Chhath Puja Significance & Spiritual Meaning
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.
Chhath Puja 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.
Chhath Puja 2026 Puja Rituals & Vidhi
- 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.
Chhath Puja Mantras in Sanskrit
ॐ सूर्याय नमः
oṃ sūryāya namaḥ
Salutations to Surya
Chhath Puja Traditional Foods & Prasad
- ●Thekua
- ●Kheer
- ●Fruits
- ●Sattvic prasad
Chhath Puja Regional Celebrations across India
Bihar/Jharkhand(छठ पूजा)
Four-day riverbank puja
Eastern UP(छठ पूजा)
Same rituals
Chhath Puja Do's & Don't's
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
Chhath Puja — Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Chhath Puja?
- Chhath Puja is a four-day festival dedicated to the Sun God (Surya) and Chhathi Maiya.
- When is Chhath Puja 2026?
- The date for Chhath Puja in 2026 varies by region and is typically based on local Panchang. Use the sidebar to see city-specific dates.
- What are the Chhath Puja puja rituals?
- 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.
- What to eat on Chhath Puja?
- Thekua, Kheer, Fruits, Sattvic prasad
- What should you do on Chhath Puja?
- Observe the four-day rituals; Offer arghya at sunrise and sunset; Use bamboo soop and fresh fruits
- What should you avoid on Chhath Puja?
- Do not break the fast before arghya; Avoid onion and garlic; Do not pollute the river
- Which deity is worshipped on Chhath Puja?
- Chhath Puja is dedicated to Surya.