What Is Chhath Puja?

Chhath Puja: The Festival of Sun Worship

Chhath Puja is one of the most revered Hindu festivals dedicated to worshiping the Sun God, Surya, and his consort, Usha (the dawn). Celebrated mainly in the Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and in Nepal’s Terai region, Chhath Puja is known for its unique rituals, deep spirituality, and devotion to nature. Unlike other festivals with elaborate idol worship or loud celebrations, Chhath Puja is solemn and marked by simplicity, purity, and environmental consciousness. Observed over four days, this festival is not just a religious occasion but also a social and cultural event that brings families and communities together.

Origins and Significance of Chhath Puja

The roots of Chhath Puja trace back to ancient Hindu mythology and scriptures. There are multiple beliefs regarding its origin:

1. Ramayana and Mahabharata Legends: According to Hindu mythology, Chhath Puja dates back to the times of the Ramayana. It is believed that Lord Rama and his wife, Sita, observed a fast and offered prayers to the Sun God upon returning to Ayodhya after fourteen years in exile. In the Mahabharata, there is also a reference to Chhath Puja. Draupadi, the wife of the Pandavas, is said to have observed Chhath rituals to ensure the health and prosperity of her family.
2. Vedic Origins: Chhath Puja is believed to have roots in the Vedic period. Surya, the Sun God, holds an important place in Vedic literature as a deity of health, power, and prosperity. In ancient times, Rishis (sages) practiced Chhath as a means to gain mental clarity, vitality, and physical strength by taking in the sun’s energy directly, a practice still echoed in the rituals of Chhath Puja.
3. Spiritual Significance: Chhath Puja is not merely a festival; it’s a disciplined spiritual practice. Devotees, known as Vratis, undertake strict fasting and rigorous rituals to purify their body and mind. By worshiping Surya, the source of life, they express gratitude for life, health, and abundance. Chhath also celebrates the cycles of nature, representing a harmonious relationship with the natural world.

The Four Days of Chhath Puja

Chhath Puja is a four-day festival that involves specific rituals, each with deep significance. The rituals are conducted by devotees who commit to intense purity, fasting, and abstinence, dedicating their efforts to Surya and Chhathi Maiya (the Goddess of Chhath).

Day 1: Nahay Khay (Purification)

The first day, Nahay Khay, marks the beginning of the festival. Devotees take a ritualistic bath, often in a river or pond, symbolizing spiritual and physical purification. The bath is a way to cleanse oneself of impurities and prepare for the rigorous fasting that follows. Devotees then prepare a meal, typically made of rice, pumpkin, and chana dal, and consume it as their only meal for the day. This meal is shared with family members, symbolizing unity and purity.

Day 2: Lohanda and Kharna (Fasting)

On the second day, Vratis observe a strict fast, consuming no food or water until sunset. They break their fast in the evening after worshiping Chhathi Maiya. The meal, known as Kharna, consists of kheer (a rice pudding made with jaggery), puris (fried bread), and fruits. After this meal, the Vratis begin a 36-hour waterless fast, considered one of the most challenging aspects of Chhath Puja. This strict fasting signifies surrender to divine will, self-discipline, and devotion.

Day 3: Sandhya Arghya (Evening Offerings)

The third day is the most important day of Chhath Puja, with Sandhya Arghya, or the evening offerings. Vratis and their families gather at a riverbank, pond, or any clean water body at dusk to worship the setting sun. The Arghya (offering) consists of fruits, thekua (a special sweet made from wheat flour and jaggery), and sugarcane. Vratis, holding the offerings, wade into the water and offer prayers to Surya. This ritual honors the Sun God and acknowledges the significance of the evening phase of the sun, representing the completion of another day’s cycle.

The sight of thousands of devotees standing in water with earthen lamps and offerings is visually stunning and spiritually uplifting, symbolizing humility and gratitude for the life-giving power of the sun.

Day 4: Usha Arghya (Morning Offerings)

On the fourth and final day of Chhath Puja, devotees gather again at dawn to offer prayers to the rising sun, known as Usha Arghya. Standing in water, they pray for the health and prosperity of their families. This ritual signifies a new beginning, filled with hope and blessings. After the prayers, the 36-hour fast is broken, and the Vratis consume prasad (blessed food), which is then distributed among family members and the community.

The conclusion of Chhath Puja is a moment of joy and relief, as devotees celebrate their successful completion of the rigorous and rewarding rituals. The prasad, especially the thekua, is cherished as a symbol of the divine’s blessings.

Unique Aspects of Chhath Puja

1. Environmental Harmony: Unlike many festivals, Chhath Puja is environmentally conscious and emphasizes cleanliness and preservation of nature. Devotees clean riverbanks, use biodegradable offerings, and avoid artificial materials. The festival’s emphasis on worshiping natural elements—the sun, water, and earth—aligns with values of sustainability and ecological respect.
2. Community Participation: Chhath Puja is not limited to individual families; it’s a community event where neighborhoods gather by rivers and ponds. The festival strengthens community bonds, with everyone contributing to cleaning the water bodies and helping each other with preparations.
3. Gender Equality: While women predominantly observe the fast, Chhath Puja is not limited to one gender. Men also participate in the fasting and rituals, reflecting gender equality in devotion and responsibilities. The festival’s inclusive nature strengthens family ties and fosters a sense of unity.
4. Ritual Purity and Simplicity: Chhath Puja rituals are free from idol worship and complex ceremonies. The offerings are simple, with food items like fruits, sugarcane, and sweets, all prepared in a pure and hygienic way. Devotees focus on internal purity, faith, and reverence toward nature, highlighting the spiritual depth of the festival.

Scientific and Health Benefits of Chhath Puja

The rituals associated with Chhath Puja are not only spiritual but also have health benefits:

1. Sun Exposure: The rituals, which involve prolonged exposure to sunlight during sunrise and sunset, allow the body to absorb vital Vitamin D, which strengthens bones and the immune system. Sun worship during Chhath Puja is also believed to help with the regulation of biological rhythms, improving mental health and well-being.
2. Fasting and Detoxification: The rigorous fasting, particularly the waterless 36-hour fast, promotes self-control and detoxifies the body. Fasting gives the digestive system a rest, allowing the body to cleanse itself, which has several health benefits, including improved metabolism and mental clarity.
3. Mental and Physical Discipline: Chhath Puja involves intense physical discipline. The fasting and rituals test one’s mental and physical endurance, teaching patience, commitment, and resilience. The meditative aspect of the rituals also enhances emotional strength and focus.

Chhath Puja in Modern Times

With the growing popularity of Chhath Puja, celebrations have spread to cities and countries worldwide, especially among the Indian diaspora. Chhath Puja is now celebrated in metropolitan areas like Mumbai, Delhi, and even in international cities where Bihari, Jharkhandi, and Uttar Pradeshi communities reside. Governments and local administrations facilitate the celebrations by preparing special ghats (banks) and ensuring safety and hygiene at public water bodies.

In recent years, Chhath Puja has also gained attention for its environmentally conscious practices. Community leaders and environmentalists advocate for maintaining the cleanliness of water bodies and reducing the use of plastic, aligning with the festival’s traditional values of nature worship.

Conclusion

Chhath Puja is much more than a festival; it is a unique blend of devotion, discipline, and ecological awareness. Celebrated with sincerity and dedication, Chhath Puja reflects India’s rich cultural heritage and reverence for nature. By worshiping Surya, the life-giving force, and practicing fasting, purity, and gratitude, devotees express a deep connection to the natural world. As Chhath Puja continues to grow in prominence, it serves as a reminder of humanity’s reliance on nature and the importance of nurturing and respecting our environment.