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{{Short description|Ancient Hindu festival dedicated to the solar deity Surya and the folk goddess Ṣaṣṭhī}}
{{EngvarB|date=April 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2020}}
{{Infobox holiday
|holiday_name = Chhath Puja
|type = Hinduism
|image = File:JanakpurChhathParvaFestival.jpg
|imagesize = 250px
|caption = Performing of prayer to Sun around the holy rivers, ponds and other small water bodies
|nickname = Chhaith Chhath Parva Chhath Puja Dala Chhath Dala Puja Surya Shashthi
|observedby =
*[[Indian people|Indians]] and [[Nepalis|Nepalese]]
**[[Magahi people]]
**[[Maithil]]s
**[[Bhojpuri people]]
**[[Awadhi people]]
|longtype = Cultural, Historical, Religious
|significance = To thank [[Sun]] for bestowing the bounties of life on earth and fulfilling particular wishes
|duration = 4 days
|frequency = Annual
|date2021 = 8 to 11 November
|date2022 = 28 to 31 October
|date2023 = 17 to 20 November
}}
{{Hinduism}}
'''Chhath''' is an ancient [[Hinduism|Hindu]] [[Vedic]] [[List of Hindu festivals|festival]] historically native to the [[Indian subcontinent]], more specifically, the [[Indian states]] of [[Bihar]], [[Jharkhand]]<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-11-02|title=20K perform Chhath Puja|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/20k-perform-chhath-puja/story-ku0MAYpW55U9YBwBGE7ssK.html|access-date=2021-04-25|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref> and [[Uttar Pradesh]] and the Madhesh region of [[Nepal]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/art-and-culture/chhath-puja-2016-history-significance-dates-and-benefits-of-chhath-puja-surya-sashthi-3736023/|title=Chhath festival celebrated in India and Nepal begins today : The Indian Express|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161105095143/http://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/art-and-culture/chhath-puja-2016-history-significance-dates-and-benefits-of-chhath-puja-surya-sashthi-3736023/|archive-date=5 November 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.weallnepali.com/nepali-festivals/chhath-parva|title=Chhath natively celebrated in India and Nepal has significance in Hindu Culture|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161105170120/http://www.weallnepali.com/nepali-festivals/chhath-parva|archive-date=5 November 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://hinduism.about.com/od/festivalsholidays/fl/Chhath-Puja.htm|title=Chhath Puja|publisher=About Religion|author=Subhamoy Das|access-date=16 November 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117032326/http://hinduism.about.com/od/festivalsholidays/fl/Chhath-Puja.htm|archive-date=17 November 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aryabhatt.com/fast_fair_festival/Festivals/Chhath%20Festival.htm|title=Festivals of India And Nepal - Chhath Festival|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090607030908/http://aryabhatt.com/fast_fair_festival/Festivals/Chhath%20Festival.htm|archive-date=7 June 2009}}</ref> The Chhath [[Puja (Hinduism)|Puja]] is dedicated to the [[Solar deity]] ([[Surya]]) in order to thank him for bestowing the bounties of life on earth and to request the granting of certain wishes.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/a-festival-not-confined-to-bihar/articleshow/61208996.cms|title=A festival not confined to Bihar|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171223231209/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/a-festival-not-confined-to-bihar/articleshow/61208996.cms|archive-date=23 December 2017}}</ref> This festival is observed by [[Biharis]] & [[Nepalis|Nepalese]] along with their diaspora.<ref>{{cite web |title=No Nepalese and Bihari diasporas want to stay out of home in Chhath :: Patna Reportings |url=http://bstdc.bih.nic.in/Patna.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140918091228/http://bstdc.bih.nic.in/patna.htm |archive-date=18 September 2014}}</ref>

