Gorakhpur Chhath Puja draws global devotees, uniting tradition across borders
November 2024 61 views 01 Min 41 SecGorakhpur recently witnessed a vibrant celebration of Chhath Puja, an ancient festival honoring Surya Dev (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya, the goddess of purity, strength, and fertility. Thousands of devotees, both local and international, gathered along the Rapti River’s ghats to take part in this four-day ritual. Notably, this year saw a significant influx of Indian Americans NRIs, many from Purvanchal origins, who returned to reconnect with their cultural roots and experience the tradition in its birthplace.