The festival is celebrated to worship the Sun deity or Surya and Chhathi Maiya, the sister of Surya. Spanning over four days, Chhath Puja is marked by rigorous rituals, devout prayers, and a sense of gratitude that connects people to nature.
It is celebrated six days after Diwali and observed in the month of Kartik (October-November). This festival embodies a deep respect for natural elements and underscores the connection between human life and the natural world.
Origins Of Chhath
The origins of Chhath are found in Hindu epics. There are several versions to the origin story of Chhath. According to one tale from the Mahabharata, Draupadi and the Pandavas performed Chhath Puja to gain back their lost kingdom, praying to the Sun God for blessings.
Another popular legend links the festival to Lord Rama and Sita, who are believed to have worshiped the Sun on the sixth day after returning to Ayodhya and celebrating Diwali, marking the origin of Chhath Puja and being blessed with two sons.
The Sun God is revered for being the source of life and energy, with the power to heal and bring prosperity. Devotees believe that through the observance of Chhath Puja, they receive blessings for health, wealth, and longevity.
Also according to Vedic Astrology, Chhathi Maiya grants children long life and good health by shielding them from illnesses and diseases.
4 Day Celebrations
The Chhath Puja is celebrated for 3 nights and 4 days and each day has its specific significance and rituals.
Day 1 - Nahay Khay
The festival begins with Nahay Khay, where devotees purify themselves by bathing in a river or pond. This cleansing ritual symbolizes the start of their purification process.
Devotees, called Pravaitin, Thoroughly clean their homes and surrounding areas and cook a simple meal consisting of rice, lentils, pumpkin curry, and chokha (mashed vegetables).
This satvik lauka bhatt initiates the festival and is the last meal of the Parvaitin during Chhath Puja. It is considered sacred and helps devotees purify their minds and bodies for the upcoming days of fasting and prayer.
Day 2- Kharna or Lohanda
On the second day, known as Kharna or lohanda, devotees observe a strict fast from sunrise to sunset, refraining from both food and water. After the sun sets, they prepare prasad (offering), which includes gur ki kheer (jaggery rice pudding), chapati, and fruits.
This prasad, which is shared with family, marks the only meal they consume that day. Devotees view this fasting as an act of devotion and spiritual cleansing, helping them stay focused on their prayers and intentions.
On the second day, known as Kharna or lohanda, devotees observe a strict fast from sunrise to sunset, refraining from both food and water. After the sun sets, they prepare prasad (offering), which includes gur ki kheer (jaggery rice pudding), chapati, and fruits.
This prasad, which is shared with family, marks the only meal they consume that day. Devotees view this fasting as an act of devotion and spiritual cleansing, helping them stay focused on their prayers and intentions.
Day 3 - Sandhya Arghya
The third day, Sandhya Arghya, or evening offerings, is the most significant part of Chhath Puja. On this day, devotees undertake a rigorous 36-hour fast without water.
Special prasad, including thekua (a sweet made of wheat flour and jaggery), fruits, and sugarcane, is prepared and placed in bamboo baskets. In the evening, families gather by a river or pond to offer Arghya (offerings) to the setting sun.
Devotees dress in traditional attire and, standing waist-deep in water, offer prayers while holding offerings above the water. This ritual is both serene and solemn, accompanied by folk songs and hymns. It is followed by the reading Vrat katha.
Together with the rest of the family, the devotees carry out the kosi bharai ceremony after they come home in which 5 to 7 sugarcanes are tied together to form a mandap and beneath the shade of that mandap, 12 to 24 Diya lamps are burnt and thekua and other seasonal fruits are offered.
After repeating the same process between 3 and 4 am the following day, the devotees present arghya or other offerings to the rising sun.
Day 4 - Usha Arghya
The fourth and final day, Usha Arghya, is dedicated to the worship of the rising sun. Before dawn, devotees gather at the river or water source once more to offer prayers and seek blessings for health, happiness, and prosperity.
The rising sun is seen as a symbol of renewal and hope, and this final prayer ritual represents the continuity of life and the blessings of a new day.
After completing the morning ritual, devotees break their fast by sharing prasad with family, friends, and neighbors. This meal is symbolic of celebration, community unity, and the end of the fasting period.
Final Thoughts
The Chhath Puja is a festival dedicated to worshiping the Sun deity and is celebrated for 4 days. Its rituals serve as a reminder of humanity’s reliance on natural forces and the importance of purity in worship.
The communal spirit of Chhath Puja and its connection to nature bring friends, family and neighbors together in devotion, gratitude, and respect.
The third day, Sandhya Arghya, or evening offerings, is the most significant part of Chhath Puja. On this day, devotees undertake a rigorous 36-hour fast without water.
Special prasad, including thekua (a sweet made of wheat flour and jaggery), fruits, and sugarcane, is prepared and placed in bamboo baskets. In the evening, families gather by a river or pond to offer Arghya (offerings) to the setting sun.
Devotees dress in traditional attire and, standing waist-deep in water, offer prayers while holding offerings above the water. This ritual is both serene and solemn, accompanied by folk songs and hymns. It is followed by the reading Vrat katha.
Together with the rest of the family, the devotees carry out the kosi bharai ceremony after they come home in which 5 to 7 sugarcanes are tied together to form a mandap and beneath the shade of that mandap, 12 to 24 Diya lamps are burnt and thekua and other seasonal fruits are offered.
After repeating the same process between 3 and 4 am the following day, the devotees present arghya or other offerings to the rising sun.
Day 4 - Usha Arghya
The fourth and final day, Usha Arghya, is dedicated to the worship of the rising sun. Before dawn, devotees gather at the river or water source once more to offer prayers and seek blessings for health, happiness, and prosperity.
The rising sun is seen as a symbol of renewal and hope, and this final prayer ritual represents the continuity of life and the blessings of a new day.
After completing the morning ritual, devotees break their fast by sharing prasad with family, friends, and neighbors. This meal is symbolic of celebration, community unity, and the end of the fasting period.
Final Thoughts
The Chhath Puja is a festival dedicated to worshiping the Sun deity and is celebrated for 4 days. Its rituals serve as a reminder of humanity’s reliance on natural forces and the importance of purity in worship.
The communal spirit of Chhath Puja and its connection to nature bring friends, family and neighbors together in devotion, gratitude, and respect.
Each year, as devotees gather by riversides with hopes and prayers for the Sun’s blessings, Chhath Puja continues to be a symbol of humanity’s eternal bond with nature and the divine.
Written by Suhaanei
This article has been authored exclusively by the writer and is being presented on Eat My News, which serves as a platform for the community to voice their perspectives. As an entity, Eat My News cannot be held liable for the content or its accuracy. The views expressed in this article solely pertain to the author or writer. For further queries about the article or its content you can contact on this email address - suhaanei2765@gmail.com
Written by Suhaanei
This article has been authored exclusively by the writer and is being presented on Eat My News, which serves as a platform for the community to voice their perspectives. As an entity, Eat My News cannot be held liable for the content or its accuracy. The views expressed in this article solely pertain to the author or writer. For further queries about the article or its content you can contact on this email address - suhaanei2765@gmail.com
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