What is the Chhath Festival?

About Chhath Festival:

• It is a Hindu Vedic festival celebrated in the Indian Sub-Continent, prominently in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, some areas in Madhya Pradesh in India, and a few regions of Nepal.
• It is dedicated to the Sun God (Lord Surya) and Chhathi Maiya (another name for Goddess Usha and a known sister to Lord Surya).
• It is celebrated twice a year in the months of Chaitra (March-April) and Kartika (October-November).
• Rituals:
  • Considered to be one of the most eco-friendly religious festivals, Chhath Puja lasts for 4 days.
  • The rituals surrounding Chhath Puja are supposedly harsher when compared to other Hindu festivals.
  • They involve strict fasting (without water), taking a dip in rivers/water bodies, standing in water and offering prayers, facing the sun for a prolonged period, and offering 'prasad' to the Sun during sunrise and sunset.
  • Any food prepared during the festival will have no salt, onion, or garlic.
  • In recent days, both men and women have been seen fasting during this festival, but the main worshippers are mainly said to be women. Those who fast are known as parvaitin.