Chaitra Chhath Puja – The Festival of Sun Worship & Devotion

Chaitra Chhath Puja is a Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of Surya Dev (Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya. Celebrated in the Chaitra month (March-April), it is the summer counterpart of the more widely known Kartik Chhath Puja (observed in October-November). This ancient festival is especially revered in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Nepal.

Significance of Chaitra Chhath Puja

Chhath Puja is a unique Vedic festival that honors Surya Dev, the source of all life, and his sister Chhathi Maiya, the goddess of well-being and fertility. Devotees observe this festival to express gratitude, seek blessings for health, prosperity, and family well-being, and cleanse themselves spiritually.

Rituals & Celebrations of Chaitra Chhath Puja

Chhath Puja is a four-day festival marked by strict discipline, fasting, and offerings to the rising and setting sun at riverbanks and water bodies.

🕉 Day 1 – Nahay Khay (नहाय खाय)

• Devotees cleanse themselves with a sacred bath in a river or pond.

• A simple, pure vegetarian meal (typically pumpkin, chana dal, and rice) is consumed.

🙏 Day 2 – Kharna (खरना)

• Observers fast the entire day, breaking it only after sunset.

• A special Prasad of jaggery-based kheer, roti, and fruits is prepared and offered to Surya Dev before consumption.

🌅 Day 3 – Sandhya Arghya (संध्या अर्घ्य)

• Devotees fast without water and gather at a river or pond during sunset.

• They offer Arghya (water and prayers) to the setting sun, along with Thekua, fruits, sugarcane, and coconut.

🌄 Day 4 – Usha Arghya (उषा अर्घ्य)

• The final day begins before dawn, as devotees return to the water body.

• They offer Arghya to the rising sun, marking the conclusion of Chhath Puja.

• The fast is broken, and Prasad is shared among family and neighbors.

Special Offerings & Prasad

🌿 Thekua – A deep-fried wheat and jaggery biscuit, the most famous Chhath Prasad.
🍏 Seasonal Fruits – Bananas, sugarcane, and coconuts are key offerings.
🍚 Kheer & Rice Laddoos – Made with jaggery, these are considered sacred.

Why is Chaitra Chhath Puja Special?

Unlike Kartik Chhath, which falls during winter, Chaitra Chhath Puja is celebrated in spring, symbolizing renewal and the transition into summer. It is equally significant and holds the same rituals but is observed by a comparatively smaller group of devotees.

Conclusion

Chaitra Chhath Puja is a festival of discipline, devotion, and deep faith. It connects people to nature, promotes gratitude, and encourages spiritual purification.

🌞 May Surya Dev bless you with health, happiness, and prosperity this Chhath Puja! 🙏✨

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