Rivers of Light, People, Flowers and Fruits: Chhat has Arrived

Every year, on the sixth (‘chhath’ in Hindi, Bhojpuri) day in the month of Kartika of the Hindu lunar calendar (October/November in the Gregorian one), a four-day frenzy of fasting and ritual purification takes place in Bihar and other parts of the country.

Human waves of turmeric yellow and scarlet surround water bodies, gazing reverentially at the rising sun. Parched throats make an offering of fruits and flowers to rivers and, in the approaching dusk, thousands of diyas are let upon the water, a sea of floating stars fit to rival the one above.

Chhath Puja has arrived.