Kochi: On the banks of the Periyar River in Aluva, devotees gathered to celebrate Chhath Puja, a festival dedicated to worshipping the Sun God, Surya, and his consort Usha for sustaining life on earth and granting health, prosperity, and well-being.

The ritual, marked by offerings made to the setting and rising sun, saw devotees standing in the river’s waters, praying and singing hymns in reverence.