Birgunj, Oct. 26 -- Thousands of shoppers continue to throng the main marketplace in the city of Birgunj near the Indian city of Raxaul as preparations for Chhath enters final phase for the devotees.

The Hindu festival of Chhath that last for four-days commenced on Saturday with the first ritual, 'Nahay Khay,' drawing massive crowds at various ghats. Devotees thronged riverbanks to take a holy dip and offer prayers to the Sun God, marking the beginning of the auspicious Chhath Mahaparv.

On Sunday, the second day of Chhath Puja, known as Kharna, devotees are observing a fast from sunrise to sunset, abstaining from both food and water. The fast is broken only after making offerings to the Sun God at sunset.

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