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Chhath Puja is one of the most sacred and eco-friendly festivals of India, celebrated mainly in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and parts of Nepal. It is dedicated to the worship of Surya Dev (Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya, who is considered to be the sister of Surya Dev. This festival holds deep spiritual significance and is celebrated with utmost devotion, piety and discipline by millions of devotees, especially in Hindi speaking areas.
🌞Meaning and importance of Chhath Puja
The word Chhath comes from the Hindi word six, as this festival is celebrated on the sixth day (Shashthi Tithi) of Kartik month (October–November) in the Hindu lunar calendar. It usually happens six days after Diwali. Chhath Puja is also celebrated in the month of Chaitra (March–April), known as Chaiti Chhath, but Kartik Chhath is most widely celebrated.
This festival is unique because it connects people directly with nature. Devotees worship the setting and rising sun, express gratitude for sustaining life on earth and seek blessings for prosperity, health and happiness. Unlike other Hindu festivals, Chhath Puja does not involve idol worship; Instead, it respects the natural elements of the universe.
🙏Mythological and historical background
From Ramayana:
It is believed that after returning to Ayodhya from exile and defeating Ravana, Lord Ram and Goddess Sita observed a fast and performed Chhath rituals in honor of the Sun God.
From Mahabharata:
According to another legend, Kunti and Draupadi performed Chhath rituals and prayed to the Sun God for the well-being of their family and to remove difficulties during their exile.
Scientific Recognition:
Ancient sages used to perform Surya Arghya (offering water to the Sun) during sunrise and sunset to absorb solar energy for health benefits and longevity. Chhath Puja continues the ancient Vedic practice, which blends spirituality with science.
🪔Chhath Puja duration and rituals
Chhath Puja is celebrated for four days, each with its own ritual and spiritual meaning. The strict discipline and purity followed by the devotees makes this festival one of the toughest fasts in Hinduism.
1. Nahay Khay (First Day)
On this day, devotees take a holy bath in a river, pond or any clean water body. Women observing the fast (called Vrati) cook pure, vegetarian food – often rice, gourd, and gram dal – without onion, garlic, or salt. It marks the beginning of the coming days of purification.
2. Kharna (2nd day)
The second day is one of the most important rituals of Chhath Puja. The devotees observe a strict fast from sunrise to sunset without drinking water. In the evening, after worshiping the Sun God, they make kheer (a sweet dish made of rice and jaggery), roti and banana. This prasad is first offered to the deity and then distributed among the family and neighbours.
3. Evening Arghya (third day)
This day has immense spiritual significance. Devotees fast the whole day and prepare offerings like thekua, fruits, sugarcane, coconut and lamps in bamboo baskets. In the evening, they go to the banks of a river or pond to offer Sandhya Arghya (evening prayers) to the setting sun. Seeing hundreds of devotees standing in knee-deep water, singing traditional Chhath songs and praying creates a deeply spiritual and mesmerizing atmosphere.
4. Usha Arghya (fourth day)
On the last day, devotees and their families return to the river bank before sunrise to offer Usha Arghya (morning prayers) to the rising sun. It symbolizes gratitude and renewal of energy. After the puja, the fast is broken with Prasad, which marks the end of Chhath festival. After this the devotees take blessings from the elders and distribute the sacred prasad among the family and neighbours.
🎶 Cultural importance and traditional songs
No Chhath Puja is complete without Chhath Geet – traditional folk songs sung in Maithili, Bhojpuri and Magahi languages. These songs are full of devotion and emotion expressing love, respect and faith towards Chhathi Maiya and Surya Dev. They are passed down through generations and add a soulful rhythm to the celebrations.
Popular songs like "Kaanch Hi Baans Ke Bahangiya" and "Uga Hai Suraj Dev" are sung by women in groups during rituals, creating a sense of unity and cultural pride.
🌾Environment Friendly Festival
Chhath Puja is one of the most environmentally sustainable festivals in India. Devotees use natural and biodegradable materials like bamboo baskets, earthen pots, sugarcane, banana leaves and earthen lamps. No artificial decorations or harmful chemicals are used.This deep respect for nature reflects India's ancient wisdom of living in harmony with the environment. ,
💫 Scientific and health benefits
Chhath Puja is beneficial not only from spiritual but also from scientific point of view.
Offering water to the Sun during sunrise and sunset helps regulate the body's circadian rhythm.
Fasting detoxifies the body and improves digestion.
Practicing deep breathing while standing in water improves blood circulation and lung function.
Thus, rituals promote physical, mental and spiritual well-being.
🏙️ Modern Celebration
Even today, Chhath Puja is celebrated with devotion and simplicity like in ancient times. In cities like Patna, Varanasi, Delhi and Mumbai, river banks and ponds are cleaned and decorated for the rituals. Keeping their traditions alive in countries like the US, UK and UAE, non-resident Bihar and UP residents also celebrate Chhath abroad. Social media platforms now play a huge role in spreading Chhath Puja awareness. Devotees share photos, songs and prayers online, allowing the festival to reach a global audience.
🌻Chhath Puja message
Chhath Puja teaches us discipline, devotion, gratitude and harmony with nature. It emphasizes purity of mind, body and soul. This festival inspires people to be patient, humble and grateful for the blessings of the Sun, the ultimate source of energy and life.
It also represents the strength of women, as most of the rituals are led by women who show incredible willpower by fasting without food and water for long periods of time only for the welfare of their family and society.
छठ पूजा की कहानी और धार्मिक मान्यताएँ
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छठ पूजा में क्या करें और क्या न करें – संपूर्ण गाइड