Four-day Indian festival of Sun worship concludes

The four-day Hindu festival Chhath Puja concludes on Friday. Devotees honour the Sun God and pray for the health, prosperity and longevity of relatives and dear ones. The unique rituals include offering prayers to the rising and setting Sun, standing at the water bodies.

The festival starts with a 36-hour fast avoiding even water. Chhath is traditionally celebrated in the north Indian states of India, The festival is also gaining global popularity because of the Indian diaspora who celebrate the festival abroad to continue feeling connected to their roots.