The festival does not involve idolatry and is dedicated to worship [[Lord]] [[Surya]] (the Sun deity). ' ''Chhathi Maiya'' ' is the mother goddess who provides strength and support to the poor. She is worshipped as ' ''goddess of the festival'' '.The Sun is offered [[arghya]](offering/homage) in the evening of the first day and in the morning of the second day.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.teachingbanyan.com/essay/long-essay-on-chhath-puja/amp/ |title=Archived copy |access-date=17 December 2019 |archive-date=17 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191217100650/https://www.teachingbanyan.com/essay/long-essay-on-chhath-puja/amp/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> And the rituals are rigorous and are observed over a period of four days.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1161106/jsp/bihar/story_117672.jsp#.WB7jCtJ97IU|title=Chhath at the crossroads|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161106165447/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1161106/jsp/bihar/story_117672.jsp#.WB7jCtJ97IU|archive-date=6 November 2016}}</ref> They include holy bathing, fasting and abstaining from drinking water ([[Vratta]]), standing in water for long periods of time, and offering [[prasad]] (prayer offerings) and [[arghya]] to the setting and rising sun.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/chhath-rituals-bring-family-together/articleshow/61190103.cms|title=Chhath rituals bring family together|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171024211139/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/chhath-rituals-bring-family-together/articleshow/61190103.cms|archive-date=24 October 2017}}</ref> Some devotees also perform a prostration march as they head for the river banks.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/news/2016-11-08/sun-worshippers.html|title=Sun worshippers|last=Sah|first=Jitendra|date=8 November 2016|work=[[The Kathmandu Post]]|quote=Some devotees go to river banks to worship the sun by prostrating themselves the entire distance.|access-date=11 November 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161111191013/http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/news/2016-11-08/sun-worshippers.html|archive-date=11 November 2016}}</ref>

Environmentalists have claimed that the festival of [https://www.nagariknewz.com/2020/11/local%2004.html Chhath] <ref>{{Cite web|date=18 November 2020|title=ছটপুজো নিয়ে প্রশাসনের বৈঠক জলপাইগুড়িতে । আদালতের নির্দেশ মেনে ছটপুজোতেও বন্ধ বাজি ও শোভাযাত্রা|url=https://www.nagariknewz.com/2020/11/local%2004.html|website=Nagarik News}}</ref> is one of the most eco-friendly religious festivals that should be used to spread "the message of nature conservation".<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Nov 6|first1=Piyush Tripathi / TNN / Updated|last2=2016|last3=Ist|first3=13:03|title=Chhath the most eco-friendly festival: Environmentalists {{!}} Patna News - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/chhath-the-most-eco-friendly-festival-environmentalists/articleshow/55266563.cms|access-date=2021-04-25|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/1141028/jsp/bihar/story_18972561.jsp|title=Ode to god of green things|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170801122445/https://www.telegraphindia.com/1141028/jsp/bihar/story_18972561.jsp|archive-date=1 August 2017}}</ref> Moreover, it's arguably one of few Hindu festivals that transcend the rigid caste system, which emerged in the post-Vedic period, to touch upon the ideas of "equality, fraternity, unity and integrity. Every devotee—elite or middle class (and caste)—prepares almost similar Prasad and other items to offer to the Almighty. All the devotees without any distinction in caste, colour or economy, arrive at the bank of rivers or ponds for extending prayers."<ref>http://english.lokaantar.com/articles/chhath-puja-festival-sun-god-cleanliness-equality-fraternity/</ref><ref>https://m.livehindustan.com/astrology/story-chhath-puja-chhath-parva-brings-equality-among-society-read-how-2261081.html</ref>

