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Devotees Gather at Dawn to Celebrate Chhath Puja's Usha Arghya Ritual
28 Oct
Summary
- Chhath Puja honors the Sun God and his consort Usha
- Usha Arghya is the final and most sacred ritual of the festival
- Devotees offer water, sweets, fruits and lamps to the rising sun
Chhath Puja, a deeply rooted tradition in Bihar and observed across India, is a sacred Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of the Sun God and his consort Usha. The festival, celebrated after Diwali and Bhai Dooj, commenced on October 25th and will conclude on October 28th with the Usha Arghya - the final and most significant ritual.
On this day, devotees will gather at rivers, ponds or water bodies to offer prayers and gratitude to the rising sun. They will present water, sweets, fruits and lamps as an expression of their wishes for health, vitality and family well-being. The morning's first light symbolizes renewal, purity and the triumph of light over darkness.
Once the final offering to the rising sun is made, devotees will break their nearly 36-hour-long fast by consuming Prasad and water - a ritual known as Parana. This act will mark the successful conclusion of the Chhath Vrat, a testament to the devotion and faith of the worshippers.
