🌞 Chhath Puja: A Solar Festival Rooted in Devotion
Chhath Puja is one of the most ancient and revered festivals in India, particularly celebrated with unmatched fervor in Bihar, as well as in eastern Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and parts of Nepal’s Mithila region. Dedicated to Surya Dev (the Sun God) and his consort Usha (Chhathi Maiya), the festival is unique in its spiritual rigor, environmental consciousness, and emphasis on purity and devotion. Observed six days after Diwali, Chhath Puja spans four days of ritual fasting, water-based worship, and collective prayer on riverbanks.
🌅 Historical and Mythological Significance
The roots of Chhath Puja can be traced back to the Vedic period, where sages are said to have performed similar rituals to harness the energy of the sun for health and longevity. In the Ramayana, it is believed that Sita performed the rituals of Chhath upon returning to Ayodhya. In the Mahabharata, Draupadi is also believed to have observed this vrat (fast) to overcome obstacles. The puja symbolizes gratitude to nature, the solar deity, and the life-giving power of sunlight.
🌊 Rituals and Observances: Four Sacred Days
1. Nahay Khay (Day 1)
The first day marks purification. Devotees take a holy bath in rivers like the Ganga or local ponds and prepare a simple, satvik meal (usually pumpkin, rice, and chana dal) after cleaning their homes and surroundings.
2. Kharna (Day 2)
A day of intense fasting. Devotees abstain from food and water throughout the day and break the fast after sunset with kheer (made of jaggery and rice), puris, and fruits, all prepared without salt or onion.
3. Sandhya Arghya (Day 3)
On this day, devotees, dressed in traditional attire, proceed to riverbanks carrying soop (bamboo baskets) filled with offerings—Thekua, fruits, sugarcane, coconuts, and lamps. As the sun sets, they offer arghya (libations) to the setting sun, singing folk songs and devotional hymns.
4. Usha Arghya (Day 4)
The final day begins before dawn. Devotees return to the water bodies to offer prayers and arghya to the rising sun, concluding the fast with blessings from elders and distributing prasad to the community.
🙏 Spiritual Discipline and Ecological Harmony
Chhath Puja is known for its austerity and spiritual discipline. Devotees observe strict cleanliness, practice water immersion rituals with bare feet, and refrain from consuming salt, onion, or garlic during the period. The festival is also an eco-conscious celebration, with offerings made in biodegradable materials, no idol worship, and a strong emphasis on cleaning rivers, ghats, and public spaces—reflecting the Bihari community’s deep respect for nature and sustainability.
🎶 Cultural Identity and Community Unity
In Bihar, Chhath is more than a festival—it is an expression of cultural pride and identity. It brings together families, communities, and entire towns and cities in collective devotion. Streets are decorated, folk songs in Maithili and Bhojpuri fill the air, and volunteers organize Chhath Ghats with remarkable discipline and community service.
🌍 Global Celebrations and Diaspora Connections
With a growing Bihari diaspora in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and even countries like Mauritius, Fiji, the UK, and the US, Chhath Puja has transcended borders. Temporary ghats are created in urban lakes and riverfronts, as expatriate communities recreate the experience, staying deeply connected to their roots.
🪔 Conclusion: A Festival of Faith, Light, and Gratitude
Chhath Puja stands apart from most Indian festivals in its non-commercial, deeply spiritual, and community-driven character. Rooted in Vedic wisdom and grounded in modern ecological relevance, it is a living testimony to India’s eternal reverence for nature and the divine balance of the cosmos. For Bihar and its people, Chhath is not just a festival—it is a way of life.