Thu Nov 07 12:43:42 UTC 2024: ## Itarsi Ready for Chhath Puja Sunset Rituals
**Itarsi, Madhya Pradesh:** The auspicious Chhath Puja, a festival dedicated to the Sun God, is set to be celebrated across India this week. On November 7th, devotees will gather at riverbanks and lakes to offer prayers and an ‘argha’ (offering) to the setting sun. This marks the most important day of the four-day festival. The following day, November 8th, devotees will greet the rising sun with another offering before breaking their fast and sharing prasad.
According to National Award-winning science communicator, Sarika Gharu, the sunset will be visible first in eastern parts of India, followed by western regions. She clarified that sunrise and sunset times indicate the start of the celestial events, not the complete visibility of the sun.
The people of Itarsi, Madhya Pradesh, are all set to welcome the Sun God and participate in the traditional rituals. As the festival approaches, the community is abuzz with preparations and festive cheer.
First Piper 