Chhath Puja 2023: Devotees gathered to offer 'Araghya' to rising Sun in parts of Patna, Delhi

Ahead of celebrating the last day of the Chhath Puja festival – Day 4, devotees gathered on the banks of the Ganga river at Digha Ganga Ghat in Bihar’s Patna this morning (November 20) to worship the rising Sun.

Watch devotees performing Araghya:

#WATCH | Bihar: Devotees give 'Araghya' to the rising Sun in Patna as part of #ChhathPooja

(Visuals from Digha Ghat) pic.twitter.com/yF5ODgJRLd

— ANI (@ANI) November 20, 2023

Meanwhile, several people have also arrived at Central Park in Delhi’s Gautam Nagar, Kalindi Kunj, and ITO Ghat to offer prayers to “Chhath Maiya.”

#WATCH | Chhath preparations underway at Delhi's ITO Ghat. The festival will end today morning with 'Araghya' to the rising Sun. #ChhathPooja pic.twitter.com/cHMsf83wdb

— ANI (@ANI) November 19, 2023

#WATCH | Delhi: Chhath devotees arrive at Kalindi Kunj Ghat. The festival will end today morning with 'Araghya' to the rising Sun. #ChhathPooja pic.twitter.com/jQdR3TeveQ

— ANI (@ANI) November 19, 2023

Talking to ANI, a devotee said, “This tradition has been going on since we were kids. We do this every year. 'Chhath Maiya' ensures happiness in our family and so we do it.”

#WATCH | Bihar: A devotee says, "This tradition has been going on since we were kids. We do this every year. 'Chhath Maiya' ensures happiness in our family and so we do it..." https://t.co/1QTrdtTZ3i pic.twitter.com/bxB7Pnif0M

— ANI (@ANI) November 19, 2023

What is Chhath Puja?

The four-day festival of Chhath kickstarted on Friday and is regarded as the festival of purity, goodwill, and faith.

The Chhath Pooja is a festival in which devotees worship and make offerings to the setting and rising sun.

What happens on Day 4 of Chhath Puja?

On Day 4 of Chhath Puja, in the morning, the fasting devotees would make offerings to the rising sun and break the fast. Chhath Puja is celebrated every year with much exuberance in states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and Bengal.

However, celebrations are also witnessed in the national capital, where a large section of people from the aforementioned states live. Devotees especially take the fast and worship the sun for the long lives and well-being of their family members, also praying for their expectations and attempts to come true.

How did Chhath Puja start celebrating in India?

Notably, this trend of celebrating Chhath is believed to have started in the Hilly regions of Nepal after the political change of 1990 when democracy was restored in the Himalayan Nation. It is believed that a person's desires and prayers from the heart's core will bring blessings.

During the time of fasting, only those foods that are considered to be pure are consumed and cleanliness is one thing that is cared for the most during the period. This festival witnessed a high participation rate of women, is marked with fanfare and is also regarded as an occasion to take a break from household chores and be refreshed.