Welcome to the Ultimate Guide to Chhath Puja
Chhath Puja is one of the most ancient and revered Hindu festivals, dedicated to Lord Surya (the Sun God) and his sister, Chhathi Maiya. Unlike many other festivals that rely on idol worship, Chhath is unique in its profound connection with nature, emphasizing purity, devotion, and environmental consciousness.
What Makes Chhath Puja Unique?
Spanning four rigorous days, the festival involves holy bathing, fasting (including abstaining from drinking water, known as Nirjala Vrat), standing in water for long periods, and offering Arghya (prayers and food offerings) to the setting and rising sun.
It is predominantly celebrated in the Indian states of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and parts of Nepal. However, with the widespread migration of people from these regions, Chhath Puja is now a global phenomenon, celebrated with grand fervor in Delhi, Mumbai, and internationally.
Navigating the Four Days of Devotion
The festival strictly follows a four-day schedule:
- Day 1: Nahay Khay - A day of cleansing and purification.
- Day 2: Kharna - Observing a day-long fast broken in the evening with sacred prasad.
- Day 3: Sandhya Arghya - The main day of standing in water and offering prayers to the setting sun.
- Day 4: Usha Arghya - The concluding morning offering to the rising sun, followed by breaking the fast.
Explore the complete collection of articles in the sidebar to delve deeper into the traditions, specific rules, required samagri (items), and mouth-watering prasad recipes associated with this magnificent festival.
The original article text is preserved from the supplied Chhath Puja collection. Navigation, summaries, imagery and clearly labeled editorial notes were added for this edition.