What is Chhath Pooja:
Chhath festival is mainly celebrated in the state of Bihar and also in Nepal with great enthusiasm. During the festival, the married women folks observe fast for the well-being of their children and the happiness of their family members.
The festival is celebrated for four days. The first day of Chhath is called Nahay Khay. On this day, the women folk who observe the fast take a sacred bath, especially in the river Ganga and observe fast for the whole day, taking only single meal.
The second day is called Kharna. Fasting is observed from sunrise to sunset without taking a single drop of water. The fast is broken just after the sunset, making and offering Parsad to the Sun God. After Prasad is served on the second day, fasting for the next day begins.
On the third day, fast is observed for the whole day without taking water. The third day, known as Sanjhiya Ghat, is the main day of Chhath Puja. Arghya is offered to the Sun god at the time of sun set and it is believed to be the only time of the year when arghya is offered to the setting Sun. Third day’s fasting continues throughout the night. The Parna begins the next day after sunrise.
On the fourth and final day of the Chhath Puja, Arghya is offered to the rising Sun, which is known as Usha Argya. After that, the devotees break the 36 hours long fast.
