Chhath Puja is a centuries-old Hindu festival dedicated to Surya Dev (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya (Usha/Pratyusha), widely celebrated in Bihar, Jharkhand, eastern Uttar Pradesh, and Nepal’s Terai region. Observed on Kartika Shukla Shashthi—the sixth day after Diwali—it is one of the most rigorous and eco-conscious festivals in India. At its heart, Chhath Puja is about devotion, purity, gratitude, and harmony with nature: fasting, praying on riverbanks, and offering arghya (water oblations) to the setting and rising Sun to thank the cosmic source of life and light.
The Meaning and Origin of Chhath Puja
Chhath Puja Meaning in English and Hindi
The name “Chhath” is derived from the number six (Shashthi in Sanskrit), as the main rituals are performed on the sixth day of the Hindu lunar month of Kartika.
- Hindi Translation: “छठ पूजा का अर्थ” – सूर्य देव और छठी मैया की उपासना का पर्व, जो आभार, आरोग्य और संतान सुख का प्रतीक है।
Historical and Mythological Background
The roots of Sun worship in India are ancient and deeply embedded in its sacred texts.
- Vedic Connections: The Rigveda contains hymns dedicated to Surya, establishing the practice of venerating the Sun as the source of all life.
- The Mahabharata Link: It is believed that Draupadi and the Pandavas performed a similar Sun worship to regain their lost kingdom. Karna, the tragic hero of the epic and the son of Surya, was known for his unwavering practice of standing in water and offering prayers to the Sun, a ritual that mirrors modern-day Chhath observances.
These connections are drawn from well-established historical and religious scholarship, referenced in texts like the Mahabharata and cultural studies on Vedic traditions.
The Story of Chhath Puja — The Faith Behind the Ritual
The Legend of Chhathi Maiya
Chhathi Maiya, or Shashthi Devi, is revered as the beloved sixth form of Mother Nature. She is the divine goddess of fertility, childbirth, and the protector of children. Devotees believe that by observing the strict fast and rituals of Chhath, they invoke her blessings for the well-being, longevity, and prosperity of their children and family.
Karna’s Sun Worship Story
The story of Karna is often cited as a direct precursor to Chhath Puja. As the son of the Sun God, Karna was a devout worshipper. He would religiously stand in the water for hours, offering prayers and arghya to his father, Surya. His legendary discipline, charity, and unwavering faith, even in the face of immense adversity, serve as the ultimate inspiration for devotees today, symbolizing the virtues of courage, sacrifice, and devotion that the festival embodies.
Why is Chhath Puja Celebrated?
Chhath Puja is a multifaceted celebration of life itself.
- Gratitude: It is a heartfelt “thank you” to the Sun God for sustaining life on Earth.
- Healing & Longevity: The Sun’s rays are believed to have curative properties, and the rituals are performed to seek blessings for health and a long life.
- Spiritual Purification: The rigorous process is designed to detoxify the mind, body, and soul, leading to spiritual elevation.
- Social Harmony: The festival cuts across social and economic barriers, fostering a powerful sense of community and equality among all participants.
Rituals and the Four-Day Chhath Puja Process
The festival is a meticulously planned four-day journey of devotion and austerity.
| Day | Ritual Name | Key Activity | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nahay Khay | Holy bath & a single, pure vegetarian meal | Physical and spiritual purification |
| 2 | Kharna | Day-long fast ended with kheer (sweet rice) after sunset | Cultivating self-control and devotion |
| 3 | Sandhya Arghya | Offering prayers and offerings to the setting sun | Expressing gratitude for the day’s blessings |
| 4 | Usha Arghya | Offering prayers to the rising sun | Welcoming new beginnings, hope, and life |
Day 1 — Nahay Khay (Purification Begins)
Devotees, primarily women known as vratin, take a dip in a holy river and prepare a meal of bottle gourd (kaddu) and rice, cooked without onion or garlic, in a clean, sacred space.
Day 2 — Kharna (Fasting Begins)
A strict fast is observed from dawn till dusk. After sunset, the fast is broken with kheer (rice pudding) and puri, prepared as a sacred prasad. This begins the 36-hour nirjala (without water) fast.
Day 3 — Sandhya Arghya (Evening Offerings)
The entire day is spent preparing the offerings. As the sun sets, devotees gather at riverbanks or water bodies, standing in water to offer arghya (offerings of water, milk, and fruits) to the setting sun. The air fills with the sound of ancient folk songs and devotional hymns.
Day 4 — Usha Arghya (Morning Offerings to Rising Sun)
Before sunrise, families return to the water’s edge. Amidst a profound silence, they offer arghya to the rising sun, marking the culmination of the festival. The fast is then broken by consuming the prasad.
Why is Chhath Puja Celebrated in Bihar?
