CHHATH PUJA
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Chhath Puja, celebrated mainly in Bihar, honours the Sun God with prayers for prosperity and well-being.
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Chhath Puja is dedicated to worshipping Surya, the Sun God, and Chhathi Maiya or Shashti (the sister of Surya). It is a bi-annual festival celebrated primarily in Bihar, and also in Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and parts of Nepal. The celebrations take place in the Hindu months of Chaitra (March-April) and Kartik (October-November). Of these, the latter, also known as Surya Shashti, is well-known and takes place six days after Diwali, during the shukla paksha (waxing moon fortnight) of the month. The Chaiti Chhath is celebrated on the sixth day of the krishna paksha (waning moon fortnight) of Chaitra.
The devotees observing Chhath are known as parvaita. They observe the festival at either the Ganga or Yamuna, or any holy river or pokhar (lake). Taking a bath in a waterbody and remembering the importance and essentiality of the sun and water for life is a significant part of the festival. Surya and Shashti are remembered and thanked for the gift of life. A kalsup or basket of ritual items is prepared in which the deities are offered arghya (offering). Shashti is also the protector of children, and the Chhath vrata (fast) observed on the last two days of Chhath is considered auspicious for them. Chhath vrata is also observed to fulfil worldly and otherworldly desires. While worldly desires include the wish for healthy progeny, good health, relief from diseases, and wish for wealth, otherworldly desires include attainment of heaven and moksha (liberation from the cycle of life). People also hang arat, cotton threads dipped in red dye, considered symbolic of Surya, in front of the house to keep away evil spirits.
Chhath stands out as a festival deeply rooted in harmony with the environment. It celebrates the abundance of the natural world while reminding people of their responsibility to protect it. For example, kalsup or daura (a large basket, typically made from bamboo strips), is an essential component of the rituals. The celebrations take place on riverbanks, which are thoroughly cleaned as part of the observances. During the four days of the festival, the use of synthetic materials is avoided, and food is prepared and served only in earthen or bronze utensils. In essence, Chhath is a tribute to the very elements that sustain life and nature. It is also a festival that unites people across gender, age, and even religious boundaries.
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[{"nid":"3002669","title":"Nahai Khai","body":"The first day of Chhath is known as Nahai Khai and involves the parvaitas taking a dip in a holy river or any water body. They offer prayers to the rising sun and take water from the rivers to their house. After that, the house and its surroundings are thoroughly cleaned. On this day, the parvaitas eat a meal of lauka bhaat (bottle gourd and rice).","field_galleryimage":"","field_categories_list":"Performative Traditions","field_description_discover_":"","field_discover_image":"","field_galleryimage_1":"","field_marker_detail":"","field_video":"","totalcount":"1","like_and_dislike":"\n \n \n Like\n 0\n \n \n Dislike\n 0\n \n \n\n"}], [{"nid":"3002670","title":"Kharna\/ Lohanda","body":"The second day is known as Kharna or Lohanda. On this day, the parvaitas offer arghya to the Sun in the morning and observe a fast, called kharna vrata, till sunset. The fast is broken with a meal of rasiya, a type of porridge, and roti (wheat flatbread) with ghee (clarified butter), which is offered to Chhathi Maiya first. After this, a thirty-six-hour fast begins, often observed as a nirjala vrat, during which devotees abstain even from drinking water.","field_galleryimage":"","field_categories_list":"Performative