Chhath Puja is a culturally ancient, deeply rigorous Hindu festival uniquely devoted to the Sun God (Surya) and his sister, Chhathi Maiya. Unlike most festivals, it does not involve any idol worship; instead, it is a magnificent celebration of natural elements, expressing profound gratitude to the Sun for sustaining life on Earth. In West Bengal, particularly along the banks of the Hooghly river and large water bodies, the festival is observed with immense scale and devotion by the Bihari diaspora and local communities alike.

History: Chhath Puja is one of the oldest continuing festivals in the Indian subcontinent, with roots tracing arguably back to the Vedic age. Legends suggest that characters from the epic Mahabharata, including Draupadi and Karna (the son of Surya), originally performed this sacred puja to overcome extraordinary hardships and regain lost kingdoms. It beautifully retains its incredibly pure, eco-friendly tradition over thousands of years.

Significance: The festival is legendary for its extreme purity and rigorous fasting rules. Devotees (Vratis) endure a grueling 36-hour waterless fast. It promotes a profound environmental harmony, as worship explicitly requires standing in natural water bodies at sunset and sunrise.