By Vivek Dubey
CNBC-TV18.com
Published Nov 17, 2023
Chhath is an ancient Hindu Vedic festival native to Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh and neighbouring country Nepal.
It is celebrated on the sixth day of the Kartikeya month of the Hindu calendar.
"Chhath" translates to sixth in Bhojpuri, Maithili and Nepali dialects.
Chhath Puja is primarily the worship of the Sun God, who is believed to support life on earth.
Also known as Chhath parab in some places, the- festival has devotees offering their gratitude to the Sun God, along with Goddess Usha (the first rays of sunlight), and Pratyusha (the last rays before sunset).
According to Vedic Astrology, Chhathi maiya or mata ensures the protection and long life of one's children.
She is also known as Shashthi Devi, the adopted daughter of Lord Brahma.
In the Puranas, it is said that she is the mother of Katyayani, who is worshipped on the sixth day of Navratri.
The rituals are rigorous and are observed over a period of four days.
They include holy bathing, fasting and abstaining from drinking water, standing in water for long periods of time, and presenting offerings to the setting and rising sun.