Chhath Puja
🌅 Chhath Puja – The Festival of Sun Worship
Chhath Puja is one of the most ancient and significant Hindu festivals dedicated to Surya Dev (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya, believed to be the sister of the Sun God. Celebrated mainly in the Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Nepal, this festival honors the Sun for sustaining life on Earth and seeks his blessings for health, prosperity, and happiness.
🗓️ When is Chhath Puja Celebrated?
Chhath Puja is observed six days after Diwali, during the month of Kartik (October–November) according to the Hindu lunar calendar. The festival spans four days, filled with rituals, fasting, and devotion.
🙏 The Four Days of Chhath Puja
- Nahay Khay (Day 1)
Devotees begin the festival by taking a holy bath in a river or stream and cleaning their homes thoroughly. They prepare a simple, sattvik (pure) meal, usually of rice, pumpkin, and chana dal, which marks the beginning of their spiritual journey. - Kharna (Day 2)
On this day, devotees observe a day-long fast, which they break after sunset with a meal of gur (jaggery) kheer, fruits, and chapatis. From this point onwards, they begin a 36-hour long nirjala fast (without food or water) until the final offering. - Sandhya Arghya (Day 3)
The most iconic part of Chhath Puja takes place at sunset when devotees offer arghya (offerings) to the setting sun while standing in water. Songs and folk music fill the air, creating a spiritually charged atmosphere. Families gather near rivers and ghats, lighting diyas (earthen lamps) that float on the water, symbolizing gratitude and purity. - Usha Arghya (Day 4)
The final day begins before sunrise. Devotees offer prayers and arghya to the rising sun, marking the end of their fast. This symbolizes the cycle of life — birth, growth, and renewal. After offering, prasad is distributed among family and friends, spreading joy and togetherness.
🌞 Significance of Chhath Puja
Chhath Puja emphasizes purity, devotion, and discipline. Worshipping the Sun is believed to promote good health, cure diseases, and ensure longevity. The rituals symbolize gratitude towards nature and sustainable living, as everything used — bamboo baskets, clay pots, and fruits — is eco-friendly.
🎶 Cultural Essence
Chhath Puja is not just a religious event but a vibrant cultural celebration. Traditional Chhath songs echo through villages and cities, narrating stories of devotion and the divine bond between nature and humankind. The festival also strengthens family and community ties, as people come together to prepare offerings and decorate the ghats.
🌾 Modern Celebrations
Today, Chhath Puja is celebrated across India and abroad by migrant communities. Urban ghats and even rooftops are beautifully decorated, keeping alive the essence of this ancient Vedic ritual. Despite modernization, the purity and simplicity of Chhath Puja remain untouched.
✨ Conclusion
Chhath Puja is more than a festival — it’s a profound spiritual experience that connects people to the Sun, nature, and community. Its message of gratitude, discipline, and respect for natural elements continues to inspire millions every year
Related Links
