The most important festival for people of Eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar – Chhath is concluding today.
The festival, which is in veneration of the Sun God, is celebrated with much vigor and ferver by Biharis across the world. The festival is celebrated over 4 days, worshipping the Sun and it’s energy, following millenia old rituals.
The first day is ushered in by women taking a ritualisitc bath, ususally in a river to welcome the energy of the festival. The next day is marked by preparing milk and rice pudding, using a traditional wood and cowdung patty fire, in earthen pots. This is then distributed as holy offerings, or ‘prasad.’
Over the last two days, the rising and setting suns are venerated with offerings, again in a water body, followed by feasting, and bursting of crackers by children.
