Predating organised temple worship, Chhath is a festival that has for the longest time announced its entry annually as autumn fades into winter. Across North India, days come alive with devotion and reverence for the Sun god as Chhath shimmers in at the turn of the calendar. The entire festival is observed over four days which involves fasting, ritual bathing, and offering arghya (water offerings) to the rising and setting sun. Throngs of people gather, knee-deep in rivers, eyeing the sun, singing folk hymns in unison — a mesmerising spectacle of spiritual dedication.
As the months amble up to the time of Chhath, we have culled together a set of 7 iconic ghats where you can witness the festival in full fervour.