Chhath Puja: A Celebration of Devotion to the Sun

Chhath Puja

Chhath Puja is an ancient Hindu festival that celebrates the Sun God, Surya, and his consort, Chhathi Maiya (Goddess Usha). This deeply revered festival is primarily celebrated in the Indian states of Bihar(Mithila), Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and in Nepal, but has also spread globally with the Indian diaspora. Chhath Puja spans four days and is known for its rigorous rituals, fasting, and dedication to honoring the life-sustaining power of the sun.

Significance of Chhath Puja

Surya, the Sun God, is revered in Chhath Puja as the source of life and wellbeing. He is believed to provide health, healing, energy, and prosperity. Observing Chhath Puja is a way for devotees to express gratitude for the sun’s essential warmth and light. The festival also honours Chhathi Maiya, a protective mother figure associated with children’s health and longevity. Together, these deities symbolize harmony, balance, and the nurturing power of nature, which is celebrated throughout the festival.

The Four Days of Chhath Puja

Each day of Chhath Puja has distinct rituals that represent a journey of purification, devotion, and gratitude.

1. Nahay Khay (First Day):

The festival begins with “Nahay Khay,” a day of purification. Devotees cleanse their homes and prepare a simple, vegetarian meal, traditionally including rice, dal, and bottle gourd (laukee). This meal, prepared without onions or garlic, represents purity and simplicity and marks the start of the spiritual journey.

2. Kharna (Second Day):

On the second day, “Kharna,” devotees fast from sunrise to sunset without water. In the evening, they break their fast with prasad, a traditional offering of kheer (a sweet rice pudding with jaggery), chapatis, banana and sweets. Following this meal, devotees embark on a challenging 36-hour fast without water, a display of dedication and self-discipline.

3. Sandhya Arghya (Third Day):

The third day is the most important, as devotees offer prayers to the setting sun in a ritual called “Sandhya Arghya.” People gather along riverbanks, ponds, or other water bodies with bamboo baskets filled with offerings like prasad and fruits. Standing in water, they present their prayers and offerings to the Sun God as he sets. This day brings families and communities together in a vibrant, spiritual gathering filled with traditional songs and chants, creating a powerful communal atmosphere.

Chhath puja

4. Usha Arghya (Fourth Day):

The festival concludes with “Usha Arghya,” the morning offering to the rising sun. Devotees once again gather by water before dawn, symbolizing renewal and gratitude. After offering prayers to the Sun God, devotees break their fast and share prasad with family and friends, marking the end of the festival.

Traditional Offerings 

Offerings during Chhath Puja include Thekua (a baked wheat cookie), Bhusba (a laddu made with rice flour and jaggery), fruits, and other sweets, all made without onions or garlic. The materials used in rituals are often natural, such as bamboo baskets and clay lamps, reflecting harmony with nature. This eco-friendly approach embodies the festival’s values of respect for the environment and sustainability.

Spiritual and Cultural Significance

Chhath Puja holds a unique place among Hindu festivals because of its rigorous fasting, simplicity, and connection to nature. The festival fosters a strong sense of community, as people gather at rivers or lakes to pray, sing folk songs, and celebrate. The simplicity of the rituals encourages gratitude, purification, and self-discipline, helping devotees reconnect with nature and their spiritual beliefs.

In recent years, Chhath Puja has expanded beyond its regional boundaries, with celebrations now taking place in urban areas and among the Indian diaspora worldwide. Temporary ghats (banks) are set up in cities to allow people to perform rituals, and the festival is increasingly observed in other Indian states.

Chhath Puja is a profound celebration of faith, humility, and respect for the forces of nature. Through its strict observance and simplicity, this festival reminds devotees of the importance of gratitude, self-discipline, and respect for the environment. Devotees seek blessings, good health, and prosperity, coming together in a celebration that bridges generations and traditions, reinforcing the timeless connection between humanity and the cosmos.

Chhath puja in Mithila Painting