Chhath Puja (or Surya Shashti) holds a special place in the hearts of people from Bihar, Jharkhand, UP, and some regions of Nepal. For many, it is considered the biggest festival of the year and falls a few days after the festival of lights, Diwali. There is much enthusiasm surrounding the festivities as it is a deeply traditional fest that brings loved ones and communities together for a celebration unlike any other. Chhath Puja

Significance of Chhath Puja

Chhath Puja is dedicated to praying to the Sun God during sunrise and sunset. It is performed to thank the Sun God for sustaining life on Earth and providing ample abundance. What makes the festival unique is that idols are not worshipped instead the focus is entirely on worshipping the sun. Participating in Chhath Puja is an enlightening and spiritual experience as everyone comes together to thank the Sun God and seeks blessings for overall health, wealth, and peace.

Celebration of Chhath Puja

Chhath Puja can be celebrated twice a year; once during the summer and the other during the winter. Chhath Puja celebrated in the summer, after Holi, is called Chaiti Chhath while Chatth Puja celebrated in the winter season is called Kartik Shukla Shashti. Almost everyone prefers to celebrate it during the winter and the Chhath Puja date generally falls during October/November months. The dates differ every year as it is celebrated on the Kartik month’s sixth day as per the Hindu calendar. 

Chhath Puja Rituals

Chhath Puja is celebrated for four days, with each day being important for different reasons. Here are the major rituals performed each day.

Day 1: Nahay Khay

Nahay Khay translates to “taking a bath and eating”. During the the first day of the puja people clean their entire house, go to take a bath in holy water (such as a river, pond, or other waterbody) if possible, and then eat pure vegetarian food prepared at home. Onion and garlic are not used in the preparation of the food. Generally, bottle gourd is prepared and eaten with rice.

Day 2: Kharna

The second day of the Chhath Puja involves devotees performing a fast whereby no water is consumed. In the evening, before sunset, prasad is prepared with rice, milk, and jaggery. All devotees pray and offer the prasad to Chhathi Maiyya along with fruits, betel leaves, and spices. Then, the prasad is distributed among family and relatives and consumed by the devotees.

Day 3: Sandhya Arghya

During the third day of the Chhath Puja, thekua is prepared. The thekua and fruits are then placed inside the handmade bamboo basket (or a puja plate/thali) and offered to the Sun God while praying. This process is known as sandhya arghya as devotees pray to the setting sun. Listening to Chhath Vrat katha and devotional songs are part of the celebrations at night.

Day 4:  Usha Arghya

The last day of Chhath Puja involves the Usha Arghya which is praying to the Chhath Maiyya during sunrise. Devotees wake up very early, take a bath, and head to the riverbanks along with their families. They pray to the sun as it rises and seek blessings from the Sun God for their families and themselves. Women who fast during this break their fast by eating jaggery. 

Essential Items For Chatth Puja

Chhath Puja preparations begin as soon as Diwali is over and it is advisable to start making a list of things you need. Some Chhath Puja saman such as seasonal fruits must be purchased closer to the start of the puja date to ensure only fresh fruits are offered. Other Chhath Puja items can be bought in advance from reliable websites such as the Giri UK website so they are delivered right to your home. While some things are not available, you can substitute items as desired.

You cannot get all the puja items in your hometown because certain items such as bamboo baskets are unavailable in the UK and the EU. You can make changes by using a puja thali instead of placing fruits and other prasad items to offer to the Sun God. The other Chhath Puja things required during the four-day puja include kapur, supari, agarbatti, white flowers, betel nuts, lamp oil, paan, diya, Akshata rice, and holy water.

Chhath Puja’s beauty lies in its simplicity and deep-rootedness in culture. This Chhath Puja, do not feel sad that you cannot reach your homeland. Instead, make thekua at home using your mom’s secret recipe, get all the Indian puja essentials UK at Giri online, and pray to the Sun God during Chhath Puja. It is a perfect way to celebrate the beautiful festival with your family with immense gratitude in your heart. Chhath Puja is a gentle reminder to count all your blessings and realize that there is so much to be thankful for.