Whenever the time of Chhath Puja arrives, there is a very unique energy in the air. I remember, in the early years, I used to notice people around me carrying tokris (bamboo baskets) filled with fruits and offerings on their heads. They would be dressed in bright, beautiful traditional clothes, walking gracefully in groups, and singing soulful folk songs as they made their way towards rivers and ponds. On television too, I would often see glimpses of this festival, but at that point, I didn’t really know its deeper meaning.
Slowly, life gave me opportunities to understand it more closely. One of the photographers I worked with happened to be a devoted follower of this tradition. She once shared prasad from Chhath Puja with me, and while handing it over, she explained its significance. Later, many of my team members, who belong to regions where this festival is celebrated as the heart and soul of community life, shared their experiences too. Each story they told sparked my curiosity even further.
And as I often do — being a student of spirituality and someone who believes that every Indian festival carries profound lessons for our lives — I began to explore this celebration in detail. Just like I have earlier studied and written about Navratri, Shivaratri, Rath Yatra, and other deeply symbolic traditions, I felt drawn to uncover the essence of Chhath Puja. Why does this festival inspire such devotion that entire communities pause their routines to immerse themselves in it? What gives it such purity that even those who don’t perform it directly often wait to receive the prasad with joy and reverence?
Through this journey of observation, curiosity, and exploration, I discovered that Chhath Puja is not just a regional festival — it is a living example of gratitude, discipline, and our deep connection with nature. It is a festival where simplicity reigns supreme, where there are no idols or grand decorations, but only heartfelt devotion to the Sun God (Surya Dev) and Chhathi Maiya.
In this article, I want to share with you everything I have learned about Chhath Puja — not in a scholarly way, but in a way that makes you feel as if you are standing right there by the ghats, feeling the calm waves of the river, watching the sun dip into the horizon, and seeing the devotees with folded hands and glowing faces.
Here is what we will explore together:
- Why Chhath Puja is celebrated and its ancient origins that go back nearly 3,000 years.
- Where it is celebrated and how entire communities travel home during this season just to be part of it.
- What rituals are performed, day by day, and what each ritual symbolizes.
- Its spiritual significance — how it teaches us gratitude, discipline, and surrender.
- Universal lessons — what even those who do not celebrate can learn and practice in their daily lives.
So, as you read further, I invite you to walk with me on this journey of discovering Chhath Puja — a festival that is as much about the outer rituals as it is about the inner transformation.
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Origin and History of Chhath Puja
Whenever I began asking people about Chhath Puja, one thing that struck me was how often they would say, “This is not just a festival, it is a tradition older than history itself.” And indeed, the roots of Chhath Puja stretch back thousands of years, into a time when worship of the Sun God was one of the earliest forms of devotion practiced by humankind.
Chhath in Ancient Scriptures
Our Vedas — some of the most ancient spiritual texts in the world — contain hymns dedicated to the Sun. The Rigveda describes powerful mantras that honour Surya, the giver of light, energy, and life. If you look closely, you will notice that even today, during Chhath Puja, devotees recite songs and mantras that echo the very same reverence: acknowledging the Sun not just as a physical star, but as a divine source of vitality and well-being.
It is believed that Chhath Puja is about 3,000 years old, making it one of the oldest surviving festivals still celebrated in its pure form. Unlike many festivals that evolved with new rituals or deities, Chhath has retained its original essence: direct connection with nature.
Stories from the Epics
Like most of our traditions, Chhath Puja too is interwoven with fascinating stories from our epics:
- Mahabharata Connection:
When the Pandavas were in exile, Draupadi is said to have performed Chhath Puja to seek strength, prosperity, and recovery from challenges. Through her devotion to Surya Dev, she was blessed with energy and resilience to face difficulties. - The Story of Karna:
Another story connects Chhath with Karna, the son of Surya Dev and Kunti. Karna, who is remembered as one of the most generous and valorous warriors, was a regular worshipper of the Sun. It is believed that he performed rituals resembling Chhath Puja every day, standing in water and offering prayers. - Ramayana Reference:
Some traditions also link Chhath Puja to Sita and Ram. After returning from exile and performing the grand Rajya Abhishek in Ayodhya, Sita is believed to have observed Chhath Puja on the banks of the Sarayu River to express gratitude for their safe return and to pray for the well-being of their kingdom.
