Chhath Puja is the most important festival of Bihar, dedicated to Lord Surya (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya. This four-day festival is celebrated with unprecedented devotion and rigor.

The Four Days of Chhath

• Nahay Khay: The first day involves a holy bath and preparing traditional food.
• Kharna: Devotees observe a fast without water from sunrise to sunset, breaking it after offering kheer (rice pudding) to the gods.
• Sandhya Arghya: The main day when devotees offer prayers to the setting sun while standing in water.
• Usha Arghya: The final day concludes with offerings to the rising sun.

The Significance

Chhath Puja is believed to purify the mind and body, and is celebrated with great enthusiasm across Bihar, especially in the rural areas.