Web Magazine

Colorful photos from the celebrations of the festival Chhath Puja or Surya, which was held in India last week. During the festival Hindus worship the god of the sun and fasted all day to ensure the welfare of his family and friends. Surya Puja is celebrated twice a year - once in summer (May-July) Chaiti Chhath, and once in October and November - Kartik Chhath, which is celebrated six days after the festival of Deepavali. First day began with a ritual bathing (preferably in the river Ganges), and then the faithful abstain from work at home and fast for four days.

1. A woman prays to the Sun God during the festival, Surya Puja in Mumbai on November 4. The authorities threw all their forces to strengthen security in the city, fearing the response of reconstructive party in Maharashtra, the selected item of its attacks against migrant workers in the financial and entertainment capital. (AP / Rajanish Kakade)

2. Hindu worship during the festival, Surya Puja in Hyderabad on November 4. Chhath is celebrated on the sixth day of the lunar month of Kartik, especially popular in Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. Surya Puja begins before sunrise. (AP / Mahesh Kumar A.)

3. Hindus pray to the Sun God on the banks of the Ganges during the festival. In the background towering landmark of Calcutta - the bridge Hauri. (AP / Bikas Das)

4. Woman crawling to the temple during the ritual offerings on the occasion of Chhath festival at Amritsar. (AP / Altaf Qadri)

5. Indian woman praying to God of the Sun in the river Ganges in the Indian city of Patna. Traditionally, believers of ritual bathing in sacred rivers, the sun is welcomed by singing mantras and hymns, praying with folded hands. (AP / Aftab Alam Siddiqui)

6. The prayer of Hindus in the Ganges during the Chhath festival. Sun God Surya is worshiped as the god of energy and vitality, and during the festival worship him and ask about the welfare, prosperity and progress. (AP / Bikas Das)

7. Indian believers pray to God of the Sun at Amritsar. According to a centuries-old tradition of the Hindus offer Suryo offerings, including sandalwood, vermilion, rice and fruit. (AP / Altaf Qadri)

8. Beginning of the festival celebrated the ritual bathing in the Ganges and one of the main rituals - it’s long stay in water, preferably - in the sacred waters of the Ganges. (AP / Rajesh Kumar Singh)

9. Women pray and make offerings to the Sun God in New Delhi. Chhath is the most popular in Bihar, Jharkhand and in the Terai region of Nepal. (AP / Saurabh Das)

10. The Indians are preparing for the ritual on the banks of the Ganges River in Calcutta. Hindus believe that the worship of the sun can cure various diseases, to ensure longevity and prosperity of family and friends. (AP / Bikas Das)

11. Indian couple performed the rituals on the River Ganges in Calcutta. (AP / Bikas Das)

12. Hindus make offerings to the sun on the banks of the Ganges River in Calcutta. Traditionally, Surya Puja lasts four days. (AP / Bikas Das)