Mumbai/Varanasi/Allahabad, Oct 31 (ANI): Scores of devotees across India, thronged banks of rivers and other water bodies to celebrate Hindu religious festival, 'Chhath', and prayed to the rising sun. 'Chhath puja', the four day festival, is celebrated on sixth day after Diwali and holds significance for married women who observe fast and stand in waist-deep river water, present religious offerings to the Sun god. According to tradition, on the first day, devotees, mostly women, take a dip in the river, pray to the setting sun and begin fasting. The following day, devotees abstain from eating anything and worship the setting sun. Next day, devotees worship the sun early in the morning and break their fast. The Sun, considered as the god of energy and life-force, is worshiped for well-being, prosperity and progress. The rituals observed during 'Chhath puja' include holy bathing, fasting and abstaining from drinking water, standing in water for long hours and giving offerings to the setting and rising sun. Devotees across the country celebrate this festival with great gusto as women wear jewellery and bright coloured traditional attire. Chhath is considered as one of the most significant and auspicious festivals of eastern Bihar state and in parts of the neighbouring northern Utta