STAFF REPORTER / PATNA

The four days long Bihar religious and traditional Chhath festival worshipping the Sun God began with the ritual of Nahay Khaya Devotees especially women across the state are taking a holy dip in Ganga and other rivers, ponds and water bodies. After that, they will take cooked Arwa rice and bottle gourd as prasad. Tomorrow Kharna will be observed which mark the beginning of 36 hours long fast.

On Saturday devotees will pay their obeisance Sandhya Arghya to the setting Sun and the festival would end with Pratah Arghya on Sunday where obeisance will be paid to the rising Sun.

Bihar migrant residing across the country are returning to their home to celebrate Chhath Puja with families. The environment is pervasive with devotional and folk songs of Chhath puja which are being played at every nook and corner. Markets across the state are flooded with items used in the puja. Devotees are buying seasonal fruits, vegetables and other items essential in the festival.