Chhath Puja
Chhath Puja is one of the most ancient and significant Hindu festivals dedicated to the worship of the Sun God (Surya) and his consort Usha (Chhathi Maiya). Celebrated primarily in the Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and in parts of Nepal, Chhath Puja is an expression of gratitude to the Sun for sustaining life on Earth and for granting health, prosperity, and well-being. It is one of the few Hindu festivals that worships the setting as well as the rising sun, symbolising both the cycles of life and the continuity of nature.
Historical and Mythological Background
The origins of Chhath Puja are deeply rooted in Vedic tradition and Indian mythology. References to sun worship appear in ancient scriptures such as the Rig Veda, which mentions rituals performed to honour the Sun God and harness his life-giving energy. The festival’s observances are believed to have been part of early Aryan solar cults.
Several legends are associated with Chhath Puja:
- Karna, the son of Surya: According to the Mahabharata, Karna—born to Kunti through the blessings of the Sun God—was a devoted worshipper of Surya. He would stand in waist-deep water offering prayers to the Sun for strength and courage. The ritual of offering arghya (water oblation) during Chhath Puja is said to have originated from this devotion.
- Draupadi and the Pandavas: Another legend describes Draupadi and the Pandavas performing Chhath Puja to regain their lost kingdom, signifying faith in solar energy as a source of healing and prosperity.
- Usha (Chhathi Maiya): The festival is also associated with the goddess Usha, the wife of Surya, who represents dawn and new beginnings. Devotees worship her as Chhathi Maiya, believing she blesses children and protects families.
The term Chhath means “sixth” in Sanskrit, as the festival is celebrated on the sixth day (Shashthi) after the new moon in the Hindu month of Kartik (October–November).
Spiritual and Cultural Significance
Chhath Puja embodies reverence for the Sun as the source of light, energy, and life. It is believed that sunlight has therapeutic and healing qualities that purify the body and mind. The rituals emphasise cleanliness, self-discipline, and purity, reflecting both physical and spiritual austerity.
The festival also celebrates ecological harmony and the human dependence on nature. Water, light, air, and the earth—elements symbolised in the rituals—are all honoured as divine forces that sustain existence.
Chhath Puja is remarkable for its inclusivity; it transcends caste, class, and gender boundaries, bringing communities together in shared faith and devotion.
Duration and Rituals of Chhath Puja
Chhath Puja is observed over four days, involving rigorous fasting, holy bathing, and offering prayers to the setting and rising Sun. Each day carries its own rituals and symbolic meanings.
- Day 1 – Nahay Khay (Bath and Eat): The first day marks the beginning of purification. Devotees take a ritual bath, usually in a river or pond, and prepare a simple vegetarian meal, typically of rice, pumpkin, and chana dal, cooked in pure ghee. This meal marks the start of the fast, ensuring the body and mind are cleansed for the days ahead.
- Day 2 – Kharna (Fasting and Preparation): On this day, devotees observe a strict fast without food or water throughout the day. In the evening, they break the fast after sunset with a meal known as Kharna prasad, consisting of gur ki kheer (sweet rice pudding made with jaggery and milk) and chapati. After this, a 36-hour nirjala vrat (waterless fast) begins, lasting until the morning after the final sunrise offering.
- Day 3 – Sandhya Arghya (Evening Offerings to the Setting Sun): This is the most significant day of Chhath Puja. Devotees and their families gather on riverbanks or ponds, dressed in traditional attire, carrying baskets (daura) filled with offerings such as fruits, sugarcane, coconut, rice, and thekua (a traditional sweet made from wheat flour and jaggery).As the Sun sets, worshippers stand in waist-deep water and offer arghya (water) to the setting Sun, accompanied by songs and prayers. This act symbolises gratitude for the day and the cycle of life. The communal gathering, illuminated by earthen lamps (diyas), creates an atmosphere of solemn beauty and spiritual unity.
- Day 4 – Usha Arghya (Morning Offerings to the Rising Sun): Before dawn, devotees return to the water bodies to offer prayers to the rising Sun, seeking blessings for health, prosperity, and happiness. The rising Sun is believed to represent rebirth, hope, and new beginnings. After the arghya, devotees break their fast with offerings from the prasad, sharing it with family and neighbours. This marks the conclusion of the festival.
Ritual Purity and Discipline
Chhath Puja is known for its strict observance of purity and discipline. Devotees maintain a state of sanctity in body, mind, and environment throughout the festival. Offerings are prepared in a clean, sacred space, using new utensils and natural ingredients.
The vratees (those performing the fast) are typically women, though men also participate. The fast is one of the most austere in Hindu tradition, involving long periods of standing in water, exposure to the elements, and abstention from food and drink. Despite its physical rigour, participants describe the experience as spiritually uplifting, connecting them directly with cosmic forces.
Music, Songs, and Cultural Expressions
Folk songs (Chhath geet) play a vital role in the festival, adding emotional and devotional depth to the rituals. Sung mainly in Bhojpuri, Maithili, and Magahi dialects, these songs praise Surya Deva and Chhathi Maiya, expressing themes of gratitude, maternal love, and family welfare.
Commonly sung songs include verses like:“Uga hai suraj dev, bhaile beginaha, daura bhar da ke le aaiha bhagina,”invoking blessings for family members and celebrating the communal spirit of the festival.
The music of Chhath reflects both devotion and cultural heritage, binding generations through shared melodies and collective emotion.
Symbolism and Meaning
Every element of Chhath Puja is symbolic:
- The Sun represents life, health, and wisdom.
- Water signifies purity and renewal.
- Fasting denotes self-control and purification.
- Arghya offerings symbolise surrender and gratitude to divine forces.
- Prasad represents the fruits of devotion and sharing.
Together, these elements reinforce the philosophical message of Chhath—that human life flourishes when it is in harmony with nature, discipline, and faith.
Regional and Social Importance
Although centred in Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh, Chhath Puja has spread widely with the migration of people from these regions. Today it is celebrated in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and abroad, wherever Bihari and eastern Indian communities live. Public ghats (riverbanks) and artificial ponds are prepared in urban areas to accommodate devotees.
The festival promotes social unity, as people from all backgrounds participate regardless of caste or status. Communities work collectively to clean water bodies, prepare ghats, and organise music and lighting, transforming the celebration into a shared act of devotion and ecological respect.
Environmental and Health Aspects
Chhath Puja embodies ecological awareness. The rituals—performed in natural settings near rivers and ponds—reinforce environmental preservation. The practice of offering natural, biodegradable items like fruits and grains minimises waste and aligns with sustainable principles.
Health-wise, fasting, early-morning sunlight exposure, and water immersion have beneficial effects, promoting detoxification and boosting immunity. Ancient practitioners viewed Chhath not only as a religious observance but also as a means to achieve physical balance and mental serenity.
Contemporary Observance and Legacy
In modern India, Chhath Puja continues to thrive as both a spiritual and cultural festival. Governments and civic bodies in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh organise large-scale preparations, ensuring safety, cleanliness, and infrastructure for millions of devotees. The festival is now observed nationally and internationally, symbolising devotion, purity, and resilience.
Chhath Puja remains unique in its blend of austerity, simplicity, and collective devotion. It stands as a timeless expression of gratitude toward the Sun—the eternal source of life—and reflects the profound harmony between human beings and the cosmos.
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