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Chhath Puja: A Festival of Faith, Gratitude, and Devotion

Updated: Nov 6, 2024


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Chhath Puja, one of the oldest and most culturally rich festivals, is celebrated with immense devotion in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh, and by communities worldwide. This four-day festival, dedicated to Surya Dev (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya, symbolizes gratitude, resilience, and the deep bond between nature and human life. Observed after Diwali, Chhath Puja honors the Sun God as the source of life, energy, and well-being, bringing communities together in a spirit of reverence and simplicity.


Why Do We Celebrate Chhath Puja?


According to ancient legends, Chhath Puja began with Draupadi and the Pandavas from the epic Mahabharata. Faced with hardship during their exile, Draupadi performed a prayer to Surya Dev, seeking strength and blessings for the wellbeing of her family. Touched by her devotion, the Sun God bestowed prosperity upon them, allowing them to overcome their trials. This story reflects the essence of Chhath Puja—a festival rooted in unwavering faith, resilience, and hope for better times.


Another tale speaks of King Priyavad and his wife Malini, who longed for a child. After much sorrow, they sought guidance from Maharishi Kashyap, who advised them to perform a ritual dedicated to the Sun God. Malini performed the puja with unwavering dedication, and the couple was blessed with a child. This story of Chhath Puja resonates deeply, as devotees seek blessings of fertility, prosperity, and family well-being through acts of selfless devotion and prayers.


The Process of Performing Chhath Puja (Vidhi)


The rituals of Chhath Puja extend over four days, each filled with devotion and rigorous discipline. The puja includes specific offerings, prayers, and the practice of standing in rivers or ponds to pay homage to the Sun God at sunrise and sunset. Here is a brief look into each day:


  1. Nahay Khay (Day 1): The first day of Chhath Puja begins with Nahay Khay, where devotees bathe in a river or any sacred water body to purify themselves. They clean their homes and cook a simple meal, symbolizing the purification of body and mind.


  2. Lohanda and Kharna (Day 2): On this day, devotees fast from sunrise to sunset, breaking their fast only after offering kheer, roti, and fruits to Chhathi Maiya. This meal is prepared without salt, focusing on simplicity and devotion.


  3. Sandhya Arghya (Day 3): The third day is the most important part of Chhath Puja, where devotees prepare prasad and gather at rivers, ponds, or other water bodies in the evening. Standing in the water, they offer the evening arghya (prayers) to the setting Sun, asking for blessings for their families and the community. The ritual is accompanied by devotional songs, filling the atmosphere with sacred energy.


  4. Usha Arghya (Day 4): The final day begins before sunrise as devotees return to the water to offer prayers to the rising Sun, concluding the ritual. The Usha Arghya symbolizes new beginnings and the promise of light and life. After this prayer, devotees break their fast, sharing the prasad with family, friends, and the community, expressing gratitude for the Sun God’s blessings.


Mantras and Chants of Chhath Puja

During Chhath Puja, specific mantras are recited to invoke the blessings of the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya. One popular mantra is:


"ॐ घृणि सूर्याय नमः।Om Ghṛṇi Sūryāya Namaḥ."

Meaning in English: This mantra salutes the Sun God with reverence, acknowledging his warmth, light, and life-giving energy.


Another beautiful chant for Chhathi Maiya is:

"ओम षष्ठी देवी नमः।Om Ṣaṣṭhī Devī Namaḥ."

Meaning in English: This chant is dedicated to Goddess Shashti (Chhathi Maiya), the divine mother who protects and blesses children, invoking her grace and nurturing presence.


Chhath Puja is not only a festival but also an embodiment of faith, gratitude, and love for nature. It brings people closer to the divine, encouraging humility, unity, and the practice of selflessness. Each ritual and chant serves as a reminder of the ancient bond between humans and the universe, as devotees celebrate the endless cycle of life blessed by the sun.


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