Traditions","field_description_discover_":"","field_discover_image":"","field_galleryimage_1":"","field_marker_detail":"","field_video":"","totalcount":"1","like_and_dislike":"\n \n \n Like\n 0\n \n \n Dislike\n 0\n \n \n\n"}], [{"nid":"3002671","title":"Sanjhiya Arghya","body":"The third day of Chhath is all about preparing ritual and food offerings or prasad for the evening festivities, called Sanjhiya Arghya (sanjhiya translates to evening and arghya means offerings). The parvaitas carry the kalsup on their heads while walking to the ghats. There is a Chhath geet (song) related to the carrying of the kalsup that goes,\n\u201cKaanch hi baans ke bahangiya, bahangi lachkat jaaye, bahangi lachkat jaaye ||\nHoi na balam ji kahariya, bahangi ghaate pahunchaaye, bahangi ghaate pahunchaaye||\u201d\n\u201cThis basket made of raw bamboo keeps swaying\nOh, my dear be a Kanhar (ones who carry wooden palanquins), help this basket reach the riverbank\u201d\nAt the ghat, the devotees offer gangajal (water from the Ganga) and prayers to the setting sun. Chhathi Maiya is worshipped too and is offered prasad in the form of thekua, coconut, bananas, and other offerings. The night of Sanjhiya Arghya is almost like a carnival with many people coming to the ghats, celebrating with Chhath songs and reading the Chhath Vrata Katha.","field_galleryimage":"","field_categories_list":"Performative Traditions","field_description_discover_":"","field_discover_image":"","field_galleryimage_1":"","field_marker_detail":"","field_video":"","totalcount":"1","like_and_dislike":"\n \n \n Like\n 0\n \n \n Dislike\n 0\n \n \n\n"}], [{"nid":"3002672","title":"Kosi Bharan","body":"The night of the third day witnesses Kosi Bharan, a ritual performed by those whose mannat (wishes) had been fulfilled. Four to seven sugarcane sticks are used to form a chhatra (canopy) to which is attached a red cloth filled with thekua and fruits. A clay elephant is then placed within the canopy, on top of which is placed a ghara or pot. Vermillion tika is applied on the elephant, and fruits, thekua, and other ingredients are placed inside the pot. An earthen lamp is lit and placed on top of the pot. The kosi is surrounded by bronze and earthenware plates filled with the ritual ingredients and lamps are lit all around. Finally, a havan is performed by placing incense sticks in the Kosi, and devotees offer prayers to Chhathi Maiya, seeking the fulfillment of their wishes. The ritual takes place either in the courtyard or terrace of the house.\nThe families who perform Kosi Bharan stay up all night tending to the kosi, an act known as kosi sevana. Women sit in front of the kosi and sing songs, while men serve the kosi.","field_galleryimage":"","field_categories_list":"Performative Traditions","field_description_discover_":"","field_discover_image":"","field_galleryimage_1":"","field_marker_detail":"","field_video":"","totalcount":"1","like_and_dislike":"\n \n \n Like\n 0\n \n \n Dislike\n 0\n \n \n\n"}], [{"nid":"3002673","title":"Usha Arghya","body":"On the fourth day of Chhath, devotees go to the banks of rivers and make offerings to the rising sun. Kosi bharan is performed once more, this time at the ghats, post which devotees break their fast with thekua and water. At the end of the puja, prasad is distributed among neighbours and relatives.","field_galleryimage":"","field_categories_list":"Performative Traditions","field_description_discover_":"","field_discover_image":"","field_galleryimage_1":"","field_marker_detail":"","field_video":"","totalcount":"1","like_and_dislike":"\n \n \n Like\n 0\n \n \n Dislike\n 0\n \n \n\n"}], [{"nid":"3002674","title":"Kachwania\/ Kasar","body":"Kachwania or kasar are sweet rice flour balls. The dish is prepared using sun-baked rice flour, which is mixed with sugar and dry fruits. Water is added to this mixture, which is then rolled into small balls using one\u2019s palms. Kasar is offered as