These stories may be interpreted in different ways, but all of them point to one central truth: the Sun has always been seen as the eternal witness and provider of life.
Why the Name “Chhath”?
The word Chhath itself means “sixth.” The festival is observed on the sixth day of the Kartika month (October–November) according to the Hindu calendar, just after Diwali. Symbolically, six also represents balance and harmony in nature — a number associated with healing and nurturing energies.
A Festival Rooted in Simplicity
What I find most inspiring is that Chhath Puja has never been about grand temples, wealth, or extravagant rituals. Even thousands of years ago, it was celebrated on riverbanks, ponds, and natural water bodies, with offerings as simple as fruits, sugarcane, and home-cooked sweets. In a way, this makes it a true example of sustainability — something that our ancestors practiced effortlessly, and which we today are slowly rediscovering.
The Living Continuity
Think about it: for over three millennia, generation after generation has stood at the edge of rivers, folding their hands to the rising and setting Sun. When I close my eyes and imagine this, it feels like a golden thread of devotion running through time — from ancient Vedic seers to our modern-day families who continue the same ritual, often even in cities using artificial ponds or small tanks.
That is the beauty of Chhath Puja. It is not only history; it is living history. It is a reminder that faith, when rooted in simplicity and gratitude, can survive across centuries and still feel relevant to us today.
Where Chhath Puja is Celebrated
Though Chhath Puja is observed in many places today, its heart lies in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Eastern Uttar Pradesh. For families here, this festival is not just a tradition but an inseparable part of their identity. People living in other states, or even abroad, often travel back home during this time, because celebrating Chhath with family and community holds deep emotional value.
The festival is also celebrated in Nepal’s Terai region, with rituals almost identical to those in India, showing how devotion flows across borders.
With migration, Chhath Puja has now spread to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and even overseas in countries such as Mauritius, the USA, and the UK. In these places, artificial ponds, lakes, or even tanks are prepared to recreate the sacred ghats.
No matter where it is performed — on the Ganga, a village pond, or a city rooftop — the spirit of Chhath Puja remains the same: gratitude to the Sun and devotion to nature.
Rituals and Practices of Chhath Puja
Whenever we talk about Chhath Puja, the first thing that comes to mind is its strict discipline and purity. Unlike many other festivals where the rituals can be flexible, Chhath Puja follows a very defined sequence of days, each with its own meaning and significance. Let me walk you through this four-day journey, step by step.
Day 1 – Nahay Khay (The Day of Purity Begins)
The first day is called Nahay Khay. The words literally mean “to bathe and eat.” On this day, the devotee (called Vrati) takes a holy dip, usually in a river, pond, or even at home with clean water. After this, they cook a simple satvik meal — rice, pumpkin curry, and daal — prepared in the purest form, without onion, garlic, or even the slightest impurity.
This meal is eaten only once and marks the beginning of the fasting period. The meaning here is very simple but powerful: before you begin any spiritual practice, you purify your body and mind. I often feel this day is like gently stepping into discipline, making space for devotion to enter.
Day 2 – Kharna (The Day of Absolute Fasting)
The second day is one of the toughest but also the most rewarding. Devotees observe a strict fast from sunrise to sunset — without even drinking water. At sunset, the fast is broken with a special offering called Kharna prasad: gur ki kheer (rice pudding made with jaggery), chapati smeared with ghee, and fruits.
After taking this prasad, the devotee’s fast continues — this time in a much stricter form — leading into Day 3 and Day 4.
What I find very touching is that devotees distribute this prasad among family, friends, and neighbours. In a way, the act symbolizes that your devotion is never only for yourself — it is meant to be shared with the community.
