found:Wikipedia, viewed, Jul. 8, 2010(Chhath is an ancient Hindu festival dedicated to Surya, the Hindu Sun God. The Chhath Puja is performed in order to thank Surya for sustaining life on earth and to request the granting of certain wishes. The rituals of the festival are rigorous and are observed over a period of four days. They include holy bathing, fasting and abstaining from drinking water (Vratta), standing in water for long periods of time, and offering prashad (prayer offerings) and aghrya to the setting and rising sun. Although it is observed most elaborately in Bihar, Jharkhand and the Terai regions of Nepal in modern times, and is more prevalent in areas where migrants from those areas have a presence, it is celebrated in all regions and major urban centers in India. The festival is celebrated in the regions including but not exclusive to the northeast region of India, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Delhi, Mumbai, and Mauritius; also called Chhathi, Dala Chhath, Surya Shashti)