prasad.","field_galleryimage":"","field_categories_list":"Cuisines","field_description_discover_":"","field_discover_image":"","field_galleryimage_1":"","field_marker_detail":"","field_video":"","totalcount":"1","like_and_dislike":"\n \n \n Like\n 0\n \n \n Dislike\n 0\n \n \n\n"}], [{"nid":"3002675","title":"Thekua\/ Tikari\/ Khajuri","body":"Thekua is prepared with wheat flour, sugar, dry fruits, and ghee (clarified butter). The ingredients are mixed with water to form a mixture. The mixture is shaped using an agrahauta, a wooden frame in the shape of a circle or a betel leaf. These are also engraved with a circular wheel with spokes. The shaped sweets are fried in pure ghee and served as prasad.","field_galleryimage":" \u003Cimg loading=\u0022lazy\u0022 src=\u0022\/system\/files\/2025-10\/2560px-Thekua_-_Chhath_Festival_-_Kolkata_2013-11-09_4316.jpg\u0022 width=\u00222560\u0022 height=\u00221702\u0022 alt=\u0022Thekua offered during the rituals of Chhath puja. Source: Wikimedia Commons\u0022 typeof=\u0022foaf:Image\u0022 \/\u003E\n\n, \u003Cimg loading=\u0022lazy\u0022 src=\u0022\/system\/files\/2025-10\/Thekuaa.jpg\u0022 width=\u0022715\u0022 height=\u0022402\u0022 alt=\u0022Thekua along with the mould for shaping it. Source: Wikimedia Commons\u0022 typeof=\u0022foaf:Image\u0022 \/\u003E\n\n, \u003Cimg loading=\u0022lazy\u0022 src=\u0022\/system\/files\/2025-10\/1024px-%E0%A4%A0%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%86.jpg\u0022 width=\u00221024\u0022 height=\u00221271\u0022 alt=\u0022Thekua prepared using different patterned moulds. Source: Wikimedia Commons\u0022 typeof=\u0022foaf:Image\u0022 \/\u003E\n\n","field_categories_list":"Cuisines","field_description_discover_":"","field_discover_image":"","field_galleryimage_1":" \u003Cimg loading=\u0022lazy\u0022 src=\u0022\/system\/files\/2025-10\/2560px-Thekua_-_Chhath_Festival_-_Kolkata_2013-11-09_4316.jpg\u0022 width=\u00222560\u0022 height=\u00221702\u0022 alt=\u0022Thekua offered during the rituals of Chhath puja. Source: Wikimedia Commons\u0022 typeof=\u0022foaf:Image\u0022 \/\u003E\n\n, \u003Cimg loading=\u0022lazy\u0022 src=\u0022\/system\/files\/2025-10\/Thekuaa.jpg\u0022 width=\u0022715\u0022 height=\u0022402\u0022 alt=\u0022Thekua along with the mould for shaping it. Source: Wikimedia Commons\u0022 typeof=\u0022foaf:Image\u0022 \/\u003E\n\n, \u003Cimg loading=\u0022lazy\u0022 src=\u0022\/system\/files\/2025-10\/1024px-%E0%A4%A0%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%86.jpg\u0022 width=\u00221024\u0022 height=\u00221271\u0022 alt=\u0022Thekua prepared using different patterned moulds. Source: Wikimedia Commons\u0022 typeof=\u0022foaf:Image\u0022 \/\u003E\n\n","field_marker_detail":"","field_video":"","totalcount":"1","like_and_dislike":"\n \n \n Like\n 0\n \n \n Dislike\n 0\n \n \n\n"}], [{"nid":"3002676","title":"Rasiya","body":"Rasiya is jaggery kheer (milk and rice porridge) offered as prasad during Kharna Puja on the second day of Chhath. The porridge is cooked in an earthenware stove during Chhath using dry mango sticks for fuel.","field_galleryimage":"","field_categories_list":"Cuisines","field_description_discover_":"","field_discover_image":"","field_galleryimage_1":"","field_marker_detail":"","field_video":"","totalcount":"1","like_and_dislike":"\n \n \n Like\n 0\n \n \n Dislike\n 0\n \n \n\n"}], [{"nid":"3002677","title":"Chhath Vrata Katha","body":"Chhath vrata katha is the tale of how Chhath came to be celebrated, recounted by devotees during the fast. It is believed that there was once a king named Priyavrat and his queen, Malini. They both wished for children and were miserable since they could not have any. The couple visited Maharishi Kashyap who advised them to perform the putreshti yajna (ritual offering to the fire for the purpose of having children). After the yajna, the queen was offered kheer and she conceived. When nine months came to pass, the queen gave birth to a stillborn son, breaking their hearts. The king, in despair, decided to commit suicide, but it was at this moment that Goddess Shashti appeared