Chhath Puja - 15-June-2026

Chaiti Chhath Puja in Hindu Traditions

Surya Dev, the Sun God, and Chhathi Maiya, the Goddess of well-being and fertility, are worshipped during the important Hindu festival of Chhath Puja. Its primary observance is in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Nepal. In contrast to Kartik Chhath in October-November, Chaiti Chhath marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year, falling in Chaitra (March-April).

Chhath Puja is a deeply devoted festival marked by fasting, ritual bathing in holy rivers, and prayers offered to both the sunrise and sunset. The festival celebrates purity, thankfulness, and the profound bond between humanity and nature.

Worship of the Sun God (Surya Dev)

The Sun God (Surya Dev) is considered a symbol of life, health, and prosperity. Devotees believe that offering prayers to the Sun God on Chhath Puja blesses them with good health, happiness, and success.

The Role of Chhathi Maiya

Chhathi Maiya is revered as the goddess of fertility, motherhood, and the guardian of children. Women pray to her for their families’ health and happiness, particularly their children’s well-being and success.

The great warrior Karna, according to Hindu myth, was a gift from Surya Dev to Kunti, who had worshipped him. Surya Dev’s devout follower, Karna, practiced rituals resembling Chhath Puja.

Legend says that Lord Rama and Goddess Sita celebrated Chhath Puja upon their return to Ayodhya after 14 years in exile.

Chaiti Chhath follows the same four-day ritualistic pattern as Kartik Chhath, with fasting, river bathing, and prayers.

1. Nahay-Khay (First Day)

Devotees take a holy bath in a river or pond and eat a simple, satvik meal.

This marks the beginning of self-purification for the rigorous fasting ahead.

2. Lohanda and Kharna (Second Day)

Devotees observe a day-long fast without water, which is broken in the evening after offering jaggery-based kheer, fruits, and chapati to Surya Dev.

After this, a 36-hour Nirjala Vrat (waterless fast) begins.

3. Sandhya Arghya (Third Day – Evening Offering)

Devotees gather at riverbanks to offer Arghya (water offering) to the setting sun while chanting hymns.

Women dress in traditional sarees, and the atmosphere is filled with devotional songs and prayers.

4. Usha Arghya (Fourth Day – Morning Offering)

The final ritual involves offering prayers to the rising sun, symbolizing new beginnings and divine blessings.

After this, devotees break their fast with prasad and distribute it among family and neighbors.

May Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya bless all with peace, prosperity, and well-being! 🙏🌞