Sun Worship: Chhath Puja

The Chhath festival is among a very few festivals in the world, which has succeeded in preserving its tradition completely, surviving onslaughts made by modernity and changing social values. Even the worship of Sun God has been mentioned in Skanda Purana.
Thousands of sun sculptures, dating from 6th century A.D. to 12-13th century A.D. are scattered all over the Bihar but the most ancient sculpture is found on the railing of Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, dating back to Shunga period during 2nd B.C.
Even the punch marked coins, minted by Mahajanpadas around the 6th century B.C. had a symbol of God sun among five symbols marked on coins.
The sun worship became very popular during the 5-6th A.D, practised at various parts of the world like Egypt and Mesopotamia.