The sacred festival of Chhath Puja, one of the most significant and ancient Hindu observances, filled the banks of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers with vibrant devotion and divine fervor on Monday evening.
The air around the ghats—Sangam, Dashashwamedh, Ramghat, Baluaghat, Gau Ghat, Maujgiri, Kalighat, Bargad Ghat, Rasoolabad, Niva, Shivkuti, Jhunsi, and Phaphamau—resonated with hymns, chants, and the unshakable faith of thousands of devotees offering arghya (sacred water offering) to the setting Sun.
As the clock struck 4:30 p.m., women devotees—draped in new attire, adorned with solah shringar (sixteen traditional adornments), and wearing the traditional streak of vermilion from nose to forehead—stepped into the holy river waters.
The scene was mesmerizing: the soft glow of the setting sun filtering through clouds, the rhythmic sounds of Chhathi Maiya’s hymns, and the serene devotion of families gathered in prayer.
Despite the overcast skies obscuring the Sun, devotees offered arghya between 5:15 p.m. and 5:30 p.m., praying for their families’ prosperity, happiness, and well-being.
Fireworks illuminated the twilight sky as chants of “Chhathi Maiya ki Jai” and “Surya Devta ki Jai” echoed for nearly fifteen minutes.
By early afternoon, the ghats were teeming with worshippers—especially at the Triveni Sangam, where the Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati meet.
Devotees, carrying earthen lamps, fruit baskets (dauri), and akhanda jyoti (eternal flame), gathered with their families to prepare for the evening rituals.
The offerings included the kua (a traditional wheat and jaggery delicacy), sugarcane, and various seasonal fruits—all symbols of purity, sustenance, and gratitude to nature.
Women offered their prayers with unflinching devotion, seeking blessings from Chhathi Maiya and Surya Dev for the long life, health, and prosperity of their children.
Even though the sun remained hidden behind clouds, the faith of devotees remained unwavering. They performed the ritual offering with milk and holy Ganga water, invoking the divine presence through chants and meditative silence.
Significance of Chhath Puja
Chhath Puja is one of the few Vedic festivals dedicated to the worship of the Sun God (Surya Dev) and his consort, Usha, the goddess of dawn.
The Sun is regarded as the source of life and energy, and through this festival, devotees express gratitude for sustaining life on Earth.
The ritual also symbolizes purity, self-discipline, and ecological balance, as all offerings are natural and biodegradable.
The festival lasts four days, marked by strict fasting, holy bathing, and meditation. The rituals include:
- Nahay Khay – the first day of cleansing and purity.
- Kharna – fasting and preparing kheer as a sacred offering.
- Sandhya Arghya – offering prayers to the setting sun.
- Usha Arghya – concluding with offerings to the rising sun the next morning.
Cultural and Geographic Spread
Though Chhath Puja has its strong roots in Bihar, eastern Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand, it is now celebrated across India and in Nepali regions with cultural ties to the Mithila and Bhojpuri-speaking communities.
In recent decades, the festival has gained pan-Indian recognition, especially in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chandigarh, due to migration and growing cultural inclusivity.
The ritual represents the deep bond between humans and nature—a thanksgiving to the elements for nurturing life. Chhath is not merely a regional festival but a symbol of environmental respect, social harmony, and familial devotion.
Spiritual Essence
At its core, Chhath Puja is a celebration of faith, gratitude, and purity of soul. It honors the cosmic balance between humankind and nature, reinforcing that life and sustenance are interdependent.
It transcends caste, class, and religion—inviting everyone to stand shoulder to shoulder at the riverbank, facing the Sun in silent reverence.
When is Chhath Puja Held?
Chhath Puja is celebrated twice a year, though the main and most popular celebration occurs after Diwali (usually in October–November, during the Hindu month of Kartik).
- Kartik Chhath (Main Festival):
- Falls on the sixth day (Shashthi) of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) in the month of Kartik.
- This is the grand celebration that follows five days after Diwali, marking the end of the festival season in North India.
- It celebrates the setting and rising Sun — Sandhya Arghya (evening offering) and Usha Arghya (morning offering).
- Chaitra Chhath (Spring Chhath):
- Observed in March–April during the Chaitra month of the Hindu calendar.
- Though smaller in scale, it holds equal spiritual significance and is followed by dedicated devotees, especially in Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh.
Dates (Approximate)
- In 2025, Kartik Chhath Puja will be observed from October 25–28, with Sandhya Arghya on October 27 and Usha Arghya on October 28.
- Chaitra Chhath Puja 2025 will likely fall around April 2–5.
\Where Is It Most Popular?
Chhath Puja has its cultural roots in Bihar, eastern Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and parts of Nepal’s Terai region. It’s also widely celebrated in Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata, where large migrant communities from Bihar and eastern UP live.
In South India, Chhath Puja is not traditionally observed. However, in recent years, small celebrations have emerged in Chennai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, mostly organized by North Indian communities living there. While southern states have their own Sun-related observances (like Ratha Saptami and Makara Sankranti), Chhath Puja remains culturally rooted in the northern and eastern parts of India.
- Frequency: Twice a year (Kartik and Chaitra months).
- Main celebration: After Diwali, in October–November.
- Duration: Four days.
- Regions: Primarily North and East India, spreading slowly to urban centers nationwide.
- South India: Limited to North Indian migrant groups; not a traditional southern festival.
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