Day 3 – Sandhya Arghya (Offering to the Setting Sun)
Day 3 is the most prominent and visually mesmerizing day of Chhath Puja. The Vratis spend the entire day preparing for the main ritual, with family members helping in cleaning the ghat (riverbank) and arranging offerings.
All the offerings (arghya) are carefully placed in dauri (baskets made of bamboo sticks), supali (made of fine bamboo strips), or sometimes in metal baskets. These contain thekua (a special wheat and jaggery sweet), puris, coconuts, bananas, apples, oranges, and other seasonal fruits.
In the evening, devotees, along with their families, gather on the ghats. Standing waist-deep in the river, they offer arghya (water and offerings) to the setting Sun, praying for health, prosperity, and family well-being. The atmosphere fills with devotional songs and the glow of hundreds of diyas floating on the water.
After this the fast continues through the night into the next day. This is a true test of willpower, surrender, and devotion.
Day 4 – Usha Arghya (Offering to the Rising Sun & Conclusion)
The final day is filled with anticipation and devotion. Before dawn, devotees gather once again at the ghats. This time, the offering is made to the rising Sun. Standing in the water as the first rays of light appear, they pray with folded hands.
This ritual represents new beginnings, hope, and renewal. After the offering, the devotees break their long fast and accept prasad. Families celebrate together, and there is a deep sense of peace in the air.
The Simplicity of Offerings
The beauty of Chhath Puja lies in its natural and eco-friendly offerings. There are no idols or lavish decorations. Instead, devotion is expressed with fruits, sugarcane, coconuts, earthen diyas, and homemade sweets like thekua. Everything is carried in simple bamboo baskets, reminding us that purity and sincerity matter far more than grandeur.
The Deeper Significance of Chhath Puja
Whenever I look at Chhath Puja, what fascinates me most is not just the rituals but the deep philosophy behind them. Every act — whether it is fasting, standing in water, or offering fruits to the Sun — carries a message that goes beyond religion and reaches into the heart of human life. Let me share with you some of these layers of meaning.
The Sun as the Eternal Life-Giver
From the time we are born, we owe our very existence to the Sun. It gives us warmth, light, food, energy, and health. Without it, life on Earth would not survive for even a single day. Chhath Puja is a reminder of this truth: to pause and express gratitude to the cosmic source that sustains us.
Modern science tells us how important sunlight is for Vitamin D, for our biological rhythms, and even for our mood. Our ancestors may not have used the same words, but they understood this deeply. By worshipping the Sun, they aligned with both spiritual and physical well-being.
Chhathi Maiya – The Motherly Protector
Chhath Puja is also dedicated to Chhathi Maiya, often identified with Goddess Usha, the goddess of dawn. She is seen as a protective mother who blesses children with health and prosperity. In many families, Chhath is observed especially to pray for the well-being of children and future generations.
Isn’t it beautiful that while we honour the powerful Sun, we also honour the gentle, motherly force that nurtures life? This balance of strength and compassion is at the heart of the festival.
Purification and Energy Alignment
When devotees stand waist-deep in water, holding their breath and offering prayers, it is not just symbolic — it is also deeply purifying. Water is one of the five elements (Pancha Tattva), and being in water while facing the Sun is said to cleanse not only the body but also the aura.
The timing of the rituals — during sunrise and sunset — is also significant. These are the sandhya kaal, the transitional hours when nature itself is shifting energies. By aligning with these timings, devotees synchronize their own inner energy with the larger cosmic rhythm.
Discipline and Surrender
The Vrati, who observes the four-day ritual, follows rules that are extremely strict: no salt, no food or water for long periods, complete celibacy, and mental purity. This kind of discipline requires immense willpower. It is almost like a tapasya — an austerity that helps burn away impurities and strengthen inner resolve.
What I find inspiring is that the devotees do not see this as a burden. Instead, they accept it joyfully, with full surrender. In a world where we often resist discomfort, Chhath Puja teaches us that sometimes surrendering to discipline can bring peace and strength.
Gratitude for Endings and New Beginnings
The uniqueness of Chhath Puja lies in offering prayers to both the setting Sun and the rising Sun. This duality is very symbolic. The setting Sun represents closure, acceptance, and letting go of the day that has passed. The rising Sun represents hope, renewal, and new opportunities.
