Tomorrow to mark the beginning of Chhat Puja

Tomorrow will mark the beginning of Chhat Puja in the country where most north Indian communities will offer their prayer to the Sun god and Chhati Maiyya for four days. It is known to be a tough festival to follow, where even a small mistake in rituals may attract divine wrath.

This festival is in the honour of Shasti Devi who is known to save the lives of children. She is offered prayers seeking a male child and safety of their children. A water offering is made to the Sun God in the morning and evening of all four days. People have to follow the structure of the puja which includes fasting, sometimes without water too.

"On the first day, rice and chana are cooked on burning wood and offered to the goddess. A sweet called 'thekua' is made from wheat and sugar," said Ragini Gautam, a corporate comunication consultant from Malad. Kheer made from milk and jaggery and fruits are also offered during the puja.

On the evening of October 29, the first prayers to the goddess will be offered. Water offering or 'argya' to the Sun God on the morning of October 30 will mark the last prayers. Devotees who have their prayers answered in the form of a child, stand in knee deep water overnight to thank the gods for their blessings. "There are many artificial ponds in the city where people can stand in knee deep water and offer 'argya'. It is a festival mostly celebrated in Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh but has reached all metro cities. It focuses a lot on purity of traditions and people believe that the Sun is the only God you can see and so repose more faith in it," said Manoj Singh Rajput, spokesperson of Bihar foundation and a resident of Oshiwara.