India is a country of vibrant festivals, and among them is Chhat Puja - a celebration of immense significance, particularly in Bihar. It is an occasion for families and relatives to come together and offer their devotion to Surya, the sun god. Witnessing the devout worshippers during this festival always leaves a lasting impression on me. Their unwavering faith in the power of God and their deep reverence for nature is truly inspiring.

As a photographer, I am drawn to capture the essence of this spiritual celebration with my camera. However, the energy of prayer is so palpable that I often find myself lost in the moment, unsure of what to photograph and what to leave out. But even in those moments of uncertainty, I am grateful to be part of this meaningful tradition that celebrates the interconnectedness of humanity and nature.

　

Chat Puja, a four-day festival, revolves around the devout Parvaitin who observes rigorous prayers, fasting, and bathing to seek blessings from the Almighty. Each year, a woman from the family is chosen to become the Parvaitin. The festivities kick off on the first day, where they purify their homes and bodies through bathing and cleaning. The second day involves a morning fast, and in the evening, they break it with a nourishing bowl of milk porridge. The third day is dedicated entirely to fasting, with no intake of food or water until the morning of the fourth day. At sunrise and sunset on the fourth day, they perform rituals and pray to the sun. The highlight of the festivities is the morning of the fourth day when they embark on a journey to Parnassus before sunrise. Parvaitin and her family gather by the riverbank, where they perform bathing rituals and offer prayers to the gods. The fast culminates with the breaking of the fast, where they consume water, prasad (a mix of rice, fruits, and other alms), and celebrate the blessings bestowed upon them.

Chhat Puja is usually held in April and November, with November being the bigger one. The rituals begin six days after Diwali, the Indian New Year (usually in October or November). During these six days, family members other than Parvaitin himself make prasad to be distributed to relatives and neighbors. And during the chat puja, all parvaithins and their families are required to eat a vegetarian diet. If they are more strict, many of them make satvic food without onions or garlic, based on Ayurvedic ideas. 

The final sunset prayer during the festival is a breathtaking sight that never fails to leave me in awe, no matter how many times I witness it. Women of all ages, from children to the elderly, gather on the riverbank to bathe and perform sacred rituals. Their devotion and the way they pray for the happiness, health, and prosperity of their families and children is strangely beautiful to behold.

Days of preparation, rigorous fasting, and earnest prayers lead up to this momentous occasion, as these devoted individuals seek to rejoice in the presence of their loved ones and wish for their families' prosperity. Their unwavering faith and dedication are truly inspiring, and I cannot help but feel moved by their devotion.

As I watch the chat puja, I feel as though all the darkness inside me is being erased, replaced by a sense of positivity and renewed hope. It is a remarkable experience that leaves a lasting impression on my heart and soul.

Behold these stunning visuals from the last day prayers and rituals held on the banks of the Hooghly River (a tributary of the Ganges) in the culturally-rich city of Kolkata, nestled in the West Bengal state of India.