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)
2. Lohanda and Kharna (Second Day)
3. Sandhya Arghya (Third Day – Evening Offering)
4. Usha Arghya (Fourth Day – Morning Offering)
May Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya bless all with peace, prosperity, and well-being! 🙏🌞