CHHATH POOJA

About:

• Dedicated to:
  • Chhath is a Hindu festival dedicated to the Sun god and his wife Usha in order to thank them for bestowing the bounties of life on earth.
    
    
  • The Goddess who is worshipped during the famous Chhath Puja is known as Chhathi Maiya (also known as Usha, wife of the sun god).
    
    
  
  
  
• Meaning of word chhath: The word chhath means sixth and the festival is celebrated on the sixth day of the month Kartika of the Hindu lunar Bikram Sambat calendar.
  
  
• Rituals:
  • The festival is observed over a period of four days.
    
    
  • They rituals include holy bathing, fasting, standing in water for long periods of time, and offering prayers and food to the setting and rising sun.
    
    
  
  
  
• Regions:
  • The festival is observed most elaborately in Mithila Province of Nepal, Terai-Madhesh region of Nepal, Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand and UP.
    
    
  • It is also more prevalent in areas where migrants from those areas have a presence.