About Chhath Puja
Chhath is one of the most revered Hindu festivals that is celebrated across Bihar, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh. This 3-day festival is dedicated to the Sun God, and Chhathi Maiya, a Vedic Goddess.
Fasting
Devotees who celebrate Chhath, they observe a strict fast which lasts for 36 hours without any food or water
Ritual Bathing
Devotees take a holy dip in rivers, ponds, or other water bodies before sunrise and after sunset. It's an important part of the puja rituals and is believed to purify the mind and body.
Offerings
Devotees make offerings of fruits and sugarcane. Special traditional sweets like 'thekua' are prepared to offer the Sun God during sunrise and sunset. These offerings are made in bamboo trays called 'soop'.
Chhath Ghats
The riverbanks are adorned with decorations, lights and other temporary structures. More ghats are constructed for the devotees to perform the puja.
Arghya
The main ritual involves standing in water and offering 'Arghya' to the setting and rising sun.
Traditional 'Geet'
Devotees sing traditional Chhath songs, known as geet, during the puja. These songs are an integral part of the celebration.
Community Participation
Chhath Puja is a community affair, with families and neighbors coming together to observe the rituals.
Celebrations
The rituals and customs associated with Chhath Puja are symbolic and carry deep spiritual significance. The worship of the sun is believed to provide energy, and prosperity.