Chhath Puja: A Festival of Devotion, Discipline, and Solar Worship

Chhath Puja: A Festival of Devotion, Discipline, and Solar Worship

Chhath Puja is one of the most spiritually intense and culturally significant festivals in the Hindu tradition, primarily observed in Bihar, Jharkhand, Eastern Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Nepal. Celebrated twice a year—during the months of Kartik (October–November) and Chaitra (March–April)—the festival honors the Sun God (Surya Dev) and Chhathi Maiya, the goddess associated with well-being, fertility, and child protection.

Origins and Mythological Significance

The name “Chhath” is derived from the Sanskrit word for six, as the rituals are performed on the sixth day of the lunar fortnight. The festival is deeply rooted in ancient mythology. According to legends, Lord Rama and Sita worshipped the Sun God upon their return from exile. Another tale recounts how the Pandavas performed solar worship during their forest exile to overcome food scarcity. The story of King Priyavrat and Queen Malini also holds prominence—after the queen gave birth to a stillborn child, the blessings of Chhathi Devi revived the infant, leading to the institutionalization of her worship.

Chhathi Maiya is revered in various forms: some believe she is the mental daughter of Brahma, others consider her the sister of Surya Dev, while some identify her as a manifestation of Goddess Lakshmi or the sixth form of Parvati.

The Four-Day Ritual Cycle

Chhath Puja spans four days, each marked by distinct rituals and spiritual discipline:

1. Nahay Khay (Day 1) – Devotees bathe in holy rivers and consume a simple, vegetarian meal to purify themselves.

2. Kharna (Day 2) – A day-long fast is observed, broken only after sunset with offerings of kheer and fruits.

3. Sandhya Arghya (Day 3) – Devotees offer prayers to the setting sun at riverbanks or water bodies, accompanied by traditional songs and rituals.

4. Usha Arghya (Day 4) – Before sunrise, devotees return to the water to offer prayers to the rising sun, concluding the fast and the festival.

Throughout the celebration, homes are meticulously cleaned, and offerings such as fruits, sweets (especially the traditional thekua), and lamps are arranged in bamboo baskets known as dala. Women, who predominantly lead the rituals, sleep on the floor and maintain strict physical and spiritual discipline, refraining from contact with others during the observance.

Faith, Community, and Environmental Harmony

Chhath Puja is not merely a religious observance but a profound expression of faith, gratitude, and surrender. It symbolizes the harmony between nature and human life, with the Sun God representing the eternal source of energy and sustenance. The rituals promote environmental awareness, community bonding, and spiritual purity.

In recent years, the festival has transcended regional boundaries, with celebrations now taking place across India and among diaspora communities worldwide. Its growing popularity reflects the universal appeal of its values—devotion, discipline, and the celebration of life through nature.