Chhath Puja – Significance, Rituals, and Complete Guide
Among the many vibrant festivals of India, Chhath Puja holds a unique place for its simplicity, spiritual depth, and intense devotion. Unlike other festivals that involve idol worship, Chhath Puja is dedicated to the Sun God (Surya Dev) and his consort Usha (Chhathi Maiya). This festival, celebrated primarily in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Nepal’s Mithila region, is now observed by devotees across India and abroad.
Chhath Puja is one of the most eco-friendly and spiritually significant festivals. It is a thanksgiving celebration where devotees express gratitude to the Sun God for sustaining life on Earth and seek blessings for health, prosperity, and happiness. What makes it even more remarkable is the strict discipline, purity, and rigorous fasting observed by the devotees, often without consuming food or even water.
This blog will cover the history, rituals, scientific importance, regional celebrations, and FAQs about Chhath Puja in over 2500 words, giving you a complete understanding of this sacred festival.
Historical and Mythological Significance of Chhath Puja
Chhath Puja has deep roots in both mythology and history:
Ramayana Connection – It is believed that Lord Rama and Goddess Sita observed Chhath rituals after returning to Ayodhya and completing their exile. They worshipped Surya Dev to express gratitude for strength and prosperity.
Mahabharata Connection – According to legends, Karna, the son of Surya and Kunti, was a devout worshipper of the Sun God. He regularly offered prayers and stood in water to worship Surya, which resembles the Chhath rituals.
Usha (Chhathi Maiya) – Chhath is also dedicated to Chhathi Maiya, the sister of Surya Dev. She is believed to be the goddess who blesses children with long life and protects families.
Thus, Chhath Puja is a festival of gratitude, discipline, and faith that connects mythology with deep human devotion.
Why is Chhath Puja Celebrated?
Chhath Puja is celebrated for multiple reasons, both spiritual and practical:
To thank Surya Dev for sustaining life on Earth.
To promote health and longevity in families.
To purify the body, mind, and soul through fasting and rituals.
To establish a connection with nature through offerings to water bodies.
To seek blessings for prosperity and well-being.
The festival is not about material wealth but about balance, gratitude, and spiritual discipline.
The Four Days of Chhath Puja
Chhath Puja is a four-day festival, and each day has unique significance:
1. Nahay Khay (Day 1)
The first day marks the beginning of Chhath Puja. Devotees take a holy dip in rivers or ponds, often in the Ganga, and prepare satvik food (without onion, garlic, or salt). Only vegetarian food cooked in a clean environment is consumed.
2. Lohanda / Kharna (Day 2)
On the second day, devotees observe a day-long fast, which they break in the evening after offering prasad like kheer, roti, and bananas. After this meal, they begin a strict 36-hour nirjala vrat (fast without food or water).
3. Sandhya Arghya (Day 3)
The third day is the most significant, where devotees gather near rivers, lakes, or ponds to offer Arghya (offerings) to the setting sun. Women and men stand waist-deep in water, holding baskets of offerings like fruits, sugarcane, and thekua (a traditional sweet). Families sing devotional songs and perform rituals with lamps.
4. Usha Arghya (Day 4)
The final day is dedicated to offering prayers to the rising sun. Devotees gather before dawn and make offerings to Surya Dev, marking the end of the fast. After this ritual, devotees break their fast with prasad and distribute it among family and friends.
Rituals of Chhath Puja
The rituals of Chhath Puja are unique and deeply symbolic:
Purity and Cleanliness: Everything used in the rituals, from clothes to food, must be pure. Devotees often wear unstitched or freshly washed clothes.
Prasad Preparation: Special offerings include thekua, rice laddoos, fruits, and sugarcane. They are prepared without onion, garlic, or preservatives.
Standing in Water: Devotees stand in rivers or ponds while offering Arghya, symbolizing humility and connection with nature.
Fasting: The 36-hour nirjala vrat is one of the toughest rituals, showcasing dedication and willpower.
Eco-Friendly Worship: Chhath is celebrated without idols or extravagant decorations, making it one of the most nature-friendly festivals.
Regional Celebrations of Chhath Puja
Though Chhath Puja originated in Bihar, its celebration has spread far and wide:
Bihar and Jharkhand: The heartland of Chhath Puja, where ghats are decorated, and thousands gather to perform rituals.
Uttar Pradesh: Particularly in eastern regions, rivers like Ganga and Yamuna become central points of worship.
Nepal (Mithila Region): Chhath is celebrated with equal devotion, especially in Janakpur.
Urban India: Cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata witness grand Chhath celebrations as migrants carry the tradition with them.
International Celebrations: Indian diaspora in countries like the USA, UK, and Mauritius also observe Chhath with dedication.
Scientific and Environmental Importance of Chhath Puja
Beyond its religious aspect, Chhath Puja has scientific and ecological significance:
Sunlight Absorption: Offering prayers during sunrise and sunset helps the body absorb essential solar energy.
Detoxification: The fast detoxifies the body, while standing in water balances energy flow.
Environmental Harmony: The rituals promote cleanliness of rivers and surroundings.
Mental Discipline: The rigorous fast develops patience, willpower, and mental strength.
The Spiritual Essence of Chhath Puja
Chhath Puja teaches valuable lessons:
Gratitude toward natural elements that sustain life.
Simplicity and purity in worship.
Equality, as people from all backgrounds participate together.
Self-control and discipline through fasting.
It emphasizes the philosophy that true prosperity comes from balance, devotion, and gratitude, not material possessions.
Modern-Day Chhath Puja
With changing times, Chhath Puja has evolved while retaining its essence:
Urban Ghats: Artificial ponds and temporary water tanks are set up in cities for devotees who cannot access rivers.
Digital Connect: Live telecasts and online gatherings allow devotees across the world to participate virtually.
Government Support: Authorities now build safe ghats, provide lighting, and ensure cleanliness during the festival.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Chhath Puja
To maintain the sanctity of the festival, devotees should avoid:
Consuming or offering food with onion, garlic, or preservatives.
Wearing synthetic or flashy clothes instead of simple cotton attire.
Polluting rivers with plastics or harmful materials.
Breaking the fast midway without completing the rituals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Chhath Puja
1. Why is Chhath Puja dedicated to the Sun God?
Because the Sun is the ultimate source of energy and life on Earth. Worshipping Surya Dev brings health, prosperity, and longevity.
2. Who observes Chhath Puja?
Primarily women observe it, but men also participate with equal devotion. The main worshipper is called a Parvaitin.
3. What is the toughest part of Chhath Puja?
The 36-hour nirjala vrat, where devotees abstain from food and water.
4. What are the main offerings of Chhath Puja?
Thekua, fruits, sugarcane, rice laddoos, and coconut are the primary offerings.
5. Is Chhath Puja only celebrated in Bihar?
No, it is celebrated across India and worldwide wherever Bihari and North Indian communities live.
Conclusion
Chhath Puja is not just a festival but a spiritual journey of faith, gratitude, and discipline. It reflects the eternal connection between humans and nature, teaching us the importance of balance and respect for natural resources. From mythology to modern times, its relevance has only grown, reminding us that true devotion lies in simplicity and purity.
As devotees stand in rivers offering prayers to the rising and setting sun, they symbolize hope, harmony, and the eternal cycle of life. Chhath Puja is a shining example of how tradition and spirituality can guide us toward a more balanced and grateful life.