🌞 Introduction
Chhath Puja is one of the most ancient and unique Hindu festivals dedicated to the worship of the Sun God (Surya) and his sister Chhathi Maiya. Deeply rooted in Vedic traditions and nature worship, it is marked by strict fasting, ritual bathing, offering of arghya (water offerings) to the setting and rising sun, and heartfelt prayers for family well-being and prosperity. Chhath is a festival of purity, devotion, discipline, and ecological harmony.
🕉️ Religious and Mythological Significance
Chhath Puja has Vedic origins and is associated with the belief that Surya Bhagwan sustains life and heals ailments. Devotees offer gratitude to the sun, seen as the source of cosmic energy, light, and health. Chhathi Maiya, believed to be the consort of Surya or a manifestation of Shashthi Devi, is worshipped as the goddess of children and protector of progeny. It is said that Karna, the son of the Sun God and Kunti, performed Chhath rituals, and even Draupadi and the Pandavas are believed to have observed Chhath to regain their lost kingdom.
📅 When Is Chhath Puja Celebrated?
Chhath Puja is observed on the sixth day (Shashthi) of the Kartika month in the Hindu lunar calendar, typically falling in October or November, six days after Diwali. A lesser-known version of the festival, Chaiti Chhath, is celebrated in the month of Chaitra (March–April). The festival spans four days, with each day representing distinct rituals of purification, fasting, and thanksgiving.
🛐 Rituals and Observances
- Day 1 – Nahay Khay: Devotees bathe in a holy river and eat a simple, satvik meal to begin the purification process.
- Day 2 – Kharna: Observers fast the entire day and break the fast in the evening with a meal of jaggery kheer and roti, after offering prayers.
- Day 3 – Sandhya Arghya: The main ritual involves devotees standing in water bodies and offering prayers to the setting sun, accompanied by folk songs and devotional chants.
- Day 4 – Usha Arghya: The final morning ritual is dedicated to the rising sun, where the devotees offer arghya and conclude their fast with deep gratitude.
📍 Where Is Chhath Puja Celebrated?
Chhath Puja is most prominently celebrated in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Eastern Uttar Pradesh, where it holds deep cultural and religious significance. Over the years, it has spread widely across Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and other metropolitan cities due to migration. The festival is also observed in Nepal’s Terai and Mithila regions, where it is part of traditional Maithili culture. Riverbanks like the Ganga, Yamuna, and other water bodies become vibrant with devotees, lights, and ritual offerings during the festival.
🌿 Eco-Friendly and Community-Oriented Festival
Chhath Puja is revered as one of the most environmentally sustainable festivals in India. It involves no idol worship, encourages cleanliness of riverbanks, and uses biodegradable offerings like sugarcane, bananas, coconuts, and bamboo baskets. The entire community comes together in devotion and harmony, creating a powerful collective spiritual atmosphere filled with music, faith, and unity.
🙏 Conclusion
Chhath Puja is not just a festival—it’s a way of life for millions who observe it with unwavering faith and discipline. It represents a perfect harmony between spirituality, nature worship, and cultural values, and its growing popularity across India is a testament to its profound emotional and spiritual appeal. As a festival that worships both the rising and setting sun, it symbolically teaches us to be grateful in all phases of life.