Chhath Puja

The Sun God, Surya, the god of energy and of the life force, is worshiped during the Chhath Puja to promote well being, prosperity and progress.Chhath is an ancient Hindu festival and only Vedic Festival dedicated to the Hindu Sun God, Surya and Chhathi Maiya (ancient Vedic Goddess Usha).The Chhath Puja is performed in order to thank Surya for sustaining life on earth and to request the granting of certain wishes.The Sun, considered the god of energy and of the life force, is worshiped during the Chhath festival to promote well being, prosperity and progress.In Hinduism, Sun worship is believed to help cure a variety of diseases, including leprosy, and helps ensure the longevity and prosperity of family members, friends, and elders.The rituals of the festival are rigorous and are observed over a period of four days.They include holy bathing, fasting and abstaining from drinking water (Vratta), standing in water for long periods of time, and offering prashad (prayer offerings) and arghya to the setting and rising sun.