Chhath celebrations spreading nationwide

Chhath is more than just a festival—it is a symbol of faith, unity and cultural harmony. 

Traditionally observed in Nepal’s Tarai-Madhes region, this ancient Hindu festival has transcended geographical boundaries to reach the hills, mountains and even distant lands where Nepalis reside. As the celebration of Chhath spreads, so does the respect for the Earth and the interconnectedness of all living beings. 

During Chhath, water bodies like ponds, riversides and wells are beautifully decorated. The celebration extends over four days, beginning with a ceremonial bath and fasting. Devotees perform different rituals, including Kharna (preparing a pure meal), offering Arghya  (devotional offerings) to the setting sun, and finally to the rising sun at the end of the festival. 

Former President Dr Ram Baran Yadav says Chhath unites the Nepali people and promotes national pride. “Festivals are our cultural heritage; they sing the glory of our country,” he added.

Honoring culture and tradition

Chhath holds a cherished place in Nepal’s cultural heritage. It is celebrated with strict rituals with participants keeping a rigorous 36-hour without even drinking water.

Cultural scholar Dhirendra Premarshi, who is also a member of National Academy, sees Chhath as a powerful reflection of the Nepali way of life. “Culture is the human life path—how we eat, what we wear, everything we embody. Chhath reflects this well, with its deep connection to agriculture and community life,” he added. 

According to Premarshi, Chhath embodies the values of farming, social conduct and ancient civilization.

Another cultural expert Dr Bir Bahadur Mahato explains how the traditional songs of Chhath captivates people. “These songs energize people, binding them together in faith and harmony,” he said. 

Pilgrims carry ritual items, line up along riverbanks, and offer prayers to the setting and rising sun, singing praises to goddess Chhathi Maiya.

Revering nature

Chhath is a bridge between humans and nature. The festival emphasizes environmental harmony and conservation, particularly in times of rising climate concerns. The melting of glaciers, rising sea levels, and soaring temperatures signal the urgent need for environmental action - a message that Chhath conveys. 

Chure specialist Dr Vijay Kumar Singh stresses that Chhath also involves a commitment to protecting Nepal’s natural resources. “The Chure hills supply the water for the fertile plains of the Tarai. Chhath embodies the principle of conserving this resource and worshiping our environment,” he added. 

The destruction of Chure has caused water sources in the Madhesh region to dry up. "Agricultural fields are becoming barren. The exploitation of Chure has begun to threaten the existence of Chhath Puja. People stand in water bodies to offer arghya (water offering) to the Sun. However, water bodies like ponds and rivers have started drying up," he added.

Agricultural scientist Dr Ujjwal Kushwaha believes that Chhath offers an opportunity to reconnect with nature. “Chhath allows people to step back from the rush of modern life and appreciate the wonders of nature,” he added. 

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals promote similar ideas of preserving clean air, water and soil for future generations. Dr Kushwaha pointed out that our ancestors recognized this wisdom centuries ago. “Our forefathers began celebrating Chhath to ensure a long and sustainable life by preserving the environment.”

A celebration of agriculture

Chhath respects the hard work of farmers and honors agricultural produce by using it as sacred offerings. Basudev Mahato, who has been campaigning for preservation of ancient temples and festivals, explained that around 72 varieties of crops are typically offered during Chhath. “The festival gives visibility to our agricultural diversity, connecting us back to our roots,” he added. 

Days before Chhath, markets fill with wheat, rice, sugar, coconuts and items made from bamboo. “Local farm produce is offered to the goddess which is later distributed as prasad,” he added.

Dr Kushwaha said that Chhath, in part, honors the sun’s vital role in sustaining life, adding that photosynthesis, powered by sunlight, is fundamental to crop growth. “Chhath is not only a tribute to nature; it’s a celebration of the strength that sustains us all,” he added. 

Chhath promotes environmentally friendly traditions, a welcome change from modern consumerism. “Celebrating Chhath in the autumn, as we bid farewell to the heat and welcome the crispness of winter, is refreshing,” says Dipak Karki, a member of Nepal Heart Foundation.

Building social unity

Chhath is celebrated by a diverse range of people thereby bridging gaps of caste, language and culture. According to Premarshi, Chhath has spread beyond its Hindu roots. "It is now embraced by many, including some Muslims,” he added. 

Madhes Province Assembly Member Sarada Devi Thapa says Chhath is a rare opportunity for community bonding. “When people of different castes come together for Chhath, it disseminates a message of peace and unity,” she added.

Shankar Mahato, advisor to the Tarai-Madhes Cultural Research Institute, believes that Chhath turns societal diversity into a source of strength. “Chhath brings everyone to the banks of the water bodies  where prayers are offered. It reminds us that we are united as Nepalis,” Mahato said. “Here, the boundaries between ethnicities blur as everyone joins in the shared rituals, carrying a collective spirit of devotion.”

A festival of non-violence

Chhath embodies the principles of non-violence and purity as it avoids practices like animal sacrifice. Professor  Santa Satyanarayan Alok says that Chhath promotes vegetarianism and the value of non-violence. “During Chhath, people avoid foods like onions, garlic, meat, or fish,” he says. “In keeping with this spirit, offerings are strictly vegetarian, and devotees strive for both physical and mental purity,” he added.

The main offering of Chhath is Thekuwa—a sweet made from wheat flour, sugar and ghee, often accompanied by bananas. The thekuwa’s high energy content is said to fortify the body against winter’s chill. 

According to Professor Alok, Chhath has resisted the consumerist trends seen in other festivals, retaining its simplicity and traditional practices. “The festival involves the whole family, from preparing food to distributing offerings, creating a harmonious atmosphere,” he added.

Breaking barriers of social discrimination

Chhath celebration transcends caste boundaries, making it one of Nepal’s most inclusive festivals. Caste distinctions, still prevalent in parts of society, fade away as all devotees come together to pray and celebrate.

Manjay Sada, a teacher at Bardibas Secondary School, observes how Chhath unifies people who otherwise face discrimination. “People of every caste stand side by side on the banks of water bodies for Chhath celebration. It is a profound message against social division,” he added.

During Chhath, even the most privileged classes set aside caste prejudices, accepting offerings from individuals of all backgrounds. “People who usually avoid lower castes stand beside them at the Chhath ceremony, all sharing the same space and offering the same prayers. This gives me hope that unity is possible,” he added.

Unique festival of honoring setting sun

The Sun is considered a source of power that destroys illness and suffering. The rising sun is worshiped daily in Hindu households. However, Chhath has a unique tradition of worshiping the setting sun as well.

Gopal Prasad Baral, the president of the Bardibas Town Journalists Network, says they offer Arghya to the setting sun to create a feeling that we should worship the power we have consumed. “The core message is about accepting the fading existence and embracing the beginning of a new dawn,” he added.

​​​​​​​According to Professor Alok, water and sun are opposite elements. During Chhath, both these elements are given equal importance. “Chhath marks the beginning of the winter season when people depend on the sun's warmth. This explains why the Sun god is worshiped,” he added.

Sub-engineer Manoj Kumar Mahato from Mithila Municipality said devotees observe Chhath by fasting without water for 36 hours. “Chhath and Jitiya are considered very rigorous festivals of faith,” he added.