Chhath Puja: Rituals, Vidhi, Mantras and Complete Guide

Chhath Puja is one of the most heartfelt and soul-purifying festivals dedicated to Lord Surya (Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya. Observed mainly in Bihar, Jharkhand, Eastern Uttar Pradesh, and Nepal, this festival is a symbol of purity, devotion, and strict discipline. It is not just a ritual; it is a feeling, a prayer, and a way to express gratitude to nature.

🌅 Spiritual Significance of Chhath Puja

The Chhath Puja is performed to thank Lord Surya for sustaining life on earth and to seek blessings for prosperity, well-being, and fertility. Devotees believe that the Sun God can heal diseases and grant a long life to loved ones. Women mostly observe it for the happiness and longevity of their children.

Chhath Puja holds deep cultural and scientific significance:

• Thanksgiving to nature for sustaining life
• Promotes mental and physical detoxification
• Enhances solar energy absorption (scientifically proven benefits of sunrise/sunset viewing)
• Strengthens family bonds through collective participation

📅 Four-Day Ritual of Chhath Puja

The celebration lasts for four days, with each day having specific rituals and dietary discipline. Here’s a table that explains each day’s importance:

Day	Name	Ritual Description
Day 1	Nahay Khay	Devotees take a holy bath and prepare a pure vegetarian meal. It marks the purification of the soul and surroundings.
Day 2	Kharna	After fasting all day, devotees eat a meal of kheer and chapati at night. From here, the 36-hour nirjala fast begins.
Day 3	Sandhya Arghya	Devotees offer evening prayers to the setting sun with ‘soop’ filled with fruits and offerings while standing in a river or water body.
Day 4	Usha Arghya	Early morning offerings are made to the rising sun. It is followed by breaking the fast and sharing the prasad.

📿 Chhath Puja Mantra Vidhi

Chanting mantras during Chhath Puja brings divine vibrations and invokes blessings of Lord Surya and Chhathi Maiya. Below is the mantra vidhi:

Rituals and Traditions

The festival is marked by strict rituals:

• Fasting without water for 36 hours
• Standing in water for long periods
• Offering prasad (thekua, fruits, sugarcane)
• Traditional Chhath songs sung during rituals
• No use of metal utensils (only bamboo baskets and clay pots)

While offering the ‘soop’, devotees should stand in water and chant these mantras with folded hands, eyes closed, and pure heart.

💡 Tips for Performing Chhath Puja at Home

• Keep your mind and home clean.
• Follow strict vegetarianism and avoid garlic, onion.
• Use brass utensils and new clothes during puja.
• Make prasad with utmost purity using homemade ghee.
• Offer arghya during sunrise and sunset only.

🕉️ Emotions Behind the Puja

There’s a divine connection between devotees and nature during this puja. Watching thousands of people standing in the water with folded hands chanting mantras to the sun god – it’s a sight that reflects absolute devotion. Chhath is not just about rituals, but about surrender, patience, and spiritual endurance.

📘 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Who can observe Chhath Puja?

Ans: Anyone with pure intent and devotion can observe Chhath. However, it is mostly done by married women for their family’s well-being.

Q2: Can Chhath Puja be done without a river or pond?

Ans: Yes. You can perform it in a clean tub or artificial water setup at home. The devotion matters more than the place.

Q3: What should be included in the 'soop'?

Ans: The soop usually contains thekua, sugarcane, banana, coconut, radish, and seasonal fruits.

Q4: Is fasting compulsory?

Ans: Fasting is an essential part of Chhath Puja. However, those with medical conditions may modify it with devotion and prayer.

Q5: What is the meaning of ‘Kharna’?

Ans: Kharna is the second day when devotees break their partial fast after sunset with jaggery rice and kheer. From here the 36-hour nirjala fast starts.

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