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Chhath Puja is celebrated in Jharkhand, UP and Bihar (India) and where ever people from those regions have migrated.

Many festivals are celebrated by the Hindus of these region, but this festival is a unique festival in these region. Chhath is dedicated to the worship of the "Sun God" and therefore, this festival is also known as "Surya Shashti". Chhath Puja is celebrated as thanks to the Sun for providing the necessities of life on earth, and also for fulfilling particular wishes.

It is believed that the wishes of the devotees are always granted. Also the devotees dread the punishment for any misdeed during this Puja. Therefore, the area remains safe and peace during this time when even criminals prefer to behave.

The Days Of Festivity:

First Day:

The devotees bath in the holy river Ganges to wash away their sins (People far from river Ganges go to their local river or pond) . They also clean their homes thoroughly.

Second Day:

The devotees observe a fast for the whole day, which is broken in late evening, after performing the Puja at home. They offer kheer (rice pudding) and fruit to God and then share it with family and friends.

Third Day:

The day is spent preparing the offerings(Prasad) at home. In the evening the devotees and all family go to a riverbank or pond where the prasad is offered to the setting sun. The devotees return home for another colorful celebration. Under a canopy of sugar cane sticks, they place clay elephants containing diyas (earthen lamps) and baskets filled with prasad. Agni(fire god)is worshipped.

Fourth Day:

On the final day of the festivities the devotees and family go to the riverbank. Prasad is offered to the rising sun. The devotees break their fast and the prasad is shared with all the people around.

All nearby people gathered around the riverside to watch the activities. After Puja prasad distributed among all the people, prasad also celebrated to friends' home, relatives home and neighbor home.

A Chhath Song

You can watch more Chhath Songs and activities on YouTube or can listen here.

I like this festival because it's a very-very peaceful festival.

Oh, no internet and not good  electricity in my village. I'll miss you a lot MyEC. Will be back soon....

Thank You!