Chhath Puja
छठ पूजा • Ṣaṣṭhī Vrataṃ
"Sixth Day Worship (of Sun God)"
Timing & Schedule
Presiding Deity
Mythology & Legends
One of the most ancient Hindu festivals, directly worshipping the Sun as the source of all life on Earth.
Vedic Origins
The practice of Sun worship is mentioned in the Rigveda. Chhath Puja follows the Vedic tradition of worshipping the Sun during sunrise and sunset.
Source: Rigveda
Karna's Worship
Karna, the great warrior of Mahabharata and son of Surya, would stand in water and offer prayers to the Sun. He is considered a major devotee of Surya.
Source: Mahabharata
Draupadi's Observance
Draupadi is said to have performed Chhath Puja on the advice of sage Dhaumya to solve the Pandavas' problems during exile.
Source: Folk tradition
Chhath Puja directly worships the Sun without any idol or image. The Sun is thanked for sustaining life on Earth and prayed to for fulfillment of wishes. The rigorous fasting purifies body and mind.
Rituals & Puja
Preparation
- Cleaning house thoroughly
- Preparing special offerings (Thekua, fruits)
- Selecting ghat (riverbank) for Arghya
- Preparing bamboo baskets (soop/daala)
Main Rituals
Sandhya Arghya
Offering water to setting Sun while standing in river/pond
Timing: Sunset on third day
Usha Arghya
Offering water to rising Sun while standing in water
Timing: Sunrise on fourth day
Kosha Bharai
Filling baskets with prasad for offering
Timing: Before each Arghya
Parana
Breaking of 36-hour fast
Timing: After morning Arghya
Puja Items
Puja Procedure
- 1 Prepare special prasad (Thekua)
- 2 Observe strict fast
- 3 Go to water body (Ghat)
- 4 Stand waist-deep in water
- 5 Offer Arghya in basket to Sun
- 6 Chant Surya mantras
- 7 Complete offerings at both sunset and sunrise
Mantras
Surya Arghya mantras
Gayatri Mantra
Chhath geet (songs)
Food & Celebrations
Traditional Celebrations
- Standing in water for hours
- Singing Chhath songs
- Community celebrations at ghats
- Decorating ghats with lights
Special Foods
Prasad: Thekua and fruits offered to Sun
Decorations
Activities
- Ghat gatherings
- Folk singing
- Collective worship
- Family celebrations
Fasting (Vrat)
| Required | Yes |
| Type | 36-hour Nirjala (without water) fast - among the most rigorous |
| Breaking | After Usha Arghya with prasad |
Regional Variations
Chhath
Local Name: Chhath
- Largest celebration
- State holiday
- Massive ghat gatherings
Chhath
Local Name: Chhath
- Major festival in eastern UP
- Ganga ghat celebrations
Chhath
Local Name: Chhath
- Large Bihari community celebrations
- Yamuna ghat gatherings
Chhath
Local Name: Chhath
- Major festival in Terai region
- National importance
Chhath
Local Name: Chhath
- Bhojpuri diaspora celebration
- Public holiday
Astrological Significance
Benefits
Spiritual Benefits
- Direct blessings of Sun God
- Purification through rigorous fasting
- Family welfare and protection
Physical Benefits
- Detoxification through fasting
- Benefits of sunlight (Vitamin D)
- Discipline and endurance
Familial Benefits
- Performed for family's prosperity
- Children's well-being
- Wish fulfillment