Although the festival is observed most elaborately in [[Madhesh]] (southern) region of [[Nepal]] and Indian states of [[Bihar]], [[Jharkhand]] and [[Eastern Uttar Pradesh|UP]], it is also more prevalent in areas where migrants from those areas have a presence. It is celebrated in all Northern regions and major Northern urban centers in India. The festival is celebrated in the regions including but not exclusive to the [[Northeast India|northeast region of India]], [[Madhya Pradesh]], [[Bihar]], [[Uttarkhand]], [[Uttar Pradesh]], [[Chhattisgarh]], [[Jharkhand]], [[West Bengal]], [[Rajasthan]] [[Mumbai]], [[Mauritius]], [[Fiji]], [[South Africa]], [[Trinidad and Tobago]], [[Guyana]], [[Suriname]], [[Jamaica]], other parts of the [[Caribbean]], [[United States]], [[United Kingdom]], [[Republic of Ireland]], [[Australia]], [[New Zealand]], [[Malaysia]], [[Macau]], [[Japan]] and [[Indonesia]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://jaibihar.com/surat-1-lakh-to-celebrate-chhath-puja/13529/ |title=Surat 1 lakh to celebrate chhath puja |work=Jai Bihar |date=22 October 2009 |access-date=2009-12-14 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100103174842/http://jaibihar.com/surat-1-lakh-to-celebrate-chhath-puja/13529/ |archive-date=3 January 2010 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://jaibihar.com/15-lakh-to-observe-chhath-puja-in-delhi/13535/ |title=15 lakh to observe Chhath Puja in Delhi |work=Jai Bihar |date=22 October 2009 |access-date=2009-12-14 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091102225314/http://jaibihar.com/15-lakh-to-observe-chhath-puja-in-delhi/13535/ |archive-date=2 November 2009 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report_juhu-beach-decks-up-for-worshipping-the-sun-god_1302371|title=Juhu Beach decks up for worshiping the sun god|work=Daily News and Analysis|date=24 October 2009|access-date=2009-12-14|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120228205155/http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report_juhu-beach-decks-up-for-worshipping-the-sun-god_1302371|archive-date=28 February 2012}}</ref>

Chhath Puja, also known as Surya Shashthi is celebrated on Kartik Shukla Shashthi. This festival is celebrated after 6 days of Diwali and mainly celebrated in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkhand with great devotion. On Chhath Puja, worshiping Sun God and Chhathi maiya helps you gain health, wealth and happiness. In the last few years, Chhath Pooja has got a special significance as a folk festival. This is the reason why the festival is celebrated with great pomp and show.

== Significance of Chhath Puja & Chhathi Maiya ==
The Chhath Puja is dedicated to the Sun God. The sun is the god visible to every being, is the basis of life of all creatures on earth{{Citation needed|date=November 2020}} Along with the Sun God, Chhathi Maiya is also worshipped on this day. According to [[Hindu astrology|Vedic Astrology]], Chhathi maiya or Chhathi mata protects the offspring and provides longevity to them.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|date=2019-11-01|title=Chhath Puja 2019: History, significance, and why it is celebrated|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/more-lifestyle/chhath-puja-2019-history-significance-and-why-it-is-celebrated/story-SmMIr4U3oNcHhFCejiokSN.html|access-date=2020-11-18|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref>

In the Hindu religion, the Shashthi Devi has also been known as Manas Daughter of Brahma ji. In the Puranas, she is also said to be the mother Katyayani, who is worshiped on Navratri on the Shashti date. Shashthi Devi is said to be Chhath Maiya in the local language of Bihar-Jharkhand-UP.

As per legends, Chhath Puja is being performed from early Vedic period by sages who would fast for days and perform the puja with mantras from [[Rigveda]]. It is believed that Chhath Puja was also performed by Karna, the sun of Lord Surya and the king of Anga desh, which is the modern day [[Bhagalpur]] in Bihar. According to another legend, Pandavas and Draupadi also performed the Puja to overcome obstacles in their lives and gain their lost kingdom.<ref name=":0" />

For the people from Bihar-UP-Jharkhand and other close by areas, Chhath Puja is considered as Mahaparva.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Honour religious sentiments of people, lift Chhath Puja ban at public places: BJP chief to Delhi govt|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/delhi/2020/nov/13/honour-religious-sentiments-of-people-lift-chhath-puja-ban-at-public-places-bjp-chief-to-delhi-govt-2223330.html|access-date=2021-04-04|website=The New Indian Express}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Bureau|first=ABP News|date=2020-11-19|title=Chhath 2020 Wishes: Check Chhath Greetings, Quotes & SMS To Send To Your Loved Ones|url=https://news.abplive.com/lifestyle/happy-chhath-2020-wishes-messages-chhath-2020-celebration-quotes-sms-and-whatsapp-status-1392260|access-date=2021-04-04|website=ABP Live|language=en}}</ref>

== The Festival of Chhath Puja ==
Chhath Puja is a folk festival that lasted four days. This is a four-day festival, which starts with Kartik Shukla Chaturthi and ends with Kartik Shukla Saptami.

