Has the Delhi Government declared a holiday on Chhath Puja? Find out

Chhath Puja is a two-day festival that is celebrated in Delhi and nearby cities. Lieutenant Governor of Delhi has declared 2nd November as a holiday in all government offices in National Capital Territory of Delhi, on account of 'Chhath Puja.' 

Read Also | Chhath Puja 2019: Puja Muhurat, Date & Time-All You Need To Know

Chhath Puja

Chhath Puja is widely celebrated across Bihar, Jharkhand, and parts of eastern Uttar Pradesh. It is celebrated after four days of Diwali. Chhath Puja is a four-day-long festival which commenced on 31st October this year and will be celebrated until the 3rd of November 2019. The Chhath Puja is celebrated to thank the Sun God and his sister Shashti Devi also known as Chhathi Maiya who is believed to be a form of Goddess Durga. Chhath Puja is celebrated to show gratitude to the God of Sun and his sister for blessing the nature and the earth with life that would not have been possible without sunlight.

Read Also | Delhi CM Kejriwal Claims Victory, After AAP-BJP Clash Over Chhath Puja

There are two types of Chhath Puja celebrated in India and Nepal. One is celebrated in summer and one is celebrated again in winter. The Chhath Puja celebrated in summer is celebrated in the months of March and April. The Chhath Puja celebrated in winter falls in between the months of October and November. In winter, it is celebrated on Chaitra Shashthi. This event is called Chaiti Chhath.

Read Also | Patna Devotees Celebrate Chhath Puja

Puja Rituals

Chhath Puja is celebrated both by men and women. It is observed by women in the majority though. The people observing the Chhath Puja pray for the well-being of their family, and for the prosperity of their offspring. People start their day by taking the holy bath, and then fast throughout the day. They then stand and worship the sun for a long time and offer Prasad and Arghya to ‘Rising and setting Lord Surya”. Some worshipers observe fasting without even having water for 36 hours continuously.

Read Also | AAP MLA Dares BJP To Stop Him From Conducting Chhath Puja