Chhath Puja: The Sun Worship and Devotion Festival**

 **Chhath Puja: The Sun Worship and Devotion Festival**


Chhath Puja is considered one of the most sacred festivals in **Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Nepal**. This great festival is dedicated to **Surya Dev (the Sun God)** and **Chhathi Maiya** and is observed with immense devotion. It is a festival of **purity, gratitude, and austerity**, where devotees seek blessings for prosperity and well-being.


## Significance of Chhath Puja

Unlike other Hindu festivals of idols, Chhath Puja is considered a special festival because it focuses solely on **the Sun god as the source of life on Earth**. The festival is said to invoke the ancient Vedic traditional period, as supported by references mentioned in Hindu scriptures and legends related to Lord **Ram and Sita, as well as Draupadi and the Pandavas**.


## Rituals and Traditions

Chhath Puja is a four-day-long festival, where people have to strictly observe fast and prayers. The rituals are as follows:


### **1. Nahay Khay (First Day)**

Worshipers bathe in the river, preferably in **Ganga or local water bodies**, and cook a simple meal of **kaddu-bhat (pumpkin and rice) and dal** prepared in pure ghee.


### **2. Lohanda and Kharna (Second Day)**

A day of strict fasting that is broken in the evening after sunset with **kheer (rice pudding), roti, and fruits**. The devotees then start a 36-hour **nirjal (without water) fast**.


### **3. Sandhya Arghya (Third Day – Evening Offering)**

The most important ritual is performed in the evening, where devotees and their families assemble on riverbanks to offer **Arghya (water and milk) to the setting sun** while singing traditional folk songs.


### 4. Usha Arghya Fourth Day– Offering to the rising sun: On the last day, people offer **Arghya to the rising sun**; the fasting is then broken, and prasad is distributed among family and friends.


## The Cultural Essence

Chhath Puja is not just a religious festival but a **cultural extravaganza** that unites communities. The devotional songs, cleanliness, and beautifully decorated ghats make it a visually spectacular event. Women dress in traditional **yellow and orange sarees**, and the entire atmosphere is filled with **spiritual fervor**.


## Best Places to Experience Chhath Puja

- **Patna – Ganga Ghats**

- **Varanasi – Assi Ghat**

- **Jharkhand – Ranchi’s Water Bodies**

- **Nepal – Janakpur and Kathmandu**


## Conclusion

Chhath Puja is a festival of unwavering faith, discipline, and gratitude towards nature. Whether you are a devotee or a spectator, experiencing Chhath Puja is a spiritually enriching journey that showcases the deep-rooted traditions and vibrant culture of India.


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