Chhath Puja: devotees offer 'arghya' in knee-deep toxic foam in Delhi's Kalindi Kunj

As the four-day festival of Chhath Puja has entered its final day, devotees in Delhi offered arghya to the sun in knee-deep toxic foam. The visuals of the same are now doing rounds on the internet and have left people worried.

From the visuals, it was visible that the water was filled with toxic foam. For those unaware, this toxic foam is caused due to the high phosphate content in the Yamuna river. It is also worth noting that this foam can cause severe problems including skin and respiratory problems.

On Monday morning, devotees across the country broke their 36-hour fast after offering arghya to the sun. Chhath Puja is a vibrant and ancient Hindu festival celebrated predominantly in the Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and some parts of Nepal. It's dedicated to worshipping the Sun God, Surya, and Chhathi Maiya, believed to be his sister.

This auspicious festival usually falls around October-November, six days after Diwali. It spans over four days of rituals and festivities, where devotees offer prayers, fasting, and rituals to express gratitude, seek blessings, and cleanse their souls.

During Chhath Puja, devotees gather at the ghats (riverbanks) before sunrise and sunset, standing waist-deep in water. They offer 'arghya' (obeisance) to the rising and setting sun, accompanied by rigorous fasting and rigorous discipline. The rituals include preparing offerings like 'prasadam' comprising fruits, sugarcane, and thekua (a special wheat-based delicacy).

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