Significance
Chhath Puja is the ancient Vedic festival dedicated to the Sun God, observed mainly in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Eastern UP. It is a four-day festival with arghya to the rising and setting sun.
Mythology & Legend
According to local tradition, Chhath is linked to Sita's worship of the Sun in Valmiki's ashram and to the Mahabharata. Chhathi Maiya (Shashthi Devi) is worshipped as the protector of children. The festival emphasises purity, discipline, and gratitude to nature.
Rituals & Observances
- Nahay Khay: Bathe and eat a single meal; clean the house.
- Kharna: Fast the whole day; break after sunset with kheer and roti.
- Sandhya Arghya: Nirjala fast; offer arghya to the setting sun at the river.
- 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 only
Regional Variations
Bihar(छठ पूजा)
Four-day riverbank ritual
Jharkhand(छठ पूजा)
Same as Bihar
Eastern UP(छठ पूजा)
Same observance
Do's & Don'ts
Do's
- ✓Maintain strict purity
- ✓Offer arghya at correct times
- ✓Use bamboo soop
- ✓Respect the river
Don'ts
- ✗Do not break fast before arghya
- ✗Avoid onion and garlic
- ✗Do not pollute the ghat