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Sun (Surya), the most revered natural element, is
the object of veneration during the Chhath Puja, celebrated after six days of
Diwali.
Celebrated mainly in Bihar, but also in Varnasi, Chhath centers round the worship
of Surya, the sun, who is offered flowers and the holy waters of the Ganga. Temporary
shrines are made of sugarcane stalks. Crowds throng the riverbank for the ritual
worship and bath or wait their turn by the river.
Freshly harvested paddy, home made sweets and fruits are offered to the Sun God.
It is celebrated with special pomp and show at the Sun Temple in Baragaon near
Nalanda in Bihar. The place is also known as Surajpur Baragaon, where the fair
is held in April-May and October-November. |
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