Chhath Puja (also spelled Chhat Puja or Chhath Pooja) is an ancient Hindu festival dedicated to the Sun God (Surya) and his consort Usha (Chhathi Maiya). It is mainly celebrated in the Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and in Nepal’s Madhesh region.
Chhath Puja is a thanksgiving festival where devotees express gratitude to the Sun God for sustaining life on earth and seek his blessings for health, prosperity, and wellbeing. The Sun is considered the visible form of divinity — the source of energy and life.
It usually falls six days after Diwali, during the month of Kartika (October–November).
The festival lasts four days.
Rituals of Chhath Puja
Day 1 – Nahay Khay (Bath and Eat)
Devotees take a holy dip in a river or pond and prepare a simple meal, usually of rice and pumpkin cooked in ghee, eaten after offering it to the Sun. This marks the beginning of purification.
Day 2 – Kharna (Fasting Day)
Devotees observe a day-long fast, which ends after sunset with offerings of gur (jaggery) kheer, fruits, and chapati. After this, they begin a 36-hour fast without water.
Day 3 – Sandhya Arghya (Evening Offerings)
Devotees gather near rivers or ponds to offer arghya (offering) to the setting sun. Women sing devotional songs and perform rituals standing in water.
Day 4 – Usha Arghya (Morning Offerings)
The fast ends after offering arghya to the rising sun. This marks the completion of the ritual — symbolizing balance between day and night, and gratitude for both creation and renewal.
Chhath emphasizes purity, simplicity, discipline, and devotion.
It celebrates nature’s harmony — the Sun, water, and earth.
It is one of the few festivals that worship the setting as well as the rising sun, symbolizing gratitude for both endings and new beginnings.
Devotees believe that performing Chhath Puja fulfills wishes and purifies both body and soul.
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