Chhath Puja 2017: All you need to know about the ancient festival dedicated to Sun God

Chhath Puja is performed in order to thank Lord Surya and Chhati Maiyya (Usha, Lord Surya's wife), for sustaining life on earth and to request the granting of certain wishes. Chhath means sixth because it falls on the sixth day of the month of Kartika (October/November) or simply on the sixth day after Diwali. God Surya is worshiped very passionately for the well being of their family and near and dear ones. Chhath Puja is celebrated mainly in the states of Bihar, UP, Jharkhand and some parts of Nepal. This year Chhath Puja, it starts on 24th October and continues until 27th October.

Nahay Khay: Chhath Puja ritual starts on the fourth day of Kartika month, Puja begins with Nahay Khay.The word Nahay Khay, Nahai means to bathe, and Khai means to eat. On the first day of Nahai Khai, devotees take a holy bath in a holy lake or river, to purify their sins. Then, they worship Lord Surya. Water from the holy river is carried to homes, which is later used in cooking food offerings for Surya which then continues for the next 36 hours. On this day devotees eats rice, gram pulses, and pumpkin vegetables sans onion and garlic. After eating the food sometime mid-noon, the Parvatin (devotee) starts the water-less-fast which is broken only the next day evening while observing 'Kharna' the second day of Chhath Puja. During this period of three nights and four days, the worshiper observes purity and sleeps on the floor. Since it falls in winter, a bed on rice straws is made by putting a blanket on it.

Kharna: 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 the food offering the Sun God. The third-day fasting begins after having Prasad on the second day.

Sandhya Argh: The third day of Chhath Puja is known as 'Sandhya Argh' as all the rituals take place in the evening. Devotees stand in water for long hours and pray for their family and loved ones. 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.

Suryodaya Argh: The fourth and the final day, also known as Suryodaya Argh is the day to offer early morning prayers to the God of life and energy followed by 'Parana' where devotees break their fast after 36 long hours.