Thousands from the Indian community congregated in Melbourne, Australia, and Virginia, USA, to celebrate the sacred festival of Chhath Puja. This festival is a symbol of Indian tradition, where the Sun God is worshipped every year. During this time, devotees fast and offer prayers to the Sun God at riverbanks and ponds.
In Melbourne and Virginia, community members participated in the traditional Kharna ritual on Wednesday. During Kharna, devotees fast from dawn to dusk, abstaining even from water, signifying physical and mental purification.
To conduct the Chhath Puja by the riverside in Virginia, permission was obtained from local authorities. A local resident shared with PTI, 'When we came here, we were concerned about celebrating Chhath Puja and questioned where we would find a river. Then, we found a park by the river which seemed suitable for Chhath Puja if we could get approval.'
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The resident further stated, 'We contacted the county and park officials who had no objections. Since then, Chhath is celebrated here by the river every year, with around 700 people attending the festival by the lake today.'
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Another resident mentioned that for many in America, seeing people with a large vermilion mark on the forehead and conducting riverbank prayers was initially unusual, but now they understand it. 'Now even Americans come to ask for the offerings. When we give them Thekua, they eat it happily. It’s all possible thanks to our friends' support. Initially, only 7-8 families began this, but now many families create an atmosphere reminiscent of the Ganga Ghats here.'
Chhath Puja is among the most sacred festivals in Bihar, Jharkhand, and eastern Uttar Pradesh. This festival is dedicated to the Sun God, considered the source of life. Through Chhath Puja, people seek blessings from the Sun God for longevity, health, and prosperity.