before the king. She assured that she is the protector of children and will bless the couple with a son if they pray to her. The king and queen worshipped the Goddess on Kartik Shukla Shashti, performing all the rituals. They were blessed with a healthy son. Hence forward, Chhath Puja came to be performed every year during this time.","field_galleryimage":"","field_categories_list":"Myths and Legends","field_description_discover_":"","field_discover_image":"","field_galleryimage_1":"","field_marker_detail":"","field_video":"","totalcount":"1","like_and_dislike":"\n \n \n Like\n 0\n \n \n Dislike\n 0\n \n \n\n"}], [{"nid":"3002678","title":"Tales from the Mahabharata","body":"Sun worship is an integral part of the tale of Mahabharata. Kunti, mother of the Pandavas, worshipped the Sun before conceiving Karna and after escaping Lakshagriha. Karna is introduced as the son of Surya and offered arghya to the God while standing in the water, which is believed to have made him strong. When the Pandavas lost their kingdom to the Kauravas, Draupadi, wife of the Pandavas, worshipped the Sun and observed a fast. It is believed that by observing this fast, the Pandavas were able to regain their lost kingdom. Draupadi, too, is said to have worshipped the Sun for protection before facing the oppressive Kichaka in the Virata Parva. Surya offered her protection by an invisible Rakshasa. The connection between Sun worship and Mahabharata leads many people to draw the origins of Chhath Puja to the time of the Epic.","field_galleryimage":"","field_categories_list":"Myths and Legends","field_description_discover_":"","field_discover_image":"","field_galleryimage_1":"","field_marker_detail":"","field_video":"","totalcount":"1","like_and_dislike":"\n \n \n Like\n 0\n \n \n Dislike\n 0\n \n \n\n"}], [{"nid":"3002679","title":"Worship by Sita and Rama","body":"Legend goes that when Sita and Rama had come back to Ayodhya after their fourteen years of exile, the entire kingdom was lit up, starting the celebration of Diwali. Devotees who celebrate Chhath, also believe that six days after Diwali, Sita had observed a fast and offered worship to the Sun, following which she was blessed with her sons, Luv and Kush. Since then, Chhath Puja has been celebrated during this time.\nIn Bihar\u2019s Munger region, a boulder situated in the middle of the Ganges, known as Sita Manpatthar, is believed to be the spot where Sita once performed the Chhath Puja. Today, the Sitacharan Temple stands upon this sacred rock. It is regarded as an auspicious site, where Chhath Puja is observed with great devotion and grandeur.","field_galleryimage":"","field_categories_list":"Myths and Legends","field_description_discover_":"","field_discover_image":"","field_galleryimage_1":"","field_marker_detail":"","field_video":"","totalcount":"1","like_and_dislike":"\n \n \n Like\n 0\n \n \n Dislike\n 0\n \n \n\n"}], [{"nid":"3002680","title":"Legend of Deo Sun Temple","body":"The Deo Sun Temple in Aurangabad, Bihar is believed to be the place where Chhath Puja was started. During the Devasur Sangaram (the war between the Gods and the Asuras), Aditi, an important Vedic goddess who is believed to be the personification of the cosmos, prayed to Chhathi Maiya for a strong son who can defeat the Asuras. Pleased with her devotion, Chhathi Maiya blessed her with a son, Aditya, who was a form of Tridev (Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva). Aditya defeated the Asuras, and this is how Chhath Puja came to be celebrated.","field_galleryimage":"","field_categories_list":"Myths and Legends","field_description_discover_":"","field_discover_image":"","field_galleryimage_1":"","field_marker_detail":"","field_video":"","totalcount":"1","like_and_dislike":"\n \n \n Like\n 0\n \n \n Dislike\n 0\n \n \n\n"}]
