The Hindu festival of Chhath Puja is dedicated to worshipping the sun god, Surya, and Chhathi Maiya, goddess of nature and Lord Surya's sister. Environmentalists claim it is one of the most eco-friendly festivals in the world because of its rituals linked to nature. It is celebrated six days after Deepavali, the festival of lights in the lunar month of Kartika (October–November). During the festival worshippers, mostly women, thank the sun god for the bounties of life on earth by offering a basket of fruit. They also take a dip in rivers as they pray for the prosperity of their families, particularly of their children.
