Chhath Puja is an ancient Vedic festival dedicated to Bhagwan Surya (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya (Goddess Usha). Spanning four days, Chhath Puja is celebrated with extreme purity, devotion, and strict discipline across Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Delhi NCR, and worldwide diaspora communities.
Day 1: Nahay Khay (Purification)
Vratis (devotees) take a holy bath in a river or home. The house is thoroughly scrubbed. A simple satvik meal of Lauki (bottle gourd) sabzi, Chana dal, and rock-salt rice cooked in bronze or earthen utensils is prepared as sacred Prasad.
Day 2: Kharna (The Nirjala Fast Begins)
Devotees fast without water throughout the day. In the evening, after sunset, a Prasad of jaggery kheer (Rasiya) and wheat rotis cooked on a traditional clay stove (Chulha) is offered to Chhathi Maiya. After eating this Prasad, a strict 36-hour waterless fast begins.
Day 3: Sandhya Arghya (Evening Sun Offering)
Families prepare traditional 'Thekua' prasad made of whole wheat flour, jaggery, ghee, and cardamom. Bamboo baskets (Supa and Daura) are filled with fresh fruits (Sugarcane, Pomelo, Banana, Coconut, Radish). At sunset, devotees stand waist-deep in water at river ghats or home pools to offer milk and water Arghya to the setting Sun.
Day 4: Usha Arghya & Paran (Morning Sun Offering)
Before dawn, devotees return to the water bodies. As the rising Sun appears on the horizon, the final Arghya is offered. Devotees break their 36-hour fast by consuming ginger and water, followed by sharing Prasad with the community.