=== Nahaye Khaye (first day) ===
This is the first day of Chhath Puja. This means that after bathing, the house is cleaned and food after keeping it in front of the God is eaten to protect the mind from the vengeful tendency.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-11-16|title=Chhath Puja 2020 Date and Time: Know about the date, days and time of Pratihar sashthi|url=https://english.jagran.com/lifestyle/chhath-puja-date-2020-when-is-chhath-puja-pratihar-sashthi-days-time-and-rituals-all-you-need-to-know-10019925|access-date=2020-11-18|website=Jagran English}}</ref>

=== Kharna (Second Day) ===
Kharna is the second day of Chhath Puja. Kharna means the fast of the whole day. On this day, the devotees are not allowed to drink even a single drop of water. In the evening, they can eat gur ki kheer (jaggery kheer), fruits and chapati (Bread) full of ghee.<ref>{{Cite web|last=नवभारतटाइम्स.कॉम|date=2019-11-01|title=छठ पर्व से जुड़ी ये खास बातें नहीं जानते होंगे आप, इसलिए पानी में उतरकर दिया जाता है अर्घ्‍य|url=https://navbharattimes.indiatimes.com/astro/photo/today-is-second-day-of-chhath-pooja-know-about-nahay-khay-kharna-and-sasthi-maiya-68852/|access-date=2020-11-18|website=नवभारत टाइम्स|language=hi-IN}}</ref>

=== Sandhya Arghya (Third Day) ===
On the third day of Chhath puja, an arghya is offered to the sun god during the Kartik Shukla Shashthi. In the evening, a [[bamboo]] basket is decorated with fruits, thekua and rice laddus, after which devotees offer an arghya to the sun with their families. At the time of Arghya, water and milk is offered to Sun God and the Chhathi Maiya is worshiped from a soop filled with prasad. After the worship of Sun God, Shashthi Devi songs are sung in the night and the vrat katha is heard.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Karki|first=Tripti|date=2019-11-02|title=Chhath Puja 2019 {{!}} Day 3-Sandhya Arghya {{!}} Significance, Puja Vidhi and Mantra|url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/lifestyle/news-chhath-puja-2019-day-3-sandhya-arghya-significance-puja-vidhi-mantra-560235|access-date=2020-11-18|website=indiatvnews.com|language=en}}</ref>

=== Usha Arghya (Fourth Day) ===
On the last day of Chhath puja in the morning, an arghya is offered to the Sun God. On this day, before sunrise, the devotees have to go to the riverbank to offer an arghya to the rising sun. After this, the protection of the child from Chhathi maiya and the happiness of the entire family is sought for peace. After worship, devotees drink sharbat and raw milk, and eat a little prasad in order to break one's fast which is called Paran or Parana.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-11-01|title=Chhath Puja 2019: Sunrise, sunset timings and significance of Usha Arghya|url=https://english.jagran.com/lifestyle/chhath-puja-2019-live-updates-sunrise-sunset-timings-kharna-vrat-vidhi-muhurat-bihar-uttar-pradesh-jharkhand-10005804|access-date=2020-11-18|website=Jagran English}}</ref>

== Chhath Puja Vidhi ==
[[File:Chhat Puja Material.jpg|thumb|150px|left|Chhat Puja Offerings]]

Get all the samagri before the Chhath puja and offer an arghya to Sun God:

● 1 large bamboo baskets, 3 soop made of bamboo or brass, plate, milk and glass

● Rice, red vermilion, lamp, coconut, turmeric, sugarcane, suthani, vegetable and sweet potato

● Pear, big lemons, honey, paan, whole herd, caravans, camphor, sandalwood and dessert

● As prasad, take thekua, malpua, kheer-puri, semolina pudding, rice ladoos.

== Chhath Puja Arghya Vidhi ==
Place the above Chhath puja samagri in the bamboo basket. Put the whole prasad in soop and burn the lamp in the soop. Then, all the women stand in knee deep water with traditional soop in their hands to offer an arghya to the sun.

