This ancient Hindu festival, traditionally celebrated in the central states of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, is devoted to the worship of Surya, the Sun God. Unlike most other festivals that pray to an idol, Chhath Puja sees devotees flocking to nearby water bodies to offer prayers to the sun at sunset. In several parts, women fast for up to 36 hours and take holy baths in the Ganges at sunrise and sunset. The philosophy behind this day focuses on imbibing the healing properties of the sun, which are considered to be essential to detoxify and balance the energies inherent in human beings.
