Chhath Puja is a pious religious festival in India. A large number of devotees worship the Sun God and his life-mate Usha (the goddesses of the morning and evening) during this celebration. They seek blessings for the well-being of their family members and express gratitude for the life-sustaining energy. On this occasion, families unite, engage in Chhath Puja rituals, and spend time together. It is the perfect time to exercise discipline, cleanse yourself, and devote time to God. Let's learn more about Chhath Puja, its story, rituals, importance, etc, in detail.
When is Chhath Puja in 2025?
In 2025, Chhath Puja will take place from October 25 to October 28.
Chhath Puja Story
Chhath Puja is widely celebrated in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and some parts of Nepal. Many. Many popular stories are associated with it.
The Mahabharata Connection
One of the most popular folk stories associated with the origin of Chhath Puja is from the Mahabharata. As per this story, during their exile, Draupadi and the Pandavas faced extreme poverty and hardship. Sage Dhaumya (royal priest and religious guide of the Pandavas) advised them that by worshipping the sun god, they could get rid of problems and regain their lost kingdom. Draupadi performed the Chhath Puja sincerely. It solved the Pandavas’ problems. It highlights the importance of gratitude and respect for the sun’s energy.
One of the most popular folk stories associated with the origin of Chhath Puja is from the Mahabharata. As per this story, during their exile, Draupadi and the Pandavas faced extreme poverty and hardship. Sage Dhaumya (royal priest and religious guide of the Pandavas) advised them that by worshipping the sun god, they could get rid of problems and regain their lost kingdom. Draupadi performed the Chhath Puja sincerely. It solved the Pandavas’ problems. It highlights the importance of gratitude and respect for the sun’s energy.
The Folk Story of Lord Rama & Sita
As per this folk story, lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshman spent 14 years in exile. After defeating the demon King Ravana, they returned to Ayodhya. Rama got the advice to perform a royal sacrifice to reconcile the killing of a Brahmin. So, he organized a Brahmahatya Mukti Yajna. Goddess Sita observed fast and worshiped the Chhathi Maiya (the goddess of the festival) and the Sun. She offered arghya to both the setting and rising sun.
Remember, during the exile, the Sun God rewarded Rama and Sita with wisdom and strength, enabling them to sustain all difficulties. So, they offer fruits, a traditional sweet, and other items to express their gratitude towards the deity.
Remember, during the exile, the Sun God rewarded Rama and Sita with wisdom and strength, enabling them to sustain all difficulties. So, they offer fruits, a traditional sweet, and other items to express their gratitude towards the deity.
The Story of Karna: The Sun God’s Devotee
According to the folk story, Karna, the son of God Surya and Kunti, was a brave figure in the Mahabharata. He was famous for his great devotion to the Sun God. He performed immense penance to seek the blessings of protection & invincibility from the deity. Karna kept fasting and performed the Chhath Puja on the banks of a river. Pleased with his devotion, the deity gave Karna special powers. Although his life ended miserably, his devotion to the Sun god is appreciated.
The Chhathi Maiya: The Goddess of Chhath Puja
During Chhath Puja, devotees worship Chhathi Maiya- the goddess of fertility and maternal power. According to the local folk story in Bihar and Eastern Uttar Pradesh, by worshiping Chhathi Maiya, they get her blessings in conceiving and a healthy pregnancy. It also brings prosperity to the family and ensures the good health of all.
Chhath Puja Rituals
Devotees perform Chhath Puja with great devotion and discipline. The festival lasts for four days. Here are its main rituals:
The First Day of Chhath Puja (Nahay Khay)
On the first day of the celebration, devotees take a bath in a clean water source or a nearby river to purify themselves. They prepare pious food items to offer them to the deity during the worship. They clean the area, observe fast, and pray to the deity.
On the first day of the celebration, devotees take a bath in a clean water source or a nearby river to purify themselves. They prepare pious food items to offer them to the deity during the worship. They clean the area, observe fast, and pray to the deity.
The Second Day of Chhath Puja (Kharna)
After sunset, devotees break their fast. They consume pious food as a symbolic offering to the Sun God & Chhathi Maiya. The pious food is also distributed to all family members. It is considered a symbol of gratitude.
After sunset, devotees break their fast. They consume pious food as a symbolic offering to the Sun God & Chhathi Maiya. The pious food is also distributed to all family members. It is considered a symbol of gratitude.
The Main Day of Puja (Chath)
On this day, devotees keep fasting and offer special prayers to the setting sun. Families, friends, relatives, and communities gather at water sources or riverbanks and make offerings to the Sun God in a bamboo basket (Soop). Once the evening prayer ends, they wait for the sun to set and pray to the deity for the well-being of loved ones.
The Final Day (Usha Arghya)
It is the last day of Chhath Puja. During this period, devotees stand in water early in the morning and offer prayers to the rising Sun. Females offer Arghya (a ritual offering of water, fruits, and flowers) to the Sun, chant Mantras. Families express gratitude to the deity. As soon as Arghya is offered, devotees break their fast, and the celebration starts.
The Importance of Chhath Puja
Chhath Puja promotes the idea of respecting the environment and nature. Worshipping deities on this occasion benefits individuals in many ways:
Devotion To The Sun God
The Sun god symbolizes health and vitality. Worshipping him on this occasion lets people have his divine blessings in the form of good health, wealth, and a prosperous life.
Spiritual Cleansing
Performing Chhath Puja rituals can cleanse the soul and mind. Devotees take a bath in the river or lake, fast, and pray to the deity with complete devotion. All these activities take their spirituality to new heights.
It brings People Together
Chhath Puja is the best time for families and communities to unite, pray to the deity together, and celebrate the festival. It strengthens their relationships.
Tips For A Fulfilling Chhath Puja
To celebrate the festival properly, follow these recommendations:
Prepare Early
Start preparing for Chath Puja some days before, as per your convenience. Purchase all the necessary Puja essentials, such as a basket, fruits, etc. Prepare pious food items with ultimate care.
Be Mentally Prepared
Remember, Chhath Puja is all about offering prayers to the deity, standing in water, and long fasting. Prepare yourself for these rituals. It will help you celebrate the occasion with great devotion and without any difficulty.
Clean Your House & Surroundings
Remember, cleanliness is important in Chhath Puja. So, clean your home, surroundings, and riverfront. Choose the right spot for worship. If you can’t go to the river, make a temporary water source for the worship in the nearby area. A clean pond is also suitable for worship.
Conclusion
Chhath Puja is a famous festival that celebrates life, nature, energy, and deities. On this day, people unite with families, participate in rituals, share pious food and greetings, visit loved ones, and have long-lasting impressions. Celebrate Chhath Puja 2025 with great devotion, seek blessings from the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya for a prosperous and fulfilling life. Happy Chhath Puja to all.
