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Chhath Puja

Chhath Puja is one of the oldest and most sacred Vedic festivals dedicated to Lord Surya (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya—who is worshipped as the goddess of well being, fertility, and long life. This festival is primarily celebrated in Bihar, Jharkhand, Eastern Uttar Pradesh, and Nepal, though today it has gained popularity across India and abroad. Chhath Puja is unique because it is the only Vedic festival devoted exclusively to the Sun God, the universal source of life, energy, and prosperity. The four day ritual is performed with strict discipline, fasting, devotion, and offering arghya (prayers) to the setting and rising sun. Those who observe the fast are known as Vratis.



🌞 Significance of Chhath Puja

Chhath Puja honors Lord Surya and His sister Chhathi Maiya (Goddess Usha). According to Vedic texts:

  • The Sun God is the visible divine power who sustains life on Earth.
  • Chhathi Maiya protects children, grants longevity, and ensures the well‑being of families.
  • She is identified with Devi Shashthi, believed to be a daughter of Lord Brahma and the mother figure associated with child prosperity and protection.

Beliefs

  • Sages during the Vedic era practiced Chhath Puja while chanting Rigvedic mantras and performing intense austerities.
  • It is believed that Karna, the legendary son of Surya and the king of Anga (modern‑day Bhagalpur), was a devout follower of Surya and observed Chhath Puja.
  • The Pandavas and Draupadi also performed Chhath Puja to regain fortune and resolve hardships.

Because of its deep Vedic roots, people of Bihar, UP, and Jharkhand consider Chhath Puja a Mahaparva—a festival of immense religious importance.

🕉️ Deities Worshipped

  • Lord Surya (Sun God)
  • Chhathi Maiya/Usha Devi

🙏 Chhath Puja Rituals – Four-Day Observance

Chhath Puja involves some of the most rigorous fasting and purification rituals in Hindu tradition.

1. Nahay Khay (Day 1)

  • Vratis take a holy bath in a river or water body.
  • A pure, satvik meal is prepared—usually Kaddu Bhaat with Chana Dal, made on clay stoves using mango wood.
  • Fasting women eat only one meal on this day.

2. Lohanda & Kharna (Day 2)

  • A day-long fast is observed without even drinking water.
  • After sunset, Vratis prepare kheer, chapatis, and jaggery prasad to break the fast.
  • After this, a 36-hour nirjala fast (without water) begins.

3. Sandhya Arghya (Day 3)

  • Devotees prepare prasad at home, including Thekua, fruits, and rice delicacies.
  • In the evening, families go to the riverbank to offer arghya to the setting sun.
  • Vratis often wear turmeric-yellow sarees and sing traditional Chhath songs.

4. Usha Arghya (Day 4)

  • Before sunrise, devotees again gather to offer arghya to the rising sun.
  • This marks the completion of the fast.
  • Vratis break their 36-hour nirjala vrat by consuming holy prasad (Paran).
  • Family members visit to receive blessings and share the prasad.

🍛 Traditional Food & Prasad

Chhath prasad is prepared with great purity and without salt, onion, or garlic. Common offerings include:

  • Thekua (sweet whole-wheat cookie)
  • Rice laddoos
  • Jaggery sweets
  • Coconut
  • Fresh fruits
  • Rice, wheat preparations
  • Dry fruits & nuts
  • Ghee-rich delicacies

Thekua is the most iconic dish of Chhath Puja.

🎉 Celebrations

Chhath Puja is an ancient Vedic festival symbolizing gratitude to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya. It involves:

  • Community gatherings on riverbanks
  • Singing traditional Chhath geet
  • Praying for health, prosperity, and protection
  • Women observing strict discipline for the welfare of their family
  • Special arrangements by state administrations due to massive participation

The festival is celebrated with purity, faith, and emotional unity among families.

🌏 Where is Chhath Puja Celebrated?

Primarily in:

  • Bihar
  • Jharkhand
  • Eastern Uttar Pradesh
  • Nepal

But now widely observed in:

  • Delhi
  • Mumbai
  • Kolkata
  • Other Indian metros
  • United States, UAE, UK, Mauritius (by diaspora)

🎁 Popular Gifts During Chhath

  • Clothes
  • Sweets
  • Coconut & fruits
  • Puja thali sets
  • Gift hampers

📍 Best Places to Experience Chhath Puja

  • Patna (Ganga Ghats)
  • Sonepur and Ganga ghats of Bihar
  • Ranchi & Jamshedpur
  • Varanasi ghats
  • Terai region of Nepal

📅 Date & Time of Chhath Puja 2026

Chhath Puja is celebrated on Kartik Shukla Shashthi, the sixth day after Diwali, according to the Hindu lunar calendar.

Sun, 15 Nov, 2026 – Wed, 18 Nov, 2026

🚫 Public Holiday?

Chhath Puja is not an official national holiday, but partial/limited public holidays are observed in:

  • Bihar
  • Jharkhand
  • Eastern Uttar Pradesh
  • Delhi (restricted holiday)
  • Nepal