finds its place in the nation’s story.”
The Sacred Significance of Chhath Puja
Chhath Puja, celebrated mainly in Bihar, Jharkhand, eastern Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Nepal, honors Surya Dev (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya, believed to be the goddess of energy and purity. The four-day festival, observed with strict fasting, ritual bathing, and prayers at sunrise and sunset, is one of the most eco-conscious and spiritually disciplined observances in Hinduism.
Devotees abstain from food and even water for nearly 36 hours during the final two days, offering prayers during both the setting and rising sun a unique duality representing gratitude for life and hope for renewal.
This year, President Murmu’s participation brought the festival into the national spotlight, inspiring millions of devotees across the country. Many hailed her as a symbol of faith and humility a leader who respects the grassroots traditions that shape India’s spiritual ethos.
Rashtrapati Bhavan Transformed into a Devotional Haven
Under the soft glow of lanterns and diyas, the Rashtrapati Bhavan complex came alive with traditional decorations banana trees framing the entrance, rangoli patterns adorning the courtyards, and melodic folk music filling the evening air.
Officials revealed that the arrangements were made to authentically represent the spirit of Chhath Puja as practiced along the banks of the Ganges. A temporary ghat was constructed within the presidential estate, allowing devotees and guests to perform rituals just as they would along the riverbanks of Patna or Varanasi.
The event also featured folk performances from Bihar and Jharkhand, including sohar and kharna songs sung by local artists. Women dressed in bright saris balanced bamboo baskets filled with fruits, thekua (a traditional sweet), and sugarcane, walking slowly toward the water with rhythmic chants a sight that evoked the timeless imagery of India’s villages.
President Murmu’s Message of Unity and Sustainability
In her address following the evening rituals, President Murmu emphasized the deeper environmental message behind Chhath Puja.
“This festival teaches us the importance of purity not only in body and spirit but also in our surroundings,” she said. “When we worship the Sun, we also acknowledge the power of nature that sustains our existence. Protecting rivers, air, and soil is not merely a duty but a sacred act.”
Her speech resonated strongly in an era marked by environmental challenges. By connecting spirituality with sustainability, Murmu’s message aligned the Chhath tradition with modern ecological consciousness transforming the festival into both a devotional and environmental celebration.
A President Close to Her Roots
Droupadi Murmu’s journey from the tribal heartland of Odisha to the Rashtrapati Bhavan has often been described as a story of resilience, humility, and cultural pride. Her decision to celebrate Chhath Puja at the presidential palace was seen as an acknowledgment of India’s regional and rural spirituality traditions that often thrive away from the spotlight of urban centers.
Known for her deep respect for indigenous and folk customs, President Murmu has consistently highlighted the importance of cultural inclusivity. Since assuming office, she has hosted several traditional ceremonies at Rashtrapati Bhavan, from tribal dance performances to harvest festivals.
“By celebrating Chhath Puja here, she has brought the people’s festival to the heart of India’s democracy,” said one of the attendees, a resident of Delhi who had come to witness the event. “It gives us the impression that our culture is genuinely appreciated and recognized.”
Voices from the Celebration
Among the attendees were devotees, cultural representatives, and officials from across India. Many expressed gratitude for the President’s decision to host the festival in such an authentic and inclusive way.
“I never imagined I would witness Chhath Puja at Rashtrapati Bhavan,” said Sunita Devi, a devotee from Patna invited for the occasion. “Our customs seem to be being upheld to the utmost standard. The President performed the rituals with such sincerity it touched all of us.”
The event also saw participation from women’s self-help groups and artisans from Bihar and Jharkhand, who showcased traditional handicrafts, earthen lamps, and bamboo crafts that form an essential part of the festival’s visual landscape.
Social Media and Nationwide Response
Soon after images of President Murmu performing arghya surfaced online, social media platforms lit up with praise and pride. Hashtags like #PresidentMurmu, #ChhathPuja2025, and #SpiritOfTradition trended across India.
Users hailed the event as a “moment of cultural pride,” while others described it as “a reflection of India’s true secular ethos.” Prominent leaders and celebrities also shared their wishes, noting how the celebration from Rashtrapati Bhavan symbolized unity and inclusiveness.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), wrote:
“President Droupadi Murmu’s participation in Chhath Puja at Rashtrapati Bhavan beautifully reflects India’s deep spiritual harmony. May the blessings of Surya Dev bring prosperity and well-being to all.”
A Festival That Bridges Faith and Nationhood
The Chhath celebration at Rashtrapati Bhavan was more than just a religious event it was a cultural statement. It showcased how India’s leadership can engage with its people’s traditions not from a distance, but with genuine participation and reverence.
Observers noted that the event reinforced the values of equality and respect for cultural diversity, which are embedded in the Constitution. By partaking in Chhath Puja, President Murmu not only honored her personal faith but also acknowledged the devotion of millions of citizens who celebrate the festival each year with unshakable discipline.
The symbolism was powerful the Sun God being worshipped in the courtyard of the nation’s first citizen, representing enlightenment, life, and unity.
Behind the Scenes: Preparations and Participation
Officials at Rashtrapati Bhavan began preparations for the celebration several weeks in advance. Special care was taken to ensure the use of eco-friendly materials no plastic decorations or synthetic colors were allowed. All offerings, from fruits to flowers, were sourced from local farmers, promoting sustainability and supporting rural livelihoods.
Security arrangements were tight yet unobtrusive, allowing devotees to participate freely while maintaining decorum. The President’s personal staff also joined in lighting diyas, while the Rashtrapati Bhavan kitchen prepared traditional prasad including thekua, kasar, and fresh fruits distributed to all attendees after the rituals.
The Ministry of Culture coordinated with folk musicians from Bihar to perform traditional songs dedicated to Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya. The harmonious blend of drums, harmonium, and folk vocals echoed late into the night, wrapping the occasion in timeless warmth.
A Celebration That Transcends Boundaries
What made this year’s Chhath Puja truly remarkable was its inclusiveness. People from different religious, linguistic, and regional backgrounds came together to participate or observe the rituals. Diplomats from several countries also attended the event, expressing admiration for India’s rich cultural tapestry.
A cultural attaché from Nepal remarked, “In both our countries, Chhath is more than worship it is a way of expressing gratitude to nature. To see it celebrated here, in the heart of India’s governance, is deeply moving.”
The President’s initiative has already inspired state governments and institutions across India to organize similar inclusive celebrations, bridging communities and promoting environmental consciousness.
Reflections and Reverence
As the first rays of the rising sun graced the Rashtrapati Bhavan the next morning, President Murmu joined devotees once again for the final offering the Usha Arghya (morning oblation). The golden light reflected on the water as chants of “Chhathi Maiya ki Jai” filled the air, symbolizing renewal, faith, and gratitude.
The President closed the ceremony with folded hands, her eyes reflecting serenity and devotion. For many, it was an unforgettable sight the nation’s highest leader embodying humility before nature’s power.
A Historic Blend of Faith and Leadership
President Droupadi Murmu’s celebration of Chhath Puja at Rashtrapati Bhavan marked a turning point in India’s cultural narrative. It was not just an event but a message of unity, environmental awareness, and respect for tradition.
In an age of fast-paced modernity, her gesture reminded the nation that progress and spirituality are not opposites they are two sides of the same truth. As diyas faded and the sun rose higher, the spirit of Chhath Puja lingered across the capital a reminder that devotion, when embraced with sincerity, transcends all barriers.
With her quiet grace and deep connection to India’s roots, President Droupadi Murmu once again proved that leadership shines brightest when it honors the faith and culture of the people.
