Chhath Puja, the ancient Hindu festival dedicated to the Sun God, concluded today with an outpouring of devotion across India as thousands gathered to offer prayers to the rising sun. The festival, celebrated predominantly in Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh, has now gained nationwide significance, drawing crowds in cities across the country.
Varanasi: Devotion at the Ganga Ghats
In Varanasi, Chhath Puja celebrations reached a spiritual high as devotees assembled at the sacred Ganga ghats to offer their prayers. Women, standing in knee-deep water, completed the ritual by offering 'arghya' (sacred water) to the rising sun, marking the end of a 36-hour fast. They also applied vermillion, a prayer for the long life of their husbands. Families joined in the festivities, honoring the Sun God with devotion and maintaining traditional rituals in an age-old custom.
Lucknow: Devotees at the Chhath Ghat
In Lucknow, the Laxman Mela Ground saw large gatherings, as devotees arrived at the Chhath Ghat to offer their prayers. The festival continues to grow in popularity beyond its roots, with an increasing number of people in Uttar Pradesh partaking in the Chhath rituals.
Prayagraj: Women Offer Arghya With Faith
At the ghats of Prayagraj, women gathered to perform 'arghya,' standing waist-deep in water, their prayers filled with hope and faith. Once primarily celebrated in Bihar, Chhath has now expanded across India, with devotees in Prayagraj seeking Chhath Maiya's blessings and connecting with a shared cultural heritage.
Kolkata: Rani Dighi Lake Celebrations
In Kolkata, the Chhath festival concluded as men and women gathered at Rani Dighi Lake to offer their final 'arghya' of the year. Both men and women observed the Chhath fast and ended it with morning prayers to the Sun God. Devotees in Kolkata shared their experiences, expressing a deep sense of gratitude and fulfillment from partaking in this revered tradition.
Delhi: Chhath Devotees Gather at Humayunpur
In Delhi, large crowds gathered at the Chhath Ghat in Humayunpur, where devotees offered their final 'arghya' of the festival. The capital city saw an enthusiastic response to the celebrations, reflecting the widespread resonance of Chhath Puja among North Indian communities in the city.
Danapur, Bihar: Tradition at Patna’s Ghats
Danapur, located in the Patna district of Bihar, witnessed traditional Chhath Puja rituals at local ghats. Devotees gathered early at the banks to perform 'arghya,' marking the last day of the festival with a collective display of faith. The celebrations in Bihar, the heartland of Chhath, were as vibrant as ever, with families observing time-honored customs.
Chhath Puja, a four-day festival that includes fasting, offering prayers, and taking ritual baths, holds immense significance for millions of Hindus. While traditionally rooted in the states of Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh, the celebration has spread across the country, becoming a unifying festival that celebrates the Sun God’s divine light and blessings for health and prosperity.