Chhath Puja is one of the most revered and vibrant festivals celebrated in eastern, especially in Bihar, Jharkhand, and eastern Uttar Pradesh, as well as in parts of Nepal.

It is dedicated to the Sun (Surya Dev) and Chhathi Maiya, with devotees performing rigorous rituals and fasting to pray for health, prosperity, and well-being of their families. This festival is known for its unique combination of devotion, purity, and social bonding.

Chhath Puja has its roots in ancient Vedic traditions, honoring the Sun as the life-giving force. Devotees express gratitude to nature, seek blessings for their families, and practice self-discipline through fasting and ritual purification. The festival symbolizes the harmony between humans, nature, and the divine.

Rituals and Practices

The festival is observed over four days:

1. Nahay-Khay – Devotees take a holy bath in rivers or ponds and prepare a simple meal while purifying themselves for the rituals ahead.

2. Kharna – A day of fasting that ends in the evening after a special meal of khichdi and fruits, followed by strict fasting without food or water.

3. Sandhya Arghya (Evening Offering) – Devotees stand in water at sunset to offer arghya to the setting Sun, singing folk songs and performing prayers.

4. Usha Arghya & Parana (Morning Offering) – Early in the morning, offerings are made to the rising Sun, and the fast is broken to conclude the festival.

Prasad and Traditional Foods

The festival includes the preparation of special foods like **thekua**, fruits, sugarcane, and coconut, which are offered to the Sun and then shared among family and friends. These offerings are a symbolic gesture of gratitude and devotion.

Community and Cultural Spirit

Chhath Puja is more than a festival; it is a celebration of community. Families and neighbors come together to prepare offerings, clean riverbanks, and participate in collective prayers. The festival also fosters a sense of endurance and spiritual discipline among devotees.

Modern Adaptations

Today, Chhath Puja is celebrated even in urban areas and abroad, with adaptations to city lakes, artificial ghats, and community gatherings. Despite modernization, the essence of devotion, gratitude, and connection with nature remains unchanged.

Chhath Puja is a beautiful blend of faith, discipline, and community spirit. Its rituals, fasting, and offerings make it a festival of purity and gratitude, reminding everyone of the Sun’s vital role in life and the importance of harmony with nature.