Chhath Puja: Chhath, the great festival of folk faith being celebrated with pomp across the country
Today, on the sixth day of Shukla Paksha of Kartik month, the first Arghya will be given to Astachalgami i.e. the setting sun.
This holy festival, associated with the special worship of the visible deity Lord Surya and Chhathi Maiya, is celebrated with great pomp in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and other parts of the country. This picture is of Ganga river in Patna. Before offering Arghya to the setting sun, women took bath in the Ganges today.
In the Sanatan tradition, the fast for Lord Surya and the sixth mother is kept with great rules and restraint. It is believed that the person who observes this fast according to the law, all his wishes are fulfilled by the sixth Maya. In Chhath fasting, there is a law to especially offer Arghya to the Sun God, who gives the boon of good luck and health, at the time of rising and setting.
Chhath fasting women apply special vermilion from the nose till the demand. It is believed that long vermilion is auspicious for the husband and it is also a symbol of happiness and prosperity in the family. It is believed that the longer the vermilion, the longer will be the husband's life.
Chhath, the great festival of folk faith, is a festival to connect with nature. It is also a haven for sobbing culture and eroding rivers and ponds. Chhath Vratis do not rise with the intention of cultural encroachment and possession of rivers. People come here not to spread pollution, but to clean the rivers and awaken the consciousness of Sanatan culture.