The much-awaited four-day festival of Chhath Puja began on Tuesday, November 5, with the observance of Nahay Khay, marking the first day of this significant religious celebration. A tradition followed by millions across Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and even in the national capital, Chhath Puja is one of the most important festivals dedicated to the Sun God, Surya. The festivities will culminate on November 8 with the final ritual of Usha Arghya, observed at sunrise.
Day 1: Nahay Khay – Cleansing and Preparation
Nahay Khay, celebrated on the Chaturthi Tithi of Kartik Shukla Paksha, serves as a ritual of purification and preparation for the rigorous days of fasting and devotion ahead. Devotees begin the day by taking a holy dip in sacred rivers, ponds, and lakes, symbolizing physical and spiritual cleansing. In regions like Bihar, Jharkhand, and eastern Uttar Pradesh, devotees can be seen flocking to riverbanks, particularly at the ghats of the Ganga, Yamuna, Kosi, Gandak, and Bagmati, to cleanse themselves before beginning their worship.
After the dip, the devotees prepare and consume a simple but sacred meal, traditionally consisting of Arwa rice, Chana dal, and green gourd vegetables. This meal is considered an offering to the Sun God, marking the beginning of a series of fasting and prayer rituals that continue throughout the festival.
Day 2: Kharna – Fasting and Offering Kheer
On Wednesday, November 6, devotees will observe the Kharna ritual, held on the Panchami Tithi of Kartik. Kharna involves fasting the entire day and concludes with the preparation of a traditional meal in the evening. The meal typically consists of Kheer (a sweet rice pudding), Puri (fried bread), and bananas. The ritual is performed in complete cleanliness, ensuring that the food offered is pure and sacred.
Once the Kharna meal is consumed, devotees begin a rigorous 36-hour fast, during which they abstain from both food and water. This fasting period is a demonstration of devotion and spiritual discipline, with worshippers preparing for the key rituals of the festival in the coming days.
Day 3: Chhath Puja – Evening Arghya to the Setting Sun
On the third day, November 7, devotees will offer the First Arghya, an evening oblation to the setting Sun. This ritual is one of the most spiritually significant aspects of Chhath Puja. Devotees gather along the banks of rivers and at specially designated Chhath Ghats, where they offer prayers and sacred items like fruits, sugarcane, and sweets while standing in knee-deep water at sunset.
The scene is often both mesmerizing and devotional, as worshippers dressed in traditional attire and with baskets of offerings wait in reverence for the moment when the Sun sets. This ritual is an expression of gratitude and reverence to Surya, the Sun God, who is believed to bless the devotees with prosperity, health, and longevity.
Day 4: Usha Arghya – Sunrise Prayer to the Rising Sun
The festival concludes on November 8, with the Second Arghya, or final oblation, performed at sunrise. Devotees gather at the riverbanks once again, this time to offer their prayers to the rising Sun. The offering of Usha Arghya is a powerful gesture of thanksgiving and reverence to Surya, who is worshipped for his life-giving energy and vitality. It is believed that by observing this ritual, devotees are assured of good health, prosperity, and longevity.
Spiritual Significance and Cultural Importance
Chhath Puja holds deep spiritual significance, particularly in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh, where it is celebrated with immense devotion. The festival not only emphasizes gratitude towards the Sun God for sustaining life on Earth but also underscores themes of purity, discipline, and harmony with nature.
It is a time for reflection and community bonding, as families and devotees come together to perform the elaborate rituals that define the festival. People from all walks of life, including rural and urban areas, participate enthusiastically, braving the elements, observing stringent vows, and adhering to the customs that have been passed down through generations.
Chhath Puja at Prominent Temples and Ghats
In addition to the ghats and riversides, major temples dedicated to the Sun God also witness an influx of devotees during Chhath Puja. Notable temples such as the Deo Sun Temple in Aurangabad, the Olark Sun Temple in Patna, and the Ongaridham Sun Temple in Nalanda become hubs of spiritual activity. These sacred sites are visited by pilgrims seeking blessings for health, wealth, and prosperity.
Devotees also throng the banks of famous rivers, including the Ganga in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, and the Yamuna in Delhi, where arrangements are made for the smooth and safe conduct of the rituals. The sight of devotees standing in the river with offerings, praying and performing rituals with devotion, is a unique feature of Chhath Puja.
Government Support and Safety Measures
As the festival unfolds, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has extended his warm greetings to the people on the occasion of Chhath Puja, acknowledging its cultural and spiritual significance. In his message, he urged citizens to maintain cleanliness at the ghats, stressing the importance of ensuring a safe and peaceful environment for all participants. Government authorities have made elaborate arrangements to ensure that the rituals can be performed with ease and safety.
A Festival of Devotion, Unity, and Gratitude
Chhath Puja is not just a religious festival, but a celebration of community spirit, devotion, and harmony with nature. Through rituals of fasting, purification, and prayers, devotees show their deep faith in Surya, the giver of life. As the festival continues over the next few days, it will serve as a reminder of the power of faith, the importance of environmental harmony, and the bond that unites people in devotion across regions and communities.
The sacred rituals, the mesmerizing sight of devotees gathered in reverence to the Sun, and the overarching theme of purity and gratitude make Chhath Puja a festival that is not only spiritually uplifting but also an important cultural event for millions.
