Chhath Puja
Chhath Puja is a Hindu festival dedicated to the Sun God Surya and his sister Chhathi Maiya, observed primarily in Bihar, Jharkhand, and eastern Uttar Pradesh.
Overview
Chhath Puja is a four-day festival celebrated six days after Diwali, dedicated to the worship of the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya (the sixth form of Prakriti). It is one of the most important festivals in Bihar and eastern India, involving rigorous fasting, holy bathing, and offering prayers to the setting and rising sun. The festival emphasizes gratitude to the sun for sustaining life on earth.
Method/Content
The four days of Chhath include: Nahay Khay (ritual bathing and first day of fasting), Lohanda and Kharna (preparation of prasad and second day of fasting), Sandhya Arghya (evening offerings to the setting sun), and Usha Arghya (morning offerings to the rising sun). Devotees observe a strict fast (including abstaining from water), stand in water bodies for extended periods, and prepare special offerings of sugarcane, coconut, and seasonal fruits.
Purpose/Benefits
Chhath Puja is believed to ensure the well-being of the family, grant prosperity, and fulfill specific wishes. The worship of the sun is considered essential for health, vitality, and spiritual energy. The tradition holds that the rigorous austerity of the festival purifies the devotee and attracts divine blessings.
Verification Notes
- Celebrated six days after Diwali (October-November)
- Major festival in Bihar, Jharkhand, and eastern UP
- One of the few ancient festivals remaining with Vedic origins