Chhath Puja is an ancient and important Hindu festival which is celebrated mainly in the Indian states, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and other parts of north India.
It is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion. The festival commemorates the worship of the Sun which is considered as the source of energy and life.
This festival is celebrated four days and it is unique compared to other Hindu festivals.
The festival starts with chanting of prayers and offering of fruits, which symbolize the Sun God.
On the day following the puja, people take part in a procession with lanterns and march towards the river or pond.
Variously colored clay lamps are floated on the water surface.
On the third day, a grand feast is organized with different types of cuisines and people exchange traditional gifts.
Chhath Puja is also celebrated to thank the Sun God for giving us life, health and wealth.
It is believed that performing the Chhath Puja with sincerity and devotion brings prosperity and happiness in life.
Devotees take a dip in the holy river or pond during the puja and offer prayers to the Sun God for good health, wealth and full enjoyment of life.
With the blessings of the Sun God, devotees perform the rituals of the puja which includes fasting, chanting sacred mantras, offering banana leaves, jaggery, sugar, coconuts, fodder to various gods and goddesses and praying for a prosperous life.
This religious occasion is celebrated with full enthusiasm and splendour.
The last day of Chhath Puja is the most important day on which people gather along the banks of the river or pond to witness the Aarti.
This is the time when the energy of the Sun is transferred to the water which is consumed by the devotees.
Chhath Puja is a festival which is dedicated to the worship of the Sun God who is considered to be the giver of life and energy.
This festival is an example of the ancient tradition of worshipping the Sun God with great devotion and fervour.
Though it has been celebrated for centuries, the celebration is still vigorous and vibrant with lots of enthusiasm and devotion.