== Legend Associated with Chhath Puja ==
The Chhathi Maiya is worshiped on the Chhath festival, which is also mentioned in the Brahma Vaivarta Purana. According to a legend, King Priyavrat, son of First Manu Swayambhu, had no children. Because of this, he used to be very sad. Maharishi Kashyap asked him to do a yajna. According to Maharishis orders, he performed a yajna for a son. After this, Queen Malini gave birth to a son but unfortunately the baby was born dead. King and other family members were very sad because of this. Only then a craft seen in the sky, where Mata Shashthi was sitting. When the king prayed to her, then she introduced herself and said that - I am the manas daughter of Lord Brahma, Shashthi Devi. I protect all the children of the world and give the blessings of children to all childless parents.

After this, Goddess blessed the lifeless child with her hands, so that he was alive. The king was very pleased with the grace of Goddess and he worshiped the goddess Shashthi Devi. It is believed that after this puja, this festival is celebrated worldwide.

== Religious and Cultural Significance of Chhath Puja ==
Chhath Puja is a festival of religious and cultural importance. This is the only festival in which the Sun is worshipped and offered an arghya. Arghya is offered in the evening and in the morning to the setting and rising sun respectively. The worship of the sun in the Hindu religion is of great importance. He is the only God whom we can see on a regular basis. In the Vedas, the Sun God is called the soul of the world. The light of the sun has the ability to destroy many diseases. With the auspicious effect of the sun, the person gets health, wealth and self-confidence. In Vedic astrology, the sun is said to be the factor of soul, father, ancestor, respect and high government services. On the occasion of Chhath Puja, 'Chhathi Maiya' is also worshipped and hailed. It is said doing this Puja brings fortunes, well- being for the children, pleasure and desire. Culturally, the main feature of this festival is the simplicity of tradition, love for purity and nature.

== Significance of Chhath Puja the Astrological Way ==

{{Empty section|date=December 2020}}

==Types of Chhath Puja==
* Chaitra Chhath - Distinctly known as "Chaiti Chhath", this is observed in the [[Chaitra]] month of [[Vikram Samvat]].
* Kartik Chhath - Popularly called "Chhath", this is celebrated at a very large scale in the [[Kartika (month)|Kartika]] month of [[Vikram Samvat]].

==History==
[[File:Sun-temple DEO Aurangabad Bihar,India.jpg|thumb|200px|left|[[Deo Surya Mandir]] World Top Sun Temple in [[Deo, Bihar]], [[Aurangabad district, Bihar|Aurangabad Bihar]], [[India]]]]<ref>{{Cite web|last=Merala|first=Dilip|date=2017-10-24|title=Chhath Puja 2017: Famous Sun Temples in Bihar to Witness Chhath Puja Celebrations|url=https://www.india.com/travel/articles/chhath-puja-2017-famous-sun-temples-in-bihar-to-witness-chhath-puja-celebrations-3228015/|access-date=2021-04-25|website=India News, Breaking News {{!}} India.com|language=en}}</ref>
Chhath is a Vedic ritual dedicated to Hindu solar deity [[Surya]], and goddess [[Shashthi]] (also called Chhathi Maiyya).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.speakingtree.in/allslides/why-do-we-celebrate-chhath-puja|title=Why do we celebrate Chhath Puja?|author=Prateek Pathak|publisher=SpeakingTree|access-date=2 November 2019}}</ref> It has also been mentioned in both the major Indian epics - In [[Ramayana]], when Rama and Sita returned [[Ayodhya]], then people celebrated [[Deepawali]], and on its sixth day Ramrajya was established. On this day [[Rama]] and [[Sita]] kept fast and Surya Shashthi/Chhath Puja was performed by Sita. Hence, she was blessed with Luv and Kush as their sons. While in the [[Mahabharata]], Chhath Puja was performed by Kunti after they escaped from Lakshagrih.

