Mon Nov 04 23:44:37 UTC 2024: ## Chhath Puja 2024: Millions Celebrate Sun God Across India
The four-day festival of Chhath Puja, dedicated to the Sun god (Surya) and Chhathi Maiya, commenced on November 5th and will conclude on November 8th. This annual event, primarily celebrated in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal, as well as by the diaspora, sees devotees express gratitude for the life-sustaining power of the Sun.
Chhath Puja involves a strict observance of rituals and fasting. It begins with “Nahay Khay” (bathing and feasting), followed by “Kharna,” a full-day fast broken only at sunset with a meal of roti and kheer. The third day is the most significant, with devotees, mainly women, offering “arghya” (water offerings) to the rising and setting Sun while standing waist-deep in rivers or ponds, signifying purity, self-discipline, and the continuity of life.
This year, Chhath Puja is particularly meaningful for Biharis, who consider it a “Mahaparv” (Grand festival). Millions of migrants have returned to their home state to celebrate the festival and reconnect with their culture.
One unique aspect of Chhath Puja is the direct connection devotees have with the Sun, the source of energy, without any intermediary priests. This makes it a festival accessible to all who wish to participate.
First Piper 