Chhath Pooja is a Hindu festival observed primarily in the states of Bihar, Jharkhand, and parts of Uttar Pradesh in India, as well as in Nepal. It is also known as Surya Shashthi and is observed to thank the Sun god, Surya, for sustaining life on earth.

The festival is observed to thank the sun god, Surya, for sustaining life on earth and to seek his blessings for the well-being and prosperity of the family. Devotees observe a strict fast for four days and offer arghya (water offerings) to the sun god at sunrise and sunset.

During the festival, devotees also prepare special dishes and offer them as prasad to the sun god. The festival is an opportunity for devotees to express their devotion and gratitude to the sun god and to seek his blessings.

Chhath Pooja is an ancient festival that has been observed for thousands of years. It is an important festival in the Hindu calendar and is celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm.

Here are some stories and legends associated with Chhath Puja:

1. The Story of Draupadi and the Pandavas

In the epic Mahabharata, Draupadi and the Pandavas were said to perform Chhath Puja during their exile. They were going through difficult times and performed this ritual to please the Sun God, Surya, seeking his blessings for a successful return to power and kingdom. The blessings from the Sun God provided them with the strength to overcome challenges, ultimately aiding them in their struggle against adversity.

2. The Story of Lord Rama and Sita

After returning to Ayodhya following 14 years of exile and defeating Ravana, Lord Rama and Sita are believed to have observed a fast and offered prayers to the Sun God during Chhath Puja. They prayed for the well-being of their kingdom and the happiness of their people. Since then, this tradition has been followed as a symbol of gratitude and devotion to Surya.

3. Legend of Chhathi Maiya and King Priyavrat

According to a popular story, King Priyavrat and his wife Malini were childless and deeply saddened by it. They prayed to sage Kashyap, who advised them to perform a Yajna (ritual) to gain the blessing of a child. They performed the ritual, but their child was stillborn. Distraught, they decided to end their lives, but suddenly a goddess appeared. She introduced herself as Chhathi Maiya (Mother Shashti), the protector of children. She revived their child and blessed them, saying that if people worshiped her with devotion, she would fulfill their wishes of children and happiness. This is why Chhath Puja also involves worshiping Chhathi Maiya for the well-being of children.

4. The Solar Deity Surya and His Devotee

Another story revolves around Surya’s powerful healing abilities. It’s believed that many sages in ancient India worshiped Surya for good health, prosperity, and longevity. This led to the development of Chhath Puja as a way to connect with nature, harness solar energy, and offer thanks to the Sun God. Devotees observe this rigorous four-day festival with fasting and strict rituals, seeking strength, health, and vitality from Surya.

Significance of the Rituals and Offerings

The four-day Chhath Puja includes a sequence of rituals, each holding symbolic meaning:

• Day 1: Nahai Khai – A day of purification and cleansing.
• Day 2: Kharna – Fasting for the entire day and breaking it in the evening with offerings.
• Day 3: Sandhya Arghya – Offering prayers to the setting sun.
• Day 4: Usha Arghya – Offering prayers to the rising sun, marking the end of the fast.

Through these rituals, devotees express gratitude, strengthen their bond with nature, and pray for the blessings of health, prosperity, and happiness for themselves and their families. Chhath Puja continues to be a culturally rich and spiritually significant festival with deep connections to traditional practices.

Attire

During Chhath Pooja, it is traditional for devotees to wear new, clean clothes as a sign of respect and devotion to the sun god, Surya. Men typically wear dhoti or kurta pyjama, while women wear sari or salwar kameez. It is also common for women to wear traditional ornaments, such as bangles and bindi, as a sign of respect.

During the festival, devotees observe a strict fast and abstain from consuming food or water for extended periods of time. As a result, it is important to wear comfortable clothes that allow for easy movement and do not restrict breathing or circulation.

In addition to traditional clothing, devotees may also wear red or yellow garments as a sign of respect and devotion to the sun god. These colors are considered auspicious in Hinduism and are believed to bring good luck and prosperity.

Overall, the dress for Chhath Pooja should be modest and respectful, and should be chosen with care and consideration for the religious significance of the festival.

Food

During Chhath Pooja, devotees prepare a variety of special dishes and offer them as prasad to the sun god, Surya. Some of the common dishes that are prepared and offered as prasad during Chhath Pooja include:

• Thekua: A type of sweet biscuit made from wheat flour, sugar, and ghee. It is a popular prasad offered during Chhath Pooja and is typically prepared in large quantities.
• Lai: A sweet made from rice flour and jaggery, shaped into small balls and deep-fried. It is a popular prasad offered during Chhath Pooja.
• Kheer: A sweet pudding made from rice, milk, and sugar. It is a common offering during Chhath Pooja and is prepared in large quantities to be distributed as prasad.
• Puri: A type of fried bread made from wheat flour and water. It is a common prasad offered during Chhath Pooja and is often served with curry or chana masala.
• Banana: Bananas are a common offering during Chhath Pooja and are considered a symbol of prosperity and good luck. They are often offered as prasad along with other sweet dishes.

Overall, the food prepared and offered as prasad during Chhath Pooja is typically vegetarian and made from pure, natural ingredients. It is prepared with care and devotion and is an important part of the festival.