Chhath Puja is devoted to Surya, the Sun God, and Chhathi Maiya. It is celebrated with great devotion in Bihar, Jharkhand, eastern Uttar Pradesh and the Terai region of Nepal, and by communities from these regions across India and abroad. The main Chhath is observed in the Kartik month, a few days after Diwali.
This article is based on religious beliefs and folk traditions. Democratic Bharat Live does not claim to verify them.
Why Chhath is special
Chhath is one of the few festivals where the setting Sun is worshipped along with the rising Sun. It is known for strict discipline, cleanliness and simplicity. There is no idol worship in the main rituals; devotees offer prayers directly to the Sun standing in water.
Day 1: Nahay Khay
On the first day, the devotee, called vrati, bathes in a river or pond, or at home, and cooks a simple, pure meal. Usually this is rice, chana dal and lauki (bottle gourd), cooked without onion and garlic. The house is cleaned thoroughly.
Day 2: Kharna
On the second day, the vrati fasts through the day. In the evening, after prayer, they eat kheer made with jaggery, along with roti, as prasad. This is shared with family and neighbours. After this, the vrati begins a fast without water, called nirjala vrat, that lasts about 36 hours.
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Day 3: Sandhya Arghya
On the third day, the family prepares offerings such as thekua, fruits, sugarcane and coconut in bamboo baskets, called soop and daura. In the evening, devotees go to a river bank or water body. The vrati stands in water and offers arghya to the setting Sun. Folk songs of Chhath are sung at the ghats.
Day 4: Usha Arghya
Before sunrise on the fourth day, devotees return to the ghat and offer arghya to the rising Sun. After this, the vrati breaks the fast with prasad. This is called paran.
Thekua: the signature prasad
Thekua is made from wheat flour, jaggery and ghee and fried into crisp cookies. It is the most popular offering of Chhath.
Dates
Chhath dates follow the Hindu lunar calendar, starting on Kartik Shukla Chaturthi and ending on Saptami. Check your local panchang for the exact dates this year.
Safety at ghats
Local administrations set up barricades, lighting and boats at major ghats. Devotees should follow police and administrative advisories, avoid deep water and keep an eye on children.
Bottom line
Chhath Puja is a festival of gratitude to the Sun, marked by fasting, purity and community spirit. Its four days, from Nahay Khay to Usha Arghya, follow a deeply rooted tradition.
Source / स्रोत: Incredible India, Ministry of Tourism, Bihar Tourism
