The radiance of dawn.

 Chhathi Maya – The Radiant Mother of the Rising Sun

When the first light of dawn touches the earth,

when the river glimmers gold beneath the sky —

it is said that Chhathi Maya walks among her children.

She is the Mother of the Sixth Day,

the gentle yet powerful guardian of life and birth.

Worshipped as the consort of Surya Dev,

she is also known as Usha, the first ray of hope,

the divine energy that awakens creation.

Her presence sanctifies the world with purity,

discipline, and devotion.

In the sacred festival of Chhath Puja,

millions bow before Surya and Chhathi Maya,

offering arghya to the glowing sun

at dawn and dusk —

a hymn of gratitude sung with folded hands

and unwavering hearts.

The fasting women, called vratin,

stand waist-deep in river waters,

their eyes lifted toward the horizon.

No food, no drink — only faith,

for they believe Chhathi Maiya listens

to the silent prayers of the devoted.

It is she who writes the destiny of every newborn

on the sixth day after birth,

her invisible hand shaping the path of life.

To her, mothers pray for strength and sons,

for daughters’ well-being, for homes filled with light.

Chhathi Maya is not merely a goddess —

she is a living tradition,

a reminder that faith, purity, and gratitude

bring harmony between humanity and the elements.

As the sun rises once more over the river,

her blessings flow like gold —

eternal, protective, and kind.

The Divine Mother of the Sixth Day

Chhathi Maya, also known as Chhathi Maiya or Shashthi Devi, is a deeply revered goddess in Hindu tradition, especially in the states of Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and in Nepal. She is considered the Goddess of Power, Purity, and Protection of Children. The word Chhathi means sixth, and the goddess is believed to manifest on the sixth day after childbirth to bless and protect the newborn and mother.

According to ancient Hindu belief, Chhathi Maya is a form of Usha, the wife of the Sun God Surya Dev. She represents the first light of dawn — a symbol of hope, new beginnings, and fertility. Her blessings are sought for the well-being, longevity, and prosperity of family members, especially children.

During the festival of Chhath Puja, devotees offer prayers to Surya Dev (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maya to express gratitude for sustaining life on earth. The ritual involves fasting, offering arghya (water and fruits) to the rising and setting sun, and maintaining complete purity of mind and body. Women, often called vratin, observe this with great devotion, standing in rivers or ponds during sunrise and sunset to make offerings.

It isn't easy to stand waist deep in water especially after fasting to offer the prayers. God bless these devout woman.

Legends say that Chhathi Maya writes the destiny of children on the sixth day after their birth, determining their future health and happiness. Hence, she is not only a mother goddess but also the giver of destiny and protector of family lineage.