Chhath Puja: A Four-Day Festival of Lights and Devotion

Chhath is a four-day Hindu festival celebrated on the sixth and seventh day after Kartik Purnima, which is typically in October or November. It is celebrated in India, Nepal, and Mauritius, and is dedicated to the Sun god Surya and his sister Shashthi Devi. The festival is a way to thank the Sun god for his blessings and to pray for a prosperous future.

The first day of Chhath is known as Nahay Khay, and on this day, devotees bathe in a holy river or pond and eat a traditional meal of sattu and pumpkin. The second day is known as Kharna, and on this day, devotees fast for the entire day and eat a meal of gur (jaggery) and kheer (rice pudding) at night. The third day is known as Chhath, and on this day, devotees offer prayers to the Sun god and Shashthi Devi. They also offer food and drink to the gods. The fourth day is known as Udayi Arghya, and on this day, devotees offer prayers to the rising Sun god.

Chhath is a very popular festival in India, and millions of people celebrate it each year. It is a time for families to come together and to celebrate their faith.

Here are some of the reasons why Chhath is celebrated:

• To thank the Sun god for his blessings
• To pray for a prosperous future
• To celebrate the relationship between the Sun god and his sister, Shashthi Devi
• To promote social harmony and brotherhood
• To preserve Hindu culture and traditions

Chhath is a very important festival for Hindus, and it is celebrated with great devotion. It is a time for people to come together and to celebrate their faith.