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Almost all civilizations have worshipped the sun god. But it has an exclusive celebration in Bihar. The eastern parts of Uttar Pradesh and some parts of Madhya Pradesh also give great importance to this fast, beginning from the day after Diwali. The Tith is Chatt, hence the name. It

falls somewhere in October-November. Chatt Puja is the only occasion where the setting sun is worshipped. The people of Bihar have enormous trust in this festival. It is considered to be one of themost rewarding fasts and pujas. Lord Kartikeya –the first son of Shiva and Parvati- is prayed on this occasion along with the sun. It is celebrated twice a year. Once in ‘Chaitra’ which falls in March and in ‘Kartik ‘which falls in November. For this 4-day festival, people retain holiness and clarity from even a month ahead. Kartikeya is all-benevolent and said to have the power to fulfill all desires. The sun also given as much significance since it is the sustainer of life and becomes god in the Hindu way of life, both join in to bless the faithful during this week.

Therefore, women take on fast for the good of their family and the society. Despite of the social status, to rejoice this carnival only the assurance counts. Though it is a fiesta of the Hindus, some of the Muslims also partake vigorously in the puja. Women also sing the song of Chatt puja. It is the two days puja. The twilight argh and next day the sunrise argh to the Lord Sun.

Women offers grains, fruits etc. to the god Sun. Woman baths in the wintry water of lake or pond as it is the significant component of this puja. During this week people abstain from telling lies, smoking and gaming. They also become vegetarian for the extent, if they are non-vegetarians. Coffee and tea are allowed all through the day. In the evening the puja to Kartwik Bhagwan is performed in the puja room which has been duly decorated with flowers or kharia matti decorations on floor. Fresh flowers and garlands ornament the deities

The festivities become a community issue from now on. The main activities on the third day, known as Nahan Khan, are clearing the body thoroughly, cutting nails and washing the hair, wearing absolutely clean clothes, washing and cleaning the puja, and putting fresh tablecloths on tables and chowkis, and dressing up the deities. On reaching the ghat, everyone gets into the water and takes a dip or just sprinkles some water on the body before submission the argh to the setting sun. Agarbatti, dhoop and flowers are thus raised and presented to the sun. Prayers are performed silently. Some people whose wish has been fulfilled can be seen going with full-fledged bands playing glad tunes.

As soon as the sun’s rays announce the rising sun in the morning, the same dedication is shown as on the prior evening. People prefer to remain at the ghat, singing songs in praise of the sun god or interacting with acquaintances and normally socializing. Hindu women observe a day-long fast during the festival, wishing for the betterment of their family and society.