Chhath Puja

One of the most well known and eco-friendly festivals of the Hindus is the Chhath Puja. Celebrated primarily in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal and also Madhya Pradesh, this festival involves worshipping Lord Sun.

Chhathi Maiya, sister of Sun God is also worshipped on this day with great devotion. She is believed to be the protector of children, granting them longevity and healthy life.

Chhath Puja spans four days, with different rituals performed on each day. Devotees perform all these rituals with complete devotion and discipline.

Day 1: Nahai-Khai

Devotees take bath in a holy river and a delicious meal is prepared consisting of rice, chana dal, lauki. This day marks the beginning of the festival by devotees purifying their home and body.

Day2: Kharna

Devotees observe a strict fast on this day abstaining from water. In the evening the meal prepared is offered to Sun God which consists mainly of chapati and jaggery kheer.

Day3: Sandhya Arghya

The main day of the Chhath where the setting sun is offered prayers. The rituals require the devotees to stand in water while offering arghya to Sun God. Everyone dresses in traditional attire and carries beautifully decorated baskets of fruits and prasad to the river banks.

Day 4: Usha Arghya

Chhath puja concludes by offering morning prayers and arghya to the rising sun. After this women smear vermillion on each other’s forehead, a ritual considered auspicious.

Chhath Puja is more than a festival, it’s a celebration of faith, purity, and gratitude towards nature’s life-giving forces. As devotees stand in devotion before the setting and rising sun, they honour both Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya, praying for health, happiness, and harmony. This ancient tradition continues to shine brightly, reminding us of the eternal bond between humans and the divine light that sustains all life.