Today marks the end of Chhath Puja, a four-day celebration: See the celebrations observed in various parts of the nation

The Hindu festival known as Chhath Puja honors the sun god Surya and his sister Chhathi Maiya, who are regarded as the planet's primary providers of energy, life, and healing. It's an old festival that dates back to a time when our ancestors celebrated it with rituals honoring the sun for keeping life on Earth alive.

In the Hindu calendar of Vikram Samvat, Chhath Puja is observed on the sixth day of the lunar month of Kartika (October–November), six days after Diwali.

The word "chhat," which derives from "shasthi," or the 6th day of the new moon, is another name for it: Surya Shashthi Vrat.

During Chhath Puja in Mumbai, devotees release lanterns after worshiping the Sun god.

Monday morning during Chhath Puja in New Delhi, worshippers of the Sun god gather in front of a deadly foam-covered Yamuna.

During Chhath Puja in Mumbai, devotees worship the Sun god and carry out rituals.

During Sunday's Chhath Puja at Mumbai's Juhu beach, worshippers touch each other's feet in a show of respect as one devotee lowers herself to the ground and offers prayers to the Sun god. (AFP)

Sunday during Chhath Puja in New Delhi, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal offered prayers. (Hindustan times)