Chhath Puja: A Celebration of Faith and Identity

Chhath Puja is not merely a festival—it is aastha ke gehra samundar, a spiritual ocean of faith that every Bihari swims in with pride and emotion. Whether in the lanes of Patna, the ghats of Ganga, or the rooftops of Delhi and Mumbai, the essence of Chhath Puja beats in every Bihari heart. It’s not just a celebration—it’s a sanskaar, a legacy passed down with folded hands and tearful eyes.

Why is Chhath Puja Celebrated in Bihar?

Chhath Puja finds its deepest roots in Bihar because it reflects the simplicity, purity, and resilience of its people. It is believed to be one of the oldest Vedic festivals, where devotees worship Surya Dev (Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya for health, prosperity, and family well-being. In Bihar, this festival is not confined to religion—it’s a cultural identity. It’s the only festival where people thank the setting sun first, then the rising sun, symbolizing gratitude and humility.

“Chhathi Maiya ke kripa se sab kuch milela, bas man pavitar rahe ke chahi…”

(With Chhathi Maiya’s blessings, everything is possible—only the heart must remain pure.)

Two Sacred Months: Chaiti and Kartik Chhath

Chhath Puja is celebrated twice a year—once in Chaitra (March-April) and once in Kartik (October-November). Both hold immense significance, but Kartik Chhath is the grander celebration, marked by cooler weather, post-harvest joy, and deeper community participation.

Chaiti Chhath

Chaiti Chhath is quieter and more personal. It’s observed in the spring season, often by those who have taken a mannat (vow) or wish to express gratitude. The rituals are the same, but the scale is smaller. It’s a moment of intimate devotion, where families gather quietly to offer arghya to the sun.

Kartik Chhath

Kartik Chhath, on the other hand, is Bihar ke dhadkan. It comes after Diwali, when the air is festive and the hearts are full. The ghats are decorated, songs echo in Bhojpuri, and every home becomes a temple of devotion. The entire community participates—cleaning roads, preparing prasad, and singing folk songs that have been passed down for centuries.

“Kartik ke Chhath, sabke saath—ghar ke chhat se Ganga ke ghaat tak, sab ek hi sur mein gavat ba…”

(Kartik Chhath unites everyone—from rooftops to riverbanks, all sing in one rhythm.)

How to Celebrate Chhath Puja

Chhath Puja is a four-day journey of purity, discipline, and unwavering faith:

1. Nahay Khay

The first day begins with a holy bath and a simple meal of lauki-bhaat (bottle gourd with rice). The house is cleaned, and the devotee prepares mentally and spiritually.

2. Kharna

On the second day, devotees observe a full-day fast and break it in the evening with kheer, roti, and fruits. This meal is sacred and shared with love.

3. Sandhya Arghya

The third day is magical. Devotees, dressed in traditional attire, walk to the river or pond with a soop filled with prasad—thekua, fruits, sugarcane, and coconut. They offer prayers to the setting sun, singing Bhojpuri songs that melt hearts.

4. Usha Arghya

The final day begins before sunrise. Devotees again reach the water body to offer prayers to the rising sun, completing their fast only after this ritual. The energy is divine, and the atmosphere is electric.

“Chhath ke soop mein sirf prasad na hove—usmein hove maa ke aastha, parivar ke dua, aur sanskaar ke geheraai…”

(The soop of Chhath doesn’t just carry offerings—it holds a mother’s faith, a family’s prayers, and the depth of tradition.)

Chhathi Maiya: The Divine Mother of Faith

At the heart of Chhath Puja is Chhathi Maiya, the goddess believed to be the protector of children and granter of wishes. She is worshipped with utmost devotion, especially by women who fast for the well-being of their children and family. Her presence is felt in every chant, every diya, and every tear that rolls down during the arghya.

She is not just a deity—she is Maa, the emotional anchor of every Bihari household. Her stories are sung in Bhojpuri folk songs, her blessings are invoked in every prayer, and her love is felt in every offering.

“Chhathi Maiya sabke sukh-dukh ke saathi baa—unka dar pe sab barabar baa…”

(Chhathi Maiya walks with us in joy and sorrow—at her doorstep, all are equal.)

Beyond Bihar: A Global Celebration of Identity

Today, Chhath Puja is celebrated across India and abroad—wherever Biharis have gone, they’ve carried this emotion with them. From the Yamuna ghats in Delhi to the Hudson River in New York, the spirit of Chhath shines bright. It’s a festival that teaches sabr, shuddhata, and samarpan—patience, purity, and surrender.

It’s not just about rituals—it’s about reconnecting with nature, with family, and with one’s roots. It’s about standing in waist-deep water, eyes closed, hands folded, and heart open.

Chhath is Emotion, Not Just Tradition

Chhath Puja is the heartbeat of Bihar. It’s the only festival where no idol is worshipped—just the sun, the water, and the soul. It’s a celebration of life, of gratitude, and of divine motherhood.

So when someone asks, “Why is Chhath Puja celebrated in Bihar?”, tell them—it’s not just celebrated, it’s lived.

“Chhath ke ghadi, sabke aankh mein aansu, lekin dil mein khushi ke lehar hove…”

(During Chhath, eyes may fill with tears, but hearts overflow with joy.)