The rigorous rituals of the Chhath festival have started in different parts of Jharkhand, which includes holy bathing, fasting and abstaining from drinking water, standing in water for long periods of time, and offering specially prepared prasad and holy water to the setting and rising Sun. Chhath is some 6000 years old ancient Hindu festival dedicated to Surya, the Hindu Sun God. The Chhath Puja is performed in order to thank Surya for sustaining life on earth and to request the granting of certain wishes. Like in all ancient civilizations, in Indian religious system, the Sun is considered the source of energy and of the life-force.