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{"facets":[],"facets_metadata":[],"filters":[],"pager":{"current_page":0,"items_per_page":1,"total_pages":0,"total_results":1},"results":[{"title":"Kalsup","nid":"3002668","body":"Kalsup or daura are baskets made of bamboo, although sometimes bronze kalsup is used too. These baskets are decorated and used to offer worship to the setting sun on the third day of Chhath. Coconut, suthani (lesser yam), sweet potato, a jar of honey, betel nuts, karva (a pot with sprout), incense, amla (gooseberry), lemon, red rice, turmeric, jaggery, betel leaves, fruits, diyas (earthen lamps), sugarcane, flowers, thekua prasad (a sweet dish offered on Chhath), some ritual items like garland, vermillion, and a red or yellow-dyed cloth are used to decorate the kalsup. \nThe kalsup is thoroughly washed and dried, before applying a tika (a traditional vermillion or orange mark) on it. On either side of the kalsup, two betel leaves are placed. Fruits, jaggery, and rasad (ritual offering of food or other items) are then arranged inside, and the vessel is neatly wrapped with a cloth. Two earthen lamps are lit on its sides. It is after this that parvaitas carry the kalsup to the ghats (a broad flight of steps or slope leading down to a waterbody, mostly river) on their heads. At the ghats, the kalsup are placed with the pots, with earthen lamps and incense sticks lit all around.","field_sta_category":"","field_slider_images":" \u003Ca href=\u0022\/system\/files\/2025-10\/pexels-kumar-kranti-prasad-2632011-16728310%20%281%29.jpg\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg loading=\u0022lazy\u0022 src=\u0022\/system\/files\/2025-10\/pexels-kumar-kranti-prasad-2632011-16728310%20%281%29.jpg\u0022 width=\u00225316\u0022 height=\u00223520\u0022 alt=\u0022Women performing Chhath puja rituals in Ganga river. Source: Pexels\u0022 typeof=\u0022foaf:Image\u0022 \/\u003E\n\u003C\/a\u003E\n, \u003Ca href=\u0022\/system\/files\/2025-10\/pexels-dibakar-roy-2432543-19325779%20%281%29.jpg\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg loading=\u0022lazy\u0022 src=\u0022\/system\/files\/2025-10\/pexels-dibakar-roy-2432543-19325779%20%281%29.jpg\u0022 width=\u00225400\u0022 height=\u00223600\u0022 alt=\u0022Chhath puja rituals with offerings. Source: Pexels\u0022 typeof=\u0022foaf:Image\u0022 \/\u003E\n\u003C\/a\u003E\n, \u003Ca href=\u0022\/system\/files\/2025-10\/Rituals_and_Tradition_of_Chhath_Puja_in_Delhi_33.jpg\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg loading=\u0022lazy\u0022 src=\u0022\/system\/files\/2025-10\/Rituals_and_Tradition_of_Chhath_Puja_in_Delhi_33.jpg\u0022 width=\u00221280\u0022 height=\u0022960\u0022 alt=\u0022Rituals of Chhath Puja in Delhi. Source: Wikimedia Commons\u0022 typeof=\u0022foaf:Image\u0022 \/\u003E\n\u003C\/a\u003E\n, \u003Ca href=\u0022\/system\/files\/2025-10\/pexels-uttarayan-saha-1957846-19634782.jpg\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg loading=\u0022lazy\u0022 src=\u0022\/system\/files\/2025-10\/pexels-uttarayan-saha-1957846-19634782.jpg\u0022 width=\u00225354\u0022 height=\u00223464\u0022 alt=\u0022Evening Chhath puja rituals. Source: Pexels\u0022 typeof=\u0022foaf:Image\u0022 \/\u003E\n\u003C\/a\u003E\n","field_states":"","field_marker_details":"","field_thumbnail":" \u003Ca href=\u0022\/system\/files\/2025-10\/Women-Celebrating-Chhath-Puja-197004-pixahive%20%281%29.jpg\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg loading=\u0022lazy\u0022 src=\u0022\/system\/files\/2025-10\/Women-Celebrating-Chhath-Puja-197004-pixahive%20%281%29.jpg\u0022 width=\u00222560\u0022 height=\u00221707\u0022 alt=\u0022kalsup2\u0022 typeof=\u0022foaf:Image\u0022 \/\u003E\n\u003C\/a\u003E\n, \u003Ca href=\u0022\/system\/files\/2025-10\/Chhath-Puja-Preparation-196991-pixahive.jpg\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg loading=\u0022lazy\u0022 src=\u0022\/system\/files\/2025-10\/Chhath-Puja-Preparation-196991-pixahive.jpg\u0022 width=\u00222560\u0022 height=\u00221707\u0022 alt=\u0022kalsup 3\u0022 typeof=\u0022foaf:Image\u0022 \/\u003E\n\u003C\/a\u003E\n"}],"sorters":[],"system":{"page_key":"page"}}