==Rituals and traditions==

The main worshipers, called {{transl|sa|parvaitin}} (from Sanskrit ''parv'', meaning "occasion" or "festival"), are usually women. However, many men also observe this festival as Chhath is not a gender-specific festival.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/Men-not-far-behind-women-in-celebrating-Chhath/articleshow/55251895.cms|title=Men not far behind women in celebrating Chhath|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161111122821/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/Men-not-far-behind-women-in-celebrating-Chhath/articleshow/55251895.cms|archive-date=11 November 2016}}</ref> The {{transl|sa|parvaitin}} pray for the well-being of their family, and for the prosperity of their offspring. In some communities, once a family member starts performing Chhath Puja, it is their compulsory duty to perform it every year and to pass it on to the following generations. The festival is skipped only if there happens to be a death in the family that year. If the person stops performing the ritual on any particular year, it stops permanently and one cannot resume it. In other communities, this is not mandatory.
[[File:Chhat Puja Prayers.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Woman performing Chhat Puja]]
Chhath Puja is a four-day event. Entire house, its surrounding and pathways to the Ghaat is thoroughly cleaned. It starts with
* Kaddu Bhaat or Nahai Khai - The Parvaitin cooks the most Satvik Kaddu Bhaat (Bottle Gourd and Bengal Gram Lentil preparation with Arva Rice Bhaat) This preparation is served to the deity in the afternoon as Bhog. This initiates the parv and is the last meal of the Parvaitin during Chhath Puja
* Kharna - This is observed the next day of Kaddu Bhaat or on the eve of Pahli Arag (Arghya). The preparation starts in the afternoon. Parvaitin Cooks a Rice and Jaggery Kheer with [[Dosti Poori]], other seasonal fruits and dry fruits as also offered to the deity as naivedya (bhoga)
* Pahli Arag
* Dusri Arag

The prasad offerings include sweets, [[Kheer]], [[Thekua]] and fruits (mainly sugarcane, sweet lime and banana) offered in small bamboo soop [[winnow]]s. The food is strictly vegetarian and is cooked without salt, onions or garlic. Emphasis is put on maintaining the purity of the food.<ref name=toi_thekua>{{cite news|title='Rasiao-kheer', 'thekua' make for festive platter|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-11-01/ludhiana/30345212_1_chhath-puja-ancient-hindu-festival-sun-god|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130511191915/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-11-01/ludhiana/30345212_1_chhath-puja-ancient-hindu-festival-sun-god|url-status=dead|archive-date=11 May 2013|access-date=13 March 2012|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]| date=1 November 2011}}</ref>

== Sandhya Arghya (evening offerings) ==
This day is spent preparing the prasad (offerings)at home. On the eve of this day, the entire household accompanies the Vratins to a riverbank, pond or a common large water body to make the offerings (Arghya) to the setting sun. It is during this phase of Chhath Puja that the devotees offer prayers to the just setting sun. The occasion is almost a carnival. Besides the Vratins, there are friends and family, and numerous participants and onlookers, all willing to help and receive the blessings of the worshipper. The folk songs are sung on the evening of Chhath.

After returning from ghat to home the vratins perform the ritual of kosi bharai. In this ritual the vratis along with other family members involve to perform all the rituals regarding kosi bharai. They took 5 to 7 sugarcanes and they tied them together to form mandap and beneath the shed of that mandap 12 to 24 earthen lamps are burnt and offerings like thekua and other seasonal fruits offered there.. The same ritual is repeated in the ghat next morning in between 3:00 am to 4:00 am and afterwards the vratis offers arghya or offerings to the rising sun.

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Chhath}}
{{HinduFestivals}}
{{Bihar topics}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Culture of Bihar]]
[[Category:Festivals in Bihar]]
[[Category:Religious festivals in India]]
[[Category:Religious festivals in Nepal]]
[[Category:Public holidays in Nepal]]
[[Category:October observances]]
[[Category:November observances]]
[[Category:Hindu festivals]]
[[Category:Culture of Mithila]]
[[Category:Water and Hinduism]]
[[Category:Autumn events in Nepal]]

Chhath - Revision history

PriscillaNair10: expanded layout and corrected details to improve readability

>InternetArchiveBot: Rescuing 1 sources and tagging 0 as dead.) #IABot (v2.0.8