Auspicious four-day Chhath Puja commences with 'Nahai-Khai' | Pics

The annual Chhath Puja festival started with devotees embarking on a four-day long and strict spiritual observance. Also known as Surya Shashti, the major Hindu festival celebrates the Sun god and is widely celebrated in north Indian belt, especially in states of Bihar, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh. The festival starts with 'Nahai-Khai' - the ritual to eat ‘Kaddu-Chawal’ (rice and pumpkin) on day one, observing day-long fast, preparing prasad (offerings) and ending the festival with praying to setting and rising Sun while taking a dip in a water body. In addition to Sun god, people also pray to Chhathi Maiya for their families well being, prosperity and and progress.