Chhath Puja: Rituals and Significance

Chhath is a unique Hindu Vedic festival being observed in India and Nepal since ancient times. Dedicated to the Sun God and his wife Usha, also known as Chhathi Maiya, Chhath is celebrated over four days.  During the festival, devotees observe rigorous fasting and offer prayers to the setting and rising sun. It is believed that being close to water connects devotees with the divine, and the benevolent Sun God blesses their families.

Chhath Puja is among the most widely celebrated festivals in Nepal. It typically begins six days after Deepawali, the festival of lights. The word "Chhath" means six. In ancient Prakrit, "Chhath" translates into sixth, reflecting that this festival is celebrated twice a year on the sixth lunar day of the Chaitra and Kartik months of the Hindu calendar.

The Rituals

In general, it is believed that Chhath Puja begins with Nahay Khay, but this is only partially true. The Puja actually commences with “Machh-Maruwa Barnai” — a vow taken a day before Nahay Khay to refrain from consuming onion, garlic, and non-vegetarian foods. On this day, devotees bathe, offer prayers to the Sun God, and then eat food prepared in their own kitchens, as consuming food bought from hotels or markets is considered unholy.

Kharna is observed on the second day. Devotees fast until the evening, when the Kharna rituals are completed. Kheer (a rice and milk pudding sweetened with jaggery) and puri are offered to the deity and shared among family members after sunset. Throughout the Chhath festival, the offerings are traditionally prepared on an earthen stove, or chulha, using mango wood whenever possible.

Evening and Morning Offerings

The third day is known as Sandhya Arghya (evening offering), also called Pahila Arghya (the first offering). This is considered the most challenging day for devotees, most of whom are women. They observe a strict fast, abstaining from both food and water. 

In the evening, devotees take ritualistic dips in neighborhood ponds or rivers which continue until sunset. They offer prayers to the Sun God with fruits and prasad prepared in their own but separate kitchen. These offerings include items like Thakuwa, Bhuswa, Khaja and Mithae, and fruits such as oro blanco grapefruit, sugarcane and bananas.

On Usha Arghya (the morning offering) on the fourth day, devotees break their fast after offering prayers to the rising Sun. They take dip in the water and present all the prasad to the Sun God once again.

An intriguing aspect of Chhath Puja is the dual worship of Usha and Pratyusha, who are both considered consorts of Surya, the Sun God. Usha, symbolizing the first ray of the morning sun, plays a key role in the concluding rituals, while Pratyusha, representing the last ray of the day, is revered during the evening. This dual worship is believed to symbolize the transformative power of the solar cycle and the cyclical nature of life.

Festival of Equality and Cleanliness   

Primarily observed by women, this festival requires neither male priests nor the recitation of mantras to perform the Puja. It is open to all, regardless of gender, caste, or economic status, with nearly identical offerings for everyone. Emphasizing the cleanliness of riverbanks, ponds, and water bodies, the festival fosters equality and fraternity among devotees. In essence, it celebrates cleanliness, equality, and community spirit.

Dedication  

Chhath is a devout offering for the well-being of family members, highlighting the sacrifices that women make for the longevity of their husbands and the prosperity of their families. The festival embodies ancient traditions passed down through generations. Its rituals stress purity and discipline, bringing families together to perform ceremonies that strengthen unity and community spirit. Beyond its religious significance as an expression of gratitude to the Sun God for sustaining life, Chhath promotes values of prosperity, health and longevity for families.

Social Harmony   

The festival transcends religious boundaries and unites people across caste, creed and social status, fostering harmony and mutual respect. Rituals emphasize environmental conservation, such as bathing in natural water bodies at sunrise and sunset, symbolizing purification of the body and soul and underscoring the importance of ecological balance.

More than just a festival, Chhath is a testament to cultural heritage, religious devotion and social cohesion. It promotes values of discipline, devotion, and environmental stewardship, while celebrating a shared heritage that binds communities. Chhath remains deeply significant, symbolizing reverence for nature and gratitude to the life-sustaining Sun God, Surya, making it an integral part of cultural tapestry in Nepal and India.

Lessons to Learn   

The festival advocates an eco-friendly approach, reflected in devotees’ efforts in prepare the Ghats and maintaining the cleanliness of water, soil and a pollution-free atmosphere. 

Chhath promotes equality, fraternity and social harmony. Meanwhile, the rigorous fast of more than 36 hours undertaken by women devotees reflects their deep familial devotion, prioritizing the well-being of their loved ones.

If we succeed in maintaining a pollution-free environment, a society free from violence against women, and an equal society without discrimination, only then can we truly honor the messages of the Chhath festival.

Jivesh Jha is the author of Beneath the Sun: Equality for everyone, The Spirit of Chhath Festival (2024)