What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
Skipping the Halloween festival popular in the West, Katrina Barcelona decided to spend her time in Bihar to experience Chhath festival first-hand.
She flew 7,000 Kms, all the way from Florence, Italy to reach the modest town of Chenari located in the Rohtas district of Bihar.
Celebrated with a furore in the states of Bihar and UP, prayers offered during Chhath puja are dedicated to the Surya deity.
Speaking about its significance, Katrina said, “We pray to Sun (deity) to show gratitude and thankfulness for sustaining life on Earth”.
Watch | Meet Katrina Barcelona who has flown all the way from Italy to Bihar to celebrate #ChhathPuja2022.
Here she talks about why she is fascinated by India and Indian festivals. pic.twitter.com/fAvNuTbyDP
— The New Indian (@TheNewIndian_in) October 30, 2022
Studying law at the University of Florence in Italy, Katrina has been staying in Chenari for a week since she arrived on the eve of Diwali.
“I wanted to experience the two biggest festivals of India: Diwali and Chhath Puja”, she said.
She has come to India on invitation of her Hindi language tutor Brijesh Vishvakarma who stays with his family in Chenari, Bihar.
Spending time with women of the household, sharing meals together and hanging out with the young members in nearby spots, Katrina has adapted to the Bihari lifestyle pretty well.
She said, “I performed the Chhath puja rituals with Brijesh’s family. We also celebrated Diwali together”, adding that she is happy to be in India on this occasion.
Baffled by the diversity of our country, she said that she is trying to better understand Indian culture as she hopes to learn more about it.
“It has been six days since I’ve come here and I’d like to explore more. I’m liking my stay in this country.” said Katrina.
Meanwhile, away from the idyllic villages of Bihar, the Ghats of Yamuna in Delhi turned crimson today as devotees kickstarted the four-day Chhath celebrations. Women with the symbolic orange sindoor stretching all the way from their forehead to their nose, children frolicking in Yamuna water, and elderly singing folk songs – the Ghats of Yamuna were a sight to behold.
