Chhath Puja : Story, Significance, Rituals, Prasad, and Emotions of Devotees

When autumn slowly gives way to the cool embrace of winter, the banks of rivers across Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Nepal light up with lamps, songs, and the fragrance of traditional offerings. This is the time of Chhath Puja, one of the most ancient and revered Hindu festivals, dedicated to Lord Surya (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya (the Goddess of Usha, the first rays of the morning Sun).

Chhath is not just a festival—it’s an emotion, a test of endurance, and a story of unshakable faith that has been passed down for generations.

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The Story & Significance

Chhath Puja finds its roots in the Vedic age. Ancient texts describe rituals of worshipping the Sun for energy, health, and prosperity. The Sun is seen as the giver of life, and through Chhath, devotees express gratitude for sustaining life on Earth.

Another legend connects Chhath with Lord Ram and Sita. After returning from exile, they observed this fast and offered prayers to Surya Dev. Since then, it has become a tradition deeply tied to purity, discipline, and devotion.

But beyond mythology, Chhath is significant because it teaches us the power of simplicity and sacrifice. It is celebrated without idols or pomp—only water, fruits, and homemade offerings. It is the festival of nature, gratitude, and human resilience.

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Where Do We Celebrate Chhath?

Though most popularly observed in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Eastern Uttar Pradesh, Chhath is now celebrated wherever people from these regions live—be it Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, or even abroad in countries like Mauritius, Fiji, and the USA.

The banks of the Ganga, Yamuna, and local ponds or lakes transform into sacred sites where devotees gather, clad in simple traditional attire, singing folk songs, and carrying soops (bamboo baskets) filled with prasad.

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How Long Is the Festival?

Chhath Puja is a four-day ritual, each day filled with discipline and spiritual cleansing:

Nahay Khay (Day 1): The devotee (vrati) begins with a holy bath in the river and prepares a pure vegetarian meal, often of pumpkin, rice, and gram dal.

Kharna (Day 2): A full day fast without water, ending at night with offerings of kheer (made of jaggery and milk), chapati, and fruits.

Sandhya Arghya (Day 3): Devotees fast again, without food or water, and offer the first ‘Arghya’ (evening prayers) to the setting Sun. The sight of hundreds standing in rivers with lamps and offerings is breathtaking.

Usha Arghya (Day 4): The fast concludes with offering the second ‘Arghya’ to the rising Sun, followed by breaking the fast with prasad shared among family and neighbors.

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What Do We Cook?

Chhath is known for its satvik (pure and vegetarian) food made without onion, garlic, or even salt. Some traditional dishes include:

Thekua – a sweet, deep-fried cookie made with wheat flour, jaggery, and ghee.

Rasia kheer – rice kheer made with jaggery and milk.

Rice, dal, kaddu (pumpkin curry) – simple meals prepared with utmost purity.

Seasonal fruits like sugarcane, banana, and coconut are also offered.

The aroma of these dishes fills homes, reminding everyone that simplicity can be just as divine as luxury.

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How Tough Is Chhath?

Chhath Puja is considered one of the most rigorous festivals in Hindu tradition. The vratis (those who keep the fast) follow strict rules—no food, no water, complete purity, and immense discipline. Standing in cold water for long hours, fasting for almost 36 hours without even sipping water—it’s a test of devotion and endurance.

Yet, despite its difficulty, lakhs of devotees perform it year after year. What keeps them going is not physical strength but emotional connection and spiritual faith.

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The Emotions of Devotees

For those who celebrate, Chhath is not just a ritual—it is a heartfelt prayer for the well-being of family, children, and prosperity. Many devotees say that once they take up Chhath, it becomes a lifelong commitment.

The sight of mothers, sisters, and daughters standing with folded hands in front of the glowing Sun, their faces calm yet determined, is deeply moving. Songs of Chhath echo in the air, carrying emotions of gratitude, sacrifice, and hope.

It is a festival where even the toughest of hearts melt, where neighbors come together to clean ghats, where families unite, and where emotions flow as freely as the rivers where the puja takes place.

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Conclusion

Chhath Puja is more than just an offering to the Sun—it is a celebration of human endurance, gratitude, and community. It teaches us the value of discipline, simplicity, and emotional strength.

For those who witness it, the festival is unforgettable—the flickering diyas on riverbanks, the devotional songs, the aroma of Thekua, and the sight of countless devotees offering prayers to the setting and rising Sun.

At its core, Chhath Puja is a reminder that faith, when combined with discipline and simplicity, becomes the most powerful form of worship.

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✨ At DesiCrush, we believe festivals like Chhath keep our roots alive and connect us back to nature, family, and tradition.