Your Travel Partner
SINCE 1989
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SINCE 1989
Chhath Puja is an ancient Hindu festival dedicated to Surya Dev, the Sun God, and Chhathi Maiya. It is primarily celebrated in Bihar, Jharkhand, eastern Uttar Pradesh and parts of Nepal. Today, communities across Delhi, Mumbai and several other Indian and international cities also observe the festival with great devotion.
Also known as Surya Shashti, Chhath Puja is celebrated during the Hindu month of Kartik, usually in October or November. A smaller celebration called Chaiti Chhath is observed during the month of Chaitra. The exact dates change annually according to the Hindu lunar calendar.
The festival expresses gratitude to the Sun, which provides the light and energy needed to sustain life. Devotees pray for good health, happiness, prosperity and the well-being of their families.
One of the most distinctive features of Chhath Puja is that prayers are offered to both the setting and rising Sun. The rituals represent discipline, purity, hope and respect for nature. Women commonly observe the fast, although men may also participate as vratins or main worshippers.
Chhath Puja is observed over four days, with each day carrying a specific religious meaning.
Day 1: Nahay Khay
The festival begins with Nahay Khay. Devotees take a holy bath, clean their homes and prepare a simple vegetarian meal. Cleanliness and purity are carefully maintained throughout the celebration.
Day 2: Kharna
On Kharna, devotees observe a day-long fast. After sunset, they prepare prasad, which commonly includes rice pudding made with jaggery, roti and fruits. After offering the food during worship, the fast is broken and a demanding waterless fast begins.
Day 3: Sandhya Arghya
Families gather near rivers, ponds or specially prepared ghats in the evening. Devotees stand in the water and offer arghya to the setting Sun. Bamboo baskets containing fruits, sugarcane, coconuts and traditional food are presented as offerings.
Day 4: Usha Arghya
Before sunrise, devotees return to the ghat and offer prayers to the rising Sun. The fast is then concluded after completing the rituals and receiving prasad.
Thekua, a sweet prepared using wheat flour, jaggery and ghee, is one of the best-known offerings of Chhath Puja. Fruits, coconuts, bananas and sugarcane are also arranged in traditional bamboo baskets.
Ghats are decorated and cleaned before the celebration. Families sing traditional Chhath songs, prepare offerings together and support the fasting devotees.
Chhath Puja represents faith, self-discipline and the close connection between people and nature. Its peaceful sunrise and sunset rituals create an unforgettable spiritual experience while preserving an important cultural tradition.
