Neha Marda is enjoying the Chhath Puja celebration, describing the festival as deeply meaningful. She revealed how the festival is very special to her and she never fails to pray for her close ones during the time. Neha also expressed her excitement over performing the festivities.
Speaking with Hindustan Times, she shared, “I can’t explain what Chhath Puja means to me. It gives you immense peace and worshipping the Sun God gives you power, light, and energy. You learn to control your mind and body, and there’s power in that. I pray for good health and prosperity for me and my loved ones.”
Originally from a Marwari background, Neha married Ayushman Agrawal, a Bengali-Marwari businessman, in 2012. Ayushman’s family is based in Patna, Bihar, where she observed the Chhath Puja traditions more closely. “I have seen people perform the puja very religiously in many places including Kolkata (West Bengal). And after marriage, I saw every other family performing it in Patna,” the 39-year-old shared, adding, “I had never done the puja, but when my mother-in-law was really unwell, andar se awaaz aayi that if she gets well, I will do the puja. And she did. So, this year will be my second.”
Despite the intense fasting and the extensive preparation of bhog, Neha finds strength and support from her family and community in Patna. “I am in Patna and have my mother-in-law’s friends to guide me through everything,” she said, adding, “We have a kund (tank) on the terrace, so we do the puja there. We prepare bhog and prasad in huge quantities. Both men and women fast and participate in this festival.”
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