Birjung, Oct. 28 -- Nepal on Tuesday concluded the four-day-long Chhath, the festival of benediction to the Sun, with offerings to the rising sun.

The four-day festival, which began last Saturday, reached its climax with the main pooja on the final evening and concluded this morning with the traditional offering of Argha at rivers and ponds across the country.

Thousands of Hindu devotees thronged the Ghadiarwa Pokhari in Birgunj city of Parsa district, adjoining the Indian state of Bihar, submerging themselves in the water.

"I am from Patna, Bihar. I have my maternal home here in Birgunj for Chhath. Today I offered Argha to the rising sun -- the Chhati Maiya. We keep fast and celebrate the rituals for the family, nation, and the whole ...