Chhat or Dala Chhath Vrat is an important and popular ritual
observed by people of Bihar and Jharkhand in India and in the
Terai Region of Nepal after Diwali. In 2013, the date of main
Chhat puja is November 8 and November 9. Chhat Sandhya Argh
(Chhat Dala Evening puja) is on November 8 and Chhath Suryodaya
Argh (Chhath Dala Morning puja) is on November 9. Nahai Khai is
on November 6 and Kharna is on November 7. Chhat is dedicated to
Lord Surya and Lord Kartik. It is observed for four days in the
month of Kartik (October – November). Chhat fasting, also known
as Surya Sashti, is also observed in eastern parts of Uttar
Pradesh and in some parts of Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and
Bengal. Chhat vrat is dedicated to Lord Surya (Sun), Agni (fire)
and Lord Kartikeya or Muruga. People undertake this Vrat for the
well being of the family. It is believed that people get their
wishes fulfilled, if they observe Chhat Puja. There is a popular
belief that worshiping Surya will help in curing diseases like
leprosy and als