🌅 Chhath Puja – The Festival of Sun Worship
Chhath Puja is one of the most sacred and revered festivals in Hindu culture, primarily celebrated in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Eastern India, but embraced by devotees all over the world. This festival is dedicated to Surya Dev (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya, the goddess of power and protection, and is observed to seek blessings for health, prosperity, and well-being of the family.
Chhath Puja is unique in its rituals — devotees observe strict fasting, holy bathing, and rigorous worship practices, often standing in rivers or water bodies to offer prayers during sunrise and sunset. It symbolizes purity, discipline, devotion, and gratitude toward nature and the divine.
🌞 Significance of Chhath Puja
Worship of the Sun God: The Sun is the source of energy, life, and nourishment. Offering prayers ensures vitality, prosperity, and spiritual growth.
Family Well-being: Devotees pray for the health, happiness, and prosperity of family members.
Environmental Harmony: Observing rituals near rivers or clean water bodies emphasizes cleanliness, ecological balance, and respect for nature.
Discipline & Devotion: The strict fasting, abstinence, and ritual bathing cultivate spiritual strength and self-discipline.
🪔 Rituals of Chhath Puja
Chhath Puja is observed over four days, each with its own spiritual significance:
Nahay-Khay:
Devotees take a holy bath in rivers or ponds and prepare a simple, sattvic meal at home.
Lohanda & Kharna:
Devotees fast all day and break their fast after sunset with a sweet offering of kheer (rice pudding) and fruits.
Sandhya Arghya (Evening Offering):
On the third day, devotees offer prayers to the setting sun (Surya Arghya), standing waist-deep in water, accompanied by folk songs and rituals.
Usha Arghya (Morning Offering):
The final day involves offering prayers to the rising sun, concluding the fast. Devotees believe this grants blessings for health, wealth, and longevity.
📜 Ancient Story Behind Chhath Puja
The origins of Chhath Puja are rooted in ancient Hindu scriptures and legends:
Legend of Karna from Mahabharata:
Karna, the great warrior and son of Surya Dev, was a devout Sun worshipper. It is said that his devotion brought him immense strength and divine favor. Inspired by his unwavering worship, devotees perform Chhath Puja to honor the Sun God and seek blessings of power, courage, and righteousness.
Legend of King Vikramaditya:
Another story mentions King Vikramaditya, who observed Chhath Puja to save his kingdom from famine. His devotion pleased Surya Dev, bringing prosperity and abundance.
Myth of Chhathi Maiya:
Chhathi Maiya, the sister of the Sun God, is worshipped for her blessings of health and protection. Devotees believe that her grace removes obstacles and blesses families with well-being and harmony.
🌸 Cultural Importance
Chhath Puja is not just a religious ritual; it is a cultural celebration. Folk songs, traditional dresses, community participation, and collective fasting bring people together, fostering unity and devotion. In many parts of North India, it is considered a festival of purity, gratitude, and social harmony.
💫 Chhath Puja at Vindhyachal Seva Sanstha
At Vindhyachal Seva Sanstha, we organize Chhath Puja with devotion and meticulous care:
Clean riverside or water bodies for rituals
Traditional offerings prepared by devotees
Community participation with cultural songs and folk music
Special arrangements for elderly and children to participate safely
We ensure that every devotee experiences the spiritual essence of Chhath Puja, while also strengthening community bonds and cultural heritage.