Chhath Puja is intrinsically linked to the cultural identity of Bihar. The state’s agrarian history meant that the Sun God, as the guarantor of good harvests, was of paramount importance. The fertile plains are crisscrossed by sacred rivers like the Ganga and Kosi, providing the perfect setting for the water-based rituals. Over time, as people from Bihar migrated across India and the world, they carried this deep-rooted tradition with them, transforming it from a regional observance into a global celebration of their heritage.
Why Do Girls and Women Perform Chhath Puja?
While men do participate, the festival is predominantly observed by women. They perform the vrat (fast) for the well-being of their children, the prosperity of their family, and the longevity of their husbands. This practice is a powerful symbol of feminine strength, sacrifice, and the central role women play in upholding cultural and spiritual traditions within the family unit.
Scientific and Environmental Significance of Chhath Puja
The ancient sages who designed these rituals possessed deep, intuitive scientific knowledge.
- Health Benefits: The predawn and sunset periods are when solar radiation is at its safest. Exposure to the sun at these times stimulates the production of Vitamin D and calcium, boosting immunity and overall health.
- Detoxification: The strict fasting and controlled diet help in detoxifying the digestive system and improving mental clarity.
- Eco-Consciousness: The rituals are inherently eco-friendly. All offerings are natural and biodegradable (fruits, sugarcane, bamboo baskets), and the practice reinforces the sacredness of water bodies, promoting environmental conservation.
Modern-Day Chhath Puja Celebrations
Today, Chhath Puja is a global phenomenon. From the ghats of the Yamuna in Delhi to the shores of the Pacific in California, the diaspora gathers to keep the tradition alive. Urban municipal corporations now build temporary, safe ghats for devotees. Social media is abuzz with greetings and live celebrations, connecting families across continents and introducing the world to this magnificent festival.
How to Celebrate Chhath Puja at Home — Step-by-Step Guide
For those unable to visit a riverbank, the puja can be performed at home with sincerity.
- Cleanliness: Thoroughly clean your home and the puja area.
- Prepare Offerings: Make traditional offerings like thekua (a wheat-based sweet), seasonal fruits, and sugarcane sticks with purity and devotion.
- Setup: Place a clean, large, water-filled pot in your courtyard or balcony to symbolize the river.
- Observe Fast: Follow the fasting rules as per your capability and health.
- Offer Arghya: At sunrise and sunset, offer your prayers and arghya to the Sun while standing in the symbolic water body.
| Offering | Symbolism | Ingredient |
|---|---|---|
| Thekua | Gratitude and sweetness of life | Wheat flour & jaggery |
| Sugarcane | Prosperity and stability | Raw sugarcane sticks |
| Fruits | Purity and abundance | Banana, coconut, etc. |
Chhath Puja 2025 Dates and Timings
Based on the lunar calendar, Chhath Puja in 2025 is expected to be observed from October 27 to October 30.
Note: The exact timings for sunrise, sunset, and rituals will be confirmed closer to the date. Devotees are advised to consult a local Panchang for precise muhurat.
Conclusion — The Light of Faith and Gratitude
Chhath Puja is more than a festival; it is a living tradition that weaves together the threads of faith, science, and sustainability. It teaches us the power of gratitude, the strength of discipline, and the profound connection we share with the natural world. As the first rays of the sun touch the offerings on the final day, they illuminate not just the riverbanks, but also the hearts of millions, reminding us that in honoring the forces of nature, we ultimately honor life itself.
What is Chhath Puja and why is it celebrated?
Chhath Puja is a four-day festival dedicated to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya. It is celebrated to express gratitude for sustaining life and to seek blessings for health, prosperity, and the well-being of children.
Why do Biharis celebrate Chhath Puja?
Chhath Puja has deep historical and cultural roots in Bihar’s agrarian society, where the Sun God was vital for harvests. It has become a central part of Bihari identity and is celebrated with great fervor as a marker of cultural heritage.
Can non-Biharis perform Chhath Puja?
Absolutely. Chhath Puja is a festival of faith and devotion, open to all who wish to participate with respect and sincerity. Its message of gratitude and harmony is universal.
What are the health benefits of Chhath Puja rituals?
The rituals promote detoxification through fasting, provide safe sun exposure for Vitamin D synthesis, and encourage mental peace and discipline, contributing to overall physical and psychological well-being.
What is Chhathi Maiya’s story?
Chhathi Maiya is the sixth form of Devi Prakriti, worshipped as the goddess of fertility and the protector of children. She blesses her devotees with healthy offspring and a prosperous family life.
Sachin is a seasoned digital marketer with a passion for the mystical arts. Certified by the International Institute of Tarot Reading, he also excels as a numerology expert, blending modern marketing savvy with ancient wisdom to guide clients on their spiritual and personal journeys at Vedastrologer.com.