Chhath Puja as one of India’s oldest and most spiritually meaningful festivals. This unique four-day festival, predominantly celebrated in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and parts of Nepal, is dedicated to worshipping Surya (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya (the Mother Goddess). Chhath Puja brings together communities in reverent harmony, celebrating the power of nature and the human connection to the sun, water, and earth.
Stories Associated with Chhath Puja
Chhath Puja has deep mythological roots, with several stories and legends explaining its origin and significance. Here are three of the most notable tales:
The Story of Karna – The Generous Sun-Worshipper
One of the oldest stories associated with Chhath Puja centers around Karna, the noble warrior and the son of Surya (the Sun God) and Kunti. In the Mahabharata, Karna is portrayed as a devout worshipper of Surya. Known for his strength and charity, Karna would worship the Sun God every day, offering water and prayers with great devotion.His commitment to Surya gave him immense power, making him an invincible warrior. This tale of Karna is often remembered during Chhath Puja, where devotees seek blessings of strength, power, and resilience from the Sun God. Karna’s story is a testament to how worshipping the sun can bring strength and blessings, and for many, he symbolises the unwavering faith and dedication celebrated in Chhath Puja.
The Story of Lord Rama and Sita’s Return to Ayodhya
Another significant legend associated with Chhath Puja dates back to the time of Lord Rama and Sita. After returning to Ayodhya from their 14-year exile and defeating Ravana, Rama and Sita performed a rigorous fast and offered prayers to Surya for his blessings. As a gesture of gratitude and thanksgiving, they worshipped Surya on the sixth day of their arrival.This ritual of thanksgiving became a part of the tradition for people in the kingdom, evolving into what is now known as Chhath Puja. The legend signifies how Chhath Puja is not just an act of devotion but also a festival of gratitude, celebrating the success and harmony brought by Surya’s blessings.
The Story of Draupadi and the Pandavas’ Prosperity
Another tale links Chhath Puja to Draupadi and the Pandavas from the Mahabharata. Facing immense hardship during their exile, Draupadi observed a strict fast and worshipped Surya to provide them with sustenance and strength. Her deep devotion pleased Surya, who blessed her and the Pandavas with prosperity and an unending supply of food. This blessing allowed them to survive and succeed despite the difficulties they faced.
Draupadi’s story shows how prayer, devotion, and faith can bring strength and sustenance in life’s most challenging times. For many Chhath Puja devotees, Draupadi’s unwavering commitment and blessings from Surya reinforce their own faith and devotion during the festival, inspiring them to seek strength and prosperity from the Sun God.
How Chhath Puja is Celebrated Across India
Chhath Puja is celebrated with elaborate rituals that span four days, each day dedicated to a unique aspect of devotion, cleansing, and gratitude. Here’s a look at the rituals and customs observed during each day:
- Day 1: Nahai-Khai (Bathing and Eating)
On the first day, devotees begin with Nahai-Khai, a ritual of purification. The day starts with bathing in rivers or ponds, as water is considered sacred, representing purity and cleanliness. Devotees clean their homes and prepare a simple meal, often including rice, dal, and pumpkin. The meal is prepared without onions, garlic, or salt to maintain purity, marking the beginning of a strict diet that devotees follow throughout the festival. - Day 2: Kharna
The second day, known as Kharna, is an intense day of fasting. Devotees fast from sunrise to sunset, abstaining from food and water. At sunset, they prepare offerings made of jaggery, rice, and milk, which are first offered to Chhathi Maiya and then consumed as prasad by the fasting devotees. The Kharna meal symbolises dedication and gratitude, showing the devotee’s readiness to forego personal comforts in honour of the goddess. - Day 3: Sandhya Arghya (Evening Offerings)
On the third day, the main rituals of Chhath Puja take place, starting in the evening. Devotees dress in traditional attire, often wearing yellow, orange, or red, symbolising purity and devotion. They carry offerings, which include fruits, thekua (a traditional sweet), and other items, and gather along the banks of rivers or ponds.
At sunset, they offer their prayers to Surya, standing waist-deep in water, holding baskets filled with offerings as they sing traditional hymns. The Sandhya Arghya, or evening offering, represents a beautiful act of devotion where devotees thank the setting sun, acknowledging the vital role the sun plays in sustaining life. - Day 4: Usha Arghya (Morning Offerings)
The fourth day, known as Usha Arghya, is the concluding day of Chhath Puja. Devotees gather at the riverside early in the morning before sunrise. As the first rays of the sun appear, they perform the Usha Arghya, offering prayers to the rising sun and thanking Surya for his blessings. It’s a breathtaking sight, as devotees, standing in water and facing the rising sun, hold baskets of offerings and sing devotional songs.
After completing the ritual, the devotees break their fast, sharing prasad with family, friends, and the community. The Usha Arghya symbolises new beginnings, hope, and gratitude for life’s sustenance, marking the end of the Chhath Puja rituals.
The Significance of Chhath Puja in Today’s Context
Chhath Puja has a unique relevance in today’s world, with themes of simplicity, devotion, and ecological awareness that resonate with modern sensibilities:
- A Festival of Gratitude
Chhath Puja is, at its heart, a festival of gratitude. In an age where lives are fast-paced and often focused on material goals, Chhath Puja provides a moment to pause and appreciate the simple, life-sustaining forces around us. It’s a reminder of how we rely on nature’s balance—especially the sun, water, and earth—for survival, urging us to acknowledge and honour these forces. - The Power of Community and Collective Devotion
Chhath Puja brings entire communities together. Families, friends, and neighbours join in collective prayer by the riverbanks, sharing in each other’s devotion and celebration. This collective spirit strengthens bonds among individuals and communities, showing how festivals like Chhath Puja are not just personal acts of devotion but also social rituals that build community spirit. - Environmental and Spiritual Consciousness
Chhath Puja holds an implicit environmental message, as it takes devotees directly into nature, encouraging them to celebrate alongside rivers, ponds, and open skies. With the recent rise in ecological awareness, devotees are increasingly mindful of their rituals, using biodegradable offerings, maintaining cleanliness along riverbanks, and avoiding pollution. In this way, Chhath Puja underscores respect for nature, blending ancient tradition with modern environmental responsibility. - Renewal of Faith and Resilience
Chhath Puja is a festival of rigorous fasting and devotion, requiring physical endurance and mental resilience. In today’s world, where challenges are numerous and personal resilience is more valuable than ever, Chhath Puja inspires strength, endurance, and faith. The festival reminds devotees that through commitment, sacrifice, and faith, one can achieve inner peace, resilience, and personal growth.
Chhath Puja – An Ancient Festival with Timeless Relevance
Chhath Puja is more than a festival; it is a profound expression of devotion, humility, and gratitude toward the Sun God and Mother Earth. Each ritual, from fasting and praying to offering thanks at sunrise and sunset, represents a connection to the divine forces of nature that sustain life on Earth. As families and communities gather each year for this age-old celebration, Chhath Puja continues to bridge the past and present, reminding us of the enduring power of gratitude, simplicity, and togetherness.
In today’s world, as we navigate the challenges of modern life, Chhath Puja remains a source of strength, reminding us of the importance of honoring nature, nurturing resilience, and cherishing the blessings of life. Through the power of tradition, Chhath Puja lights a path for future generations, keeping alive the values that connect us all.
