Chhath Pooja is one of India’s most celebrated and ancient Hindu festivals, symbolizing devotion, purity, and thankfulness to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya, the goddess of well-being, prosperity, and offspring. This remarkable celebration is primarily observed in the states of Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and even parts of Nepal. Dedicated to Surya Dev (Sun God) and Shashthi Devi (Chhathi Maiya), this pooja is performed with utmost faith and dedication, seeking blessings for health, longevity, and prosperity. The festival has a strong sense of community, with families and friends gathering at riversides to perform rituals together, making it a heartwarming spectacle.

In this post, we will dive into the beauty of Chhath Pooja — its history, stories, rituals, and the joy of celebrating together. From the deep-rooted significance to the intricate offerings and practices, let us explore what makes this festival a deeply cherished celebration.

Chhath Puja Festival

This festival is much more than a ritual; it is an experience filled with devotion, endurance, and purity. Observed across four days, the festival’s highlight lies in its unique rituals, where devotees offer Arghya (offerings) to the setting and rising sun. The community comes alive with vibrant processions and gatherings along river banks, where people unite in faith and worship. Each day of the festival holds special significance, starting with Nahai Khai (purification and preparation) on the first day, Kharna on the second, Sandhya Arghya (evening offering) on the third, and Usha Arghya (morning offering) on the fourth day.

The rituals of this festival involve fasting, taking holy dips in rivers or water bodies, and offering prayers to Surya Dev. The devotees, or Vratis, often stand in the water with baskets filled with fruits, sugarcane, and other offerings while praying for their family’s health and prosperity. The ambience is full of devotion, chants, and traditional songs, adding a sense of divine energy to the atmosphere. The festival’s serene beauty, combined with the ardent prayers of devotees, makes this festival a truly moving experience. Can you imagine yourself being part of this soulful celebration?

About Chhath Puja | History and Significance of Chhath Pooja | छठ पूजा

The history of this festival dates back to ancient times and is deeply rooted in Indian mythology and spirituality. References to this festival can be found in the Vedic texts, particularly in the Rigveda, which mentions the worship of Surya Dev, the Sun God. This divine connection is believed to bring good health and prosperity. The epic of Mahabharata also shares stories of Draupadi and the Pandavas performing Chhath Puja to overcome challenges, hoping to reclaim their lost kingdom and ensure their family’s welfare. Thus, this festival is not only a ritual but a legacy passed down through generations, representing resilience, gratitude, and hope.

The significance of this festival lies in the purity and dedication with which devotees conduct the rituals, especially the Chhath puja celebration that spans four days. People gather along river banks, offer prayers to the setting and rising sun, and maintain a rigorous fast to express devotion to Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya. Through छठ पूजा, devotees honour nature and seek divine blessings, embodying a connection with the cosmos and the elements. Each year, the Chhath Puja festival brings together communities in shared spirituality and collective respect for the natural world.

Chhath Puja Story

The stories surrounding this festival add a layer of mystique and reverence to the festival. One popular story is that of Karna, the son of Surya and Kunti, from the Mahabharata. It is said that Karna performed Chhath Puja to gain strength and blessings from his divine father. By offering prayers and observing strict rituals, he became an invincible warrior blessed by Surya Dev. Many people still believe that the strength and spiritual blessings Karna gained were due to his unwavering devotion during Chhath.

Another legend is tied to Draupadi and the Pandavas, who also performed this Puja to overcome difficulties in their lives. Draupadi observed the rituals with utmost dedication, and her prayers were answered. These stories remind us that Chhath puja is not just a festival but spiritual journeys that strengthen the faith of devotees and offer hope. This festival thus becomes a path to attaining divine blessings and resilience through devotion. Have you heard of any other legends associated with छठ पूजा?

When Is Chhath Puja Celebrated?

This festival is celebrated six days after Diwali, usually in late October or early November. It marks the start of the winter season and follows the lunar calendar.

Why Is Chhath Puja Celebrated | Why Chhath Puja is celebrated in Bihar

This festival is celebrated as a thanksgiving to Surya Dev, acknowledging the Sun’s essential role in sustaining life on Earth. In Bihar, it holds special cultural significance, symbolizing communal unity and a deep connection to the land and nature. Through this festival, people express gratitude and seek blessings for good health, prosperity, and harmony in their families.

How Is Chhath Puja Celebrated | Chhath Festival Celebration

This festival is celebrated through a series of meticulously observed rituals, including bathing in holy rivers, fasting, and offering prayers. Devotees gather at riverbanks at dawn and dusk, where they perform the Sandhya Arghya and Usha Arghya rituals. Songs and hymns dedicated to Chhathi Maiya and Surya Dev create a soulful atmosphere, with families coming together to celebrate the bond of faith and devotion.

What is Offered in Chhath Puja

In this festival, devotees offer an assortment of traditional items, including Thekuas (wheat flour sweets), seasonal fruits, sugarcane, and other offerings. These items are carefully arranged in bamboo baskets, symbolizing purity and reverence.

Surya Shashti | Chhathi Maiya

Surya Shashti, also known as Chhath, is dedicated to Chhathi Maiya, who is believed to protect devotees and grant wishes. Chhathi Maiya is often revered for her blessings related to health, wealth, and happiness, adding a special sense of protection to the rituals.

Places Where Chhath Puja Is Celebrated | Where It Is Celebrated

• Bihar: The heart of Chhath Puja celebrations, with rituals held on the banks of the Ganges in Patna and various water bodies.
• Uttar Pradesh: Especially celebrated in Varanasi and other riverine cities, where the Ganges flows.
• Jharkhand: Chhath Puja is observed with grandeur in cities like Ranchi and Jamshedpur.
• Delhi: Riverbanks along the Yamuna witness Chhath Puja celebrations by the Bihari and Eastern UP communities.
• Nepal: Celebrated mainly in the Terai region, where the festival is closely linked to the culture.

Chhath Festival | Chhath Puja Celebration FAQs

1. What is Chhath Puja?
   It is a Hindu festival dedicated to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya.
2. When is Chhath Puja celebrated?
   Six days after Diwali, usually in October or November.
3. What are the main rituals of Chhath Puja?
   Bathing, fasting, and offering prayers at sunrise and sunset.
4. Why do people fast for Chhath Puja?
   To show devotion, purity, and gratitude.
5. Why is Chhath Puja mainly celebrated in Bihar?
   It holds cultural and spiritual significance there.
6. What is the significance of Surya Dev in Chhath Puja?
   He is worshipped as the source of life and energy.
7. What is offered during Chhath Puja?
   Fruits, thekuas, sugarcane, and holy water.
8. What does Chhathi Maiya represent?
   She represents well-being, fertility, and protection.
9. How long does Chhath Puja last?
   This festival lasts for four days.
10. Why do devotees stand in water?
    As a symbol of respect and devotion to Surya Dev, devotees stand in water.
11. What does arghya mean?
    Offering to the Sun God, usually done with water and food.
12. How many days is the fasting period for this Puja?
    The fasting period lasts 36 hours and will continue for four days.

This is a festival of strength, devotion, and togetherness, drawing people into a harmonious celebration of nature and spirituality. The pooja rituals, with their intense reverence, remind us of the beautiful interplay between faith and gratitude.

We hope you enjoyed this post about Chhath Pooja! Have you ever experienced the Chhath Puja celebration, or is there a part of the festival that resonates with you most? Do let us know in the comments — we would love to hear about your thoughts and experiences with this unique tradition. And please share this post about the Chhath Puja celebration with your friends and family on social media to spread the word about this beautiful festival!

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