Chhath Festival
Chhath Puja is one of the main festival of people of Bihar। Chhath Puja is dedicated to Sun God and worshiping is done by everyone without the difference of cast or creed. It is celebrated right after Diwali festival. The best place to experience Chhath Puja is Bragaon near Nalanda which is noted for its Sun Temple. Unlike other festivals which are full of exuberance and expansive celebrations, Chhath Puja is more mellowed down festival for prayers. It is more of thanks giving to Sun God. One day before the Chhath Puja, people gather on the banks of River Ganga and clean themselves. They keep a fast till the late evening. After the Chhath puja, a grand feast consisting of rice, puris, bananas, coconut and grapefruits is served. On the next day, it is mandatory to keep a 24 hour fast where not even a glass of water is allowed. Women cleanse all the utensils in the home. They then go to river bank to pay their homage to Sun God. It is only after the prayers and taking a bath in the river is the fast considered over.
