By : Gitanjali Thorat | PR Desk
New Delhi — The air is filled with devotion and faith as lakhs of devotees across India gear up for Chhath Puja, the sacred festival dedicated to Surya Dev (Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya. Celebrated mainly in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Nepal, this four-day festival has now become a nationwide symbol of purity, simplicity, and community spirit.
Ancient Festival, Modern Faith
Chhath Puja is one of the oldest known Hindu festivals — a ritual that dates back to Vedic times. Devotees worship the rising and setting sun, thanking nature for life, light, and health. Unlike most Hindu festivals, Chhath has no idol worship — it’s a nature-based celebration that connects humans directly with water, sunlight, and the earth.
The Spiritual Meaning
In Hindu tradition, the Sun is seen as the eternal source of energy. Prayers during Chhath are believed to bring prosperity, good health, and longevity. The festival also honors Usha and Pratyusha, the two divine energies of dawn and dusk — symbolizing hope and gratitude.
Four Days of Fasting and Faith
This year, Chhath Puja rituals begin with ‘Nahay Khay’, followed by ‘Kharna’, ‘Sandhya Arghya’, and finally ‘Usha Arghya’ on the concluding day.
Day 1 – Nahay Khay: Devotees take a holy bath and eat a pure vegetarian meal.
Day 2 – Kharna: A full-day fast without water, broken only after sunset with prasad of kheer and puri.
Day 3 – Sandhya Arghya: Evening prayers offered to the setting sun at riverbanks and ponds, accompanied by traditional songs and diyas.
Day 4 – Usha Arghya: The most divine moment — offerings made to the rising sun, marking the end of the festival and the breaking of the fast.
Devotion Meets Ecology
Chhath Puja is also known for its eco-friendly nature. Devotees use bamboo baskets, clay pots, and earthen lamps instead of plastic. The festival encourages clean rivers, natural offerings, and community cleanliness drives, making it a model of sustainable celebration.
Beyond Religion — A Festival of Unity
From Mumbai’s beaches to Delhi’s Yamuna ghats, and from Patna’s Ganga banks to villages in Nepal Terai — people from all backgrounds come together, breaking caste and class barriers.
Chhath Puja represents unity, purity, and gratitude — a festival where faith transcends all boundaries.
Voices of the Devotees
“Chhath is not just a puja, it’s our emotion,” says a devotee at Patna’s Ganga ghat. “It’s about thanking the Sun for every new morning in our lives.”
A Global Celebration
In recent years, Chhath Puja has gained international recognition — celebrated by Indian communities in the US, UK, UAE, and Mauritius. Temples and cultural groups abroad are organizing special prayer events to keep the tradition alive.
In the End, It’s About Light and Life
Chhath Puja is more than a ritual — it’s a reminder of harmony between humans and nature. As millions offer their arghya to the glowing sun this week, the message is clear: gratitude is the greatest form of worship
