Chhath puja is a famous festival for Hindus. It is Celebrated on the 6th day of Kartik month (According to Hindu Calendar )in Bihar and some regions of Uttar Pradesh and Nepal.
Chhath puja is also known as Dala Chhath. Chhath pooja is a festival that is mainly observed as worship to lord Surya. The devotees who observe the fast during this festival are called Vratti.
In this festival devotees keep fast for 36 Hours, They do not even consume water. It is considered one of the toughest pujas.
The Four days Rituals of the Chhath Puja:
Day 1:The first day of chhath puja is called” Nahay Khay”, it’s the day when the devotees take a holy bath in rivers, ponds, or any other water body, especially in the river Ganges.
Day 2:The Second day of chhath puja is known as “Kharna” on this day devotees cook “sweet Kheer” and take it as a Prasad. On the midnight of kharna, people prepare thekua- a special Prasad for chhathi Maiya.
Day3:The third day of chhath puja is called” Sandhya Arghya” On this day people offer ‘’Arghya” to the setting sun. In the evening all family members with vratti gathered at the bank of the river. bhakti songs are sung that show the social culture of India.
Day4:The fourth day is called “Usha Arghya” On this day People make “Arghya” to the rising sun and complete their fast. After returning from the ghat, Vratti breaks their 36 hours long fast by taking ginger and water. After that delicious food is prepared for vratti which is called Paran or Paran.
History of Chhath Puja:
According to the Scriptures, chhath puja was started during the Ramayan. After killing Ravan, when lord ram and Sita returned from their exile to Ayodhya, they observed this fast.