In life too, we need both — the strength to let go of what is ending, and the courage to welcome what is beginning. This lesson is woven into the very structure of the festival.
Honoring the Panch Tatva (Five Elements)
Every part of the Puja connects us back to nature:
- Water — the river or pond where rituals are performed.
- Earth — the fruits, sugarcane, and offerings grown from soil.
- Fire — the Sun itself.
- Air — the fresh dawn breeze during the Arghya.
- Space — the vast open sky under which the rituals are performed.
When you see it this way, Chhath Puja becomes not just a festival, but a way of bowing to the very building blocks of existence.
🌸 When I connect all these dots, I realize that Chhath Puja is not only about rituals. It is a complete spiritual practice that purifies the body, strengthens the mind, and uplifts the soul. It reminds us to live with discipline, gratitude, and harmony with nature.
Lessons for Everyone (Even if You Don’t Celebrate)
Whenever I write about festivals, one thought always comes to my mind: Festivals may belong to a culture, but their wisdom belongs to all of humanity. Chhath Puja is no exception. Even if you have never stood in a river with a basket of fruits or fasted for four days, there are many powerful lessons you can bring into your daily life.
Let me share a few ways you can connect with the spirit of Chhath Puja, no matter where you are or what your background is.
- Begin Your Day with the Sun
One of the simplest practices is to greet the rising Sun each morning. You don’t need elaborate rituals. Just step out into your balcony, rooftop, or even near a window, close your eyes, fold your hands, and whisper a thank you. Notice how this small act instantly brings calm and positivity. It is like aligning your personal energy with the cosmic rhythm of nature.
- Practice Gratitude Daily
Chhath Puja is a festival of gratitude, and you can carry this essence into your life through a simple habit. Before going to bed, take a notebook and write down three things you are grateful for that day. They don’t have to be grand — even a smile from a loved one or a good meal counts.
- Try a Satvik Meal
On the first day of Chhath, devotees eat a simple, pure, satvik meal. Why not try this in your own routine once a week? Cook food without onion, garlic, or heavy spices, and eat it mindfully. This small practice gives your body a gentle detox and your mind a sense of calmness.
- Spend Time in Nature
Chhath Puja is celebrated on riverbanks, ponds, and open skies — reminding us of our deep connection to nature. You can recreate this by simply spending time outdoors: walking barefoot on grass, sitting by a tree, or listening to birds at sunrise. Even five minutes of this practice can refresh your mind and restore balance.
- Practice Letting Go
Offering arghya to the setting Sun is symbolic of letting go. Think of one thing each evening that you want to release — maybe a worry, a stressful thought, or a hurt from the day. Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and visualize offering it away with the setting Sun. This small ritual can make your evenings lighter and your nights more peaceful.
- Celebrate Community
During Chhath, the prasad is shared widely with neighbors and friends. You can practice this spirit of community by sharing something simple — a meal, fruits, or even a kind message — with someone around you. Spirituality is never meant to be practiced in isolation; it becomes richer when we give and share.
🌸 These may look like small actions, but when practiced consistently, they bring immense changes to your inner peace and outer life. You don’t need to be standing in a river at dawn to feel the essence of Chhath Puja. You can bring its wisdom right into your own home, heart, and daily rhythm.
As I reach the end of this journey of writing about Chhath Puja, one thought stays with me: festivals are not just about rituals — they are about remembering who we are.
When I see people standing in the water, hands folded, eyes closed, and faces glowing in the light of the Sun, I feel proud — proud of India’s rich traditions, proud of our ability to carry forward wisdom that is thousands of years old, and proud that such practices continue to remind us of what truly matters.
So, the next time you see a basket of fruits being carried to the riverbank, or a diya floating on the water, pause for a moment. Breathe in that spirit of devotion. Let it touch your heart. And remember — whether you are part of the ritual or just a witness, the light of the Sun belongs to all of us.
With Love and Light
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