Chhath Puja Calendar
Chhath Puja is a four-day ancient Hindu festival dedicated to the Sun God (Surya) and Chhathi Maiya. Devotees perform strict fasting and offer Arghya to the rising and setting sun.
Year:
Worship of the Sun God
Chhath Puja is a rigorous ancient festival dedicated to Surya (the Sun God) and Shashthi Devi (Chhathi Maiya). Primarily celebrated in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh, it is unique as it involves no idol worship and thanks the Sun for sustaining life on Earth.
The Four-Day Ritual
- Nahay Khay: Devotees take a holy dip and prepare a pure meal of bottle gourd and rice.
- Kharna: A fast is observed during the day, broken in the evening with kheer and roti.
- Sandhya Arghya: Offerings (Arghya) are made to the setting sun while standing in water.
- Usha Arghya: The final offering is made to the rising sun, marking the end of the 36-hour fast.