Significance
Chhath Puja is a four-day festival dedicated to the Sun God (Surya) and Chhathi Maiya. It is especially popular in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Eastern UP. Devotees offer arghya to the rising and setting sun.
Mythology & Legend
According to tradition, Chhath is linked to the Ramayana—Sita observed the vrat in the ashram of Sage Valmiki. The Mahabharata also mentions Kunti and Draupadi worshipping the Sun. Chhathi Maiya is considered the consort of Surya and the protector of children.
Rituals & Observances
- Day 1 (Nahay Khay): Bathe and eat a pure meal; prepare the house.
- Day 2 (Kharna): Observe a full-day fast; break after sunset with kheer and roti.
- Day 3 (Sandhya Arghya): Observe nirjala fast; offer arghya to the setting sun at the riverbank.
- Day 4 (Usha Arghya): Offer arghya to the rising sun; break the fast and distribute prasad.
Sacred Mantras
ॐ सूर्याय नमः
oṃ sūryāya namaḥ
Salutations to Surya
Traditional Foods
- ●Thekua
- ●Kheer
- ●Fruits
- ●Sattvic prasad
Regional Variations
Bihar/Jharkhand(छठ पूजा)
Four-day riverbank puja
Eastern UP(छठ पूजा)
Same rituals
Do's & Don'ts
Do's
- ✓Observe the four-day rituals
- ✓Offer arghya at sunrise and sunset
- ✓Use bamboo soop and fresh fruits
- ✓Maintain purity
Don'ts
- ✗Do not break the fast before arghya
- ✗Avoid onion and garlic
- ✗Do not pollute the river