English
Washington, October 26: Indians in the United States of America (USA) are celebrating Chhath Puja 2017 which began on October 24 and will last till October 27. Devotees in India and abroad worship the Sun on the last days of the festival by visiting river banks and offering prayers at sunset and sunrise. This year too, people are expected in large number from across the country to visit Washington and celebrate Chhath.
In Washington, the sun will set on October 26 at 6.14 pm and rise on October 27 at 7.30 am.
In 2016, the Indian-Americans celebrated Chhath on the banks of Potomac River in the suburbs and was reportedly the largest gathering in nine years. People came in from Chicago, Ohio, Maryland Pennsylvania, Virginia and New Jersey.
Last year there were over 600 people in the celebration. Reportedly, before it was held at the Potomac river, people used to celebrate it in their houses or in makeshift tubs.
Kripa Singh, a leader of the Indian-American community had earlier said he organised the festival back in 2007 after due permissions from the Loudon County Parks and Recreation Department in a bid to keep alive the family tradition of generations.
Singh stated that over the period of nine years, it has caught up with the masses and hence the turn out was 600 in 2016. He emphasised that the Loudon county was enthusiastic to help. This year too, heavy footfall is expected.
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