Significance & Spiritual Meaning
Spiritual philosophy, inner meaning and eternal virtues
Chhath Puja (also known as Surya Shashti, Chhathi, Dala Chhath, or Mahaparv) is an ancient, rigorous 4-day Vedic festival celebrated primarily in Bihar, Jharkhand, Eastern Uttar Pradesh, and the Madhesh region of Nepal, as well as globally across the Indian diaspora. Falling on Shukla Paksha Shashthi of the Kartika month, it is unique in Hinduism for being the only festival where prayers and Arghya are offered to both the setting Sun (Sandhya Arghya) and the rising Sun (Usha Arghya). The 4-day observance comprises: Day 1: Nahay-Khay (purification bath and satvik meal of kaddu-bhat); Day 2: Kharna (day-long fast culminating in evening jaggery kheer prasad); Day 3: Sandhya Arghya (standing chest-deep in holy rivers offering bamboo soop baskets filled with Thekua, sugarcane, and fruits to the setting sun); Day 4: Usha Arghya (dawn offerings to the rising sun, followed by breaking the 36-hour waterless fast).
Chhath Puja embodies intense self-discipline, eco-harmony, and reverence for cosmic energies: 1. Gratitude to the Sustainer: The Sun (Surya) is the visible God (Pratyaksha Devata) whose cosmic rays sustain life, photosynthesis, health, and vitality. 2. Goddess Shashti (Chhathi Maiya): Chhathi Maiya is revered as the sister of Surya and the cosmic protectress of children and progeny. 3. Radical Equality & Purity: Chhath transcends all caste and social boundaries—all devotees (Vratis) gather at the same riverbanks using simple natural bamboo soops, earthen stoves, and natural seasonal produce without the intervention of priests.
Sacred Story & Divine Lore
Scriptural history and divine legends in sacred lore
“Celebrated since Vedic antiquity, King Priyavrata and Queen Malini performed Shashti Vrata to obtain a healthy son, and Karna (son of Surya) offered regular river Arghya, inspiring the sacred tradition.”
Key Rituals & Observance
Step-by-step sacred rituals and worship practices
- 1Step 1
Day 1 (Nahay-Khay): Holy bath in flowing river, cleaning home, preparing satvik pumpkin curry (Lauki Bhaat) in brass/clay pots.
- 2Step 2
Day 2 (Kharna): Full day fast without water. At sunset, offering jaggery kheer (Rasiya) and ghee rotis to Surya Dev before consuming as the only meal.
- 3Step 3
Day 3 (Sandhya Arghya): Starting 36-hour Nirjala fast. Carrying bamboo basket (Daura/Soop) to riverbank, standing in water to offer evening Arghya with raw milk and water.
- 4Step 4
Night 3: Lighting clay Kosi lamps and singing devotional Chhathi songs through the night.
- 5Step 5
Day 4 (Usha Arghya): Offering morning Arghya to the rising Sun, completing the fast with ginger and raw sugar prasad.
Sacred Deity & Powerful Mantras
Bhagavan Surya Dev (Sun God) & Chhathi Maiya (Goddess Shashti / Usha-Pratyusha) • Vedic and Puranic chants for peace and blessings
Surya Gayatri Mantra (सूर्य गायत्री मंत्र)
ॐ आदित्याय विद्महे प्रभाकराय धीमहि । तन्नो सूर्यः प्रचोदयात् ॥
Om Adityaya Vidmahe Prabhakaraya Dhimahi, Tanno Suryah Prachodayat
Chhath Arghya Mantra (छठ अर्घ्य समर्पण मंत्र)
ॐ एहि सूर्य सहस्त्रांशो तेजोराशे जगत्पते । अनुकम्पय मां भक्त्या गृहाणार्घ्यं दिवाकर ॥
Om Ehi Surya Sahasramsho Tejorashe Jagatpate, Anukampaya Mam Bhaktya Grihanarghyam Divakara
Regional Celebrations & Heritage
Diverse cultural and spiritual traditions across Bharat and worldwide
Millions converge on the Ganga and Sarayu river ghats. Families light 24-36 earthen lamps inside pyramidal clay structures (Kosi) at home and ghats, singing traditional folk songs (Chhathi Maiya Ke Geet).
Celebrated on the historic ponds (Ganga Sagar & Dhanush Sagar) of Janakpur with grand cultural reverence and cross-border participation.
Devotees gather at created water reservoirs, beaches (Juhu Beach in Mumbai), and community centers maintaining the strict 36-hour waterless vows.
Traditional Bhog & Sacred Offerings
Sacred food offerings prepared with devotion