Chhatha Parva

Maithili and Bhojhpuri Nepalis living in the mid and eastern Tarai region celebrate “Chhatha Parva” fabulously starting on the fourth day of the bright fortnight (kartik sukla pachaya) of Kartik (October-November) and ending on the seventh day for the blessings of Goddess “Chhatha” Devi.

During this festival, devotees half submerged in a pond or a river make offerings of sweets and fruits to the Sun God; setting Sun as Goddess Mai on the sixth day and the rising Sun as Dinnanath on the seventh day.

Devotees make fried bread called “Thhekuwa”, sweet balls called ”Kasar” from flour and sugar, and ”Khir:” a rice pudding from “gomadi” rice and molasses to make an offering to the Sun God.

People believe that during ancient times, women took the three-day “Chhatha” fast, appeased that deity, and got their wishes fulfilled”.