Chhath Puja: Amidst chants, devotion, and the golden hues of dawn and dusk, Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh come alive every year with the celebration of Chhath Puja—a festival that glorifies the Sun God (Surya Dev) and his consort Usha. What makes Chhath truly unique among global traditions is its reverence for both the setting and rising sun—a symbol of life’s balance between endings and beginnings.
Chhath Puja Celebration Time
Observed on the sixth day (Shashti) of the Hindu month of Kartik, Chhath Puja—also called Surya Shashti—is not merely a ritual but an act of spiritual endurance, purity, and gratitude. The four-day festival embodies a deep ecological and emotional connection between humanity and nature, especially the life-giving power of the sun and water.
Chhath Puja Nahay Khay
The first day, known as Nahay-Khay, begins with devotees taking a sacred dip in a river or pond. They carry the holy water home to purify their surroundings and prepare for the fasting days ahead.
Chhath Day: Day Two
On the second day, Kharna, devotees observe a strict fast, breaking it only after sunset with kheer (rice pudding), fruits, and offerings to Mother Earth. This meal marks the beginning of a 36-hour fast without water—an extraordinary feat of devotion.
Chhath Puja Day Three
The third day witnesses the most mesmerizing spectacle—Sanjhiya Arghya. Thousands gather along riverbanks, their faces aglow in the golden sunset, as they offer Arghya to the setting sun with bamboo baskets full of thekua, fruits, and sugarcane. Folk songs echo across the ghats, narrating tales of faith, gratitude, and Bihar’s rich heritage.
Chhath Puja Day Four: Bhorwa Arghya
The festival culminates with Bhorwa Arghya—the offering to the rising sun. As dawn breaks, rivers shimmer with devotion, symbolizing the eternal cycle of life and hope. After this ritual, families return home to share prasad and blessings.
Chhath Puja stands as a timeless reminder that in honoring nature, one honors life itself. In its simplicity, discipline, and devotion, this ancient festival reflects India’s enduring spiritual harmony—where the sun, river, and human soul meet in luminous reverence.