Chhath Puja 2024: What Is It and Why Is It the Most Important?
Chhath Puja, a festival celebrated with great fervour, holds a special place in the hearts of millions in India, particularly among the people of Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh. Observed primarily to thank the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya for the bounties of life and to pray for the well-being of children, this festival emphasises the significance of nature and the elements in our lives. Significance of Chhath Puja Chhath Puja is a four-day festival that involves rituals of fasting, bathing, and offering prayers to the rising and setting sun. Devotees gather near riverbanks or water bodies, where they perform various rituals, including the famous "Kharna ," where they break their fast with offerings made from jaggery and rice. The final day, known as " Usha Arghya, " is dedicated to offering prayers to the rising sun, seeking blessings for health, prosperity, and especially for the safe birth of children. The connection of Chhath Puja with chil