Chhath Puja on Thursday, November 07, 2024

Chhath Puja is a four-day festival dedicated to Lord Surya (the Sun God), celebrated primarily in Bihar, India, and neighboring regions of Nepal. During this festival, women, in particular, observe fasting rituals to pray for the well-being of their sons and the happiness of their families. The first day of Chhath Puja is known as Nahay Khay, during which devotees take a holy dip in a water body, especially in the river Ganga, and consume only one meal. The second day, called Kharna, involves a rigorous fast from sunrise to sunset without water. After sunset, the fast is broken with an offering made to the Sun God, after which devotees consume Prasad.
The main fasting day is the third day, where devotees observe a full day without food or water. The primary ritual involves offering Arghya (a ceremonial offering) to the setting Sun, which is unique to Chhath Puja. The fast continues through the night. On the fourth and final day, known as Usha Arghya, devotees offer Arghya to the rising Sun, marking the end of the 36-hour fast.
Chhath Puja is also referred to as Pratihar, Dala Chhath, Chhathi, and Surya Shashthi.