Lucknow, Oct. 28 -- Under an overcast sky, songs associated with Chhath Puja, 'Kaach hi ke Baans ke Bahangiya' and 'Pahile Pahil Chhati Maiyya' resonated along the Gomti's banks on Monday. Several people from different walks descended on the riverbanks to pay Arghaya (offering of water) to the setting sun. The four-day festival is celebrated to worship solar deity 'The Sun' and his sister 'Shashti Devi'. Richa Upadhayay, 30, a teacher, witnessed Chhath Puja for the first time. Her mother-in-law, Neelam, 60, also helped her understand the relevance of the festival and the stories associated with it. Upadhayay was among lakhs of devotees dressed in hues of yellows and reds who descended to the Gomti riverbanks for Arghaya (offering of water). Women who performed the puja after fasting without water throughout the day had visited the banks with their family who helped them carry daura (baskets full of fruits and vegetables). Shikha Pandey, 45, said that with help of her mother-in-law, she performed Koshi Puja, so that she can perform the puja from next year onwards. "I gathered knowledge about the festival from my mother-in-law. It was a joyous occasion that I will be able to perform the puja from next year onwards," said Pandey. Hailing 'Jai Chhathi Maiyya' several people took part in the festivities on the Gomti riverbanks while some also participated in pools and ponds in nearby parks. While standing in knee-deep water, women exchanged Sindhoor (vermillion) after giving arghya to the sun, while children and youth danced on the beats of dhol. Women continued their 36-hour fast which will end after the Usha arghya on Tuesday. They later sat in groups near Vedis and sang folk songs throughout the evening. Ruchi Rai, 55, who has been performing the puja for the last 20 years, said that Chhati Maiyya is kind enough to fulfill everybody's wishes. "When I asked for a baby, I was blessed with my daughter. Last year, she asked for a child and got her wish fulfilled. Both of us are celebrating the festival," said Rai....