Chhath Puja is being celebrated with religious fervour and gaiety in Bihar, Jharkhand and eastern parts of Uttar Pradesh. AIR Patna Correspondent reports that devotees have begun their 36 hours fast by taking Kheer and Roti this evening on the occasion of Kharna. Devotees will pay offerings to the setting Sun tomorrow and the rising Sun a day after, which will mark the culmination of the festival. Devotees standing in knee deep water on the banks of rivers, ponds and water reservoirs, will pay oblations to the Sun.Chhath is considered as a means to thank the Sun God for bestowing the bounties of life and prosperity on the earth. It is believed that the wishes of those who observe the Chhath festival with serenity and purity of heart, are fulfilled.