Chhath Puja (also spelled Chhath, Chhathi Maiya Puja, or Surya Shashti) is an ancient Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of the Sun God (Surya) and Chhathi Maiya (Usha, the Goddess of dawn). It is one of the most significant and eco-conscious festivals, especially in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and parts of West Bengal, as well as among the Indian diaspora in Nepal and abroad.
Here’s a concise overview:
🌅 Significance
Chhath Puja is observed to thank Surya Dev for sustaining life on earth and to seek his blessings for health, prosperity, and well-being. The rituals are rooted in the belief that sunlight has healing properties and that sincere prayers to the Sun God can cleanse the body, mind, and soul.
📅 Timing
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Celebrated six days after Diwali, during the month of Kartika (October–November) according to the Hindu lunar calendar.
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The festival lasts four days, each with a distinct ritual significance.
🪔 Rituals (Four Days of Chhath Puja)
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Nahay Khay (Day 1):
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Devotees bathe in a holy river (like the Ganga) and prepare a single meal, cooked in pure ghee, consumed after offering it to the Sun.
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Kharna (Day 2):
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A day of fasting from sunrise to sunset. In the evening, devotees break the fast after offering kheer (rice pudding), gur (jaggery), and fruits to the Sun God.
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Sandhya Arghya (Day 3):
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Devotees observe a nirjala fast (without water) and offer arghya (water offerings) to the setting sun at riverbanks or ponds, accompanied by devotional songs and rituals.
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Usha Arghya (Day 4):
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The fast continues through the night and concludes at dawn after offering arghya to the rising sun, praying for family welfare and forgiveness for past mistakes.
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🌞 Key Elements
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Offerings include Thekua (a traditional sweet made of wheat, jaggery, and ghee), fruits, and sugarcane.
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All rituals are performed in complete cleanliness and purity — no plastic, pollution, or artificial materials.
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Women (called Parvaitin) primarily lead the rituals, often on behalf of their entire family.
🎶 Cultural Aspects
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Devotional songs (Chhath Geet) like “Uga Hai Suraj Dev” and “Kaanch Hi Baans Ke Bahangiya” are sung with deep emotion.
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Communities gather at riverbanks for collective prayers, creating a serene and spiritual atmosphere.
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