The Sun God, Surya, the god of energy and of the life-force, is worshipped during the Chhath Puja to promote well-being, prosperity and progress.
Chhath Puja is also known as Surya Shashti, Chhath, Chhathi, Chhath Parv, Dala Puja and Dala Chhath.
छठ पूजा का दिन 1:
नहाय खाय (तृतीया)
छठ पूजा का दिन 2:
लोहंडा और खरना (चतुर्थी)
छठ पूजा का दिन 3:
छठ पूजा, सन्ध्या अर्घ्य (षष्ठी)
छठ पूजा का दिन 4:
उषा अर्घ्य, पारण का दिन (सप्तमी)
Chhath Puja is dedicated to Lord Surya. Lord Surya is worshipped during four days of Chhath Puja. Chhath Puja fasting is mainly observed by women folks for the well-being of sons and the happiness of the family. Chhath Puja is mainly observed in the Indian state of Bihar and adjoining Nepal.
The worshipping of Sun God spans for four days. The first day of Chhath is known as Nahay Khay. The holy dip in water body, especially in river Ganga, is taken on this day. Women folks who observe Chhath take only single meal on this day.
The second day of Chhath is known as Kharna. On this day fasting without water is observed from the sunrise to the sunset. The fast is broken just after sunset after making food offering the Sun God. The third day fasting begins after having Prasad on the second day.
A full day fast without water is observed on the third main day of Chhath Puja. Offering Arghya to the setting Sun is the main ritual of the day. It is the only time of the year when Arghya is given to the setting Sun. The third day fasting continues throughout the night. Parana is done on the next day after sunrise.
On the fourth and final day of Chhath, Arghya is given to the rising Sun and it is known as Usha Arghya. The 36 hours long fast is broken after given Arghya to the Sun.
The Chhath Puja is also known as Pratihar, Dala Chhath, Chhathi and Surya Shashthi.
