Chhath Puja is one of the most ancient and significant Hindu festivals dedicated to the worship of "Surya Dev" (the Sun God) and "Chhathi Maiya", the goddess who is believed to be the sister of the Sun. Celebrated mainly in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Nepal, Chhath Puja is a four-day-long ritual of purity, devotion, and gratitude. It is performed to thank the Sun for sustaining life on Earth and to seek blessings for health, prosperity, and happiness.
The festival usually falls six days after Diwali, during the "Shukla Paksha" of the Kartik month (October–November). Devotees observe rigorous fasting, practice self-discipline, and maintain complete purity during these days. The Sun, being the source of life and energy, is worshipped as the visible deity who grants well-being, longevity, and success.
The celebration of Chhath Puja extends over four days—"Nahay Khay", "Lohanda and Kharna", "Sandhya Arghya", and "Usha Arghya".
On "Day 1 (Nahay Khay)", devotees take a holy dip in a river or pond, symbolizing purification of body and soul. They prepare a simple, pure vegetarian meal, often rice and bottle gourd ("lauki") with gram dal, which marks the beginning of the ritual fast.
"Day 2 (Lohanda and Kharna)" involves complete fasting without water throughout the day. In the evening, devotees prepare "kheer" (rice pudding) and "roti", offer it to the deity, and then break their fast. This meal marks the start of the main fasting period, which continues without food or water until the final day.
"Day 3 (Sandhya Arghya)" is the most important day. Devotees gather on riverbanks or water bodies to offer "Arghya" (water offerings) to the setting Sun, accompanied by devotional songs and prayers. The glowing reflection of the Sun on the water symbolizes the eternal cycle of life, faith, and gratitude. The evening worship, known as "Sandhya Arghya", is performed to thank the Sun for sustaining life and energy.
On "Day 4 (Usha Arghya)", devotees offer prayers to the rising Sun, marking the end of Chhath Puja. This symbolizes renewal, hope, and new beginnings. After the morning rituals, devotees break their fast with "prasad" made of "thekua", fruits, and sweets, which are distributed among family and friends.
Chhath Puja is not merely a religious ritual but a deep expression of faith and harmony between nature and humankind. It promotes ecological balance, as all offerings are made from natural and eco-friendly materials. The festival also emphasizes purity, patience, and gratitude, reminding devotees to live in harmony with the environment.
Women play a central role in this festival, often observing the fast on behalf of their family’s well-being and prosperity. The festival’s atmosphere, filled with devotion, songs, and community bonding, brings people together irrespective of caste or social status.
In essence, Chhath Puja is a festival of faith, discipline, and devotion—a celebration of light, energy, and life. It reflects the deep spiritual connection between humans and nature, offering prayers of thanks to the Sun God for his boundless blessings and life-giving power.
On this day, it is very auspicious to perform Lord Surya (Sun) Puja and Homam
