Let’s understand Chhath Puja in a simple and peaceful way. This festival is full of faith, purity, and thankfulness towards the Sun and nature.
Table of Contents
What is Chhath Puja?
Chhath Puja is a festival to thank the Sun and Chhathi Maiya. People do it to say “thank you” to nature. It is about clean food, quiet mind, family time, and deep faith. Many people from Bihar, eastern Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and Nepal celebrate it. But now people celebrate it in many cities and countries too.
Why people do Chhath
We need the sun. The sun gives light, heat and life. Farmers need the sun for crops. Mothers pray for children. Families pray for health and peace. Chhath is a way to say thanks and ask for blessings. It is also about being simple and pure for a few days.
The four main days — in simple words
People follow four main steps in Chhath. I’ll keep them short.
Nahay-Khay (Day one)
You take a clean bath in a river or pond. Or at home if that is not possible. Then you eat a clean meal. The food is simple. No onion, no garlic, no strong spices. The idea is to eat pure food.
Kharna (Day two)
You fast most of the day. In the evening, you make jaggery kheer (a sweet rice dish) and roti. You offer this to Chhathi Maiya. After prayer, you eat the prasad. This is a special meal and you break the strict fast with it.
Sandhya Arghya (Day three)
At sunset, people go to the river or a pond. They stand in the water and give arghya to the setting sun. They sing folk songs. They light small lamps and place them on banana leaves or bamboo baskets. The scene is calm and beautiful.
Usha Arghya and Parana (Day four)
Early in the morning, before the sun rises, people again give arghya to the rising sun. After this, the main fast ends. Families share prasad and blessings. This finishes the festival.
What is Kharna?
Kharna is like a small celebration after a strict day. You stay without eating the whole day. In the evening, you cook a sweet dish with jaggery and rice. You offer it to the goddess. Then you eat it. The food is made simply and lovingly.
Why songs and small talks matter
During Chhath, women sing songs in a group. These songs tell old stories and praises of nature. They make people feel close. The songs carry the mood of the festival — calm, thankful, and hopeful.
How to wish someone on Chhath
If you want to send a message, keep it warm. Here are simple lines you can use:
“Wishing you a blessed Chhath. May the sun bring you health and luck.”
“Happy Chhath Puja. May Chhathi Maiya keep your family safe.”
“May your prayers be answered this Chhath. Warm wishes to you.”
If you want to send in Hindi, you can share:
“छठ पूजा की हार्दिक शुभकामनाएँ। छठी मैया की कृपा आप पर बनी रहे।”
Things to keep in mind if you join Chhath for the first time
- Wear simple and clean clothes.
- Follow the rules of the house or elders.
- Do not waste food. Prepare only what you need.
- Be polite to people doing the ritual — they are in prayer.
- If you are not fasting, you can still give a wish or offer a small help like bringing fruits.
Food and prasad — keep it pure
Chhath food is very simple. People avoid heavy oil and spices. The prasad is usually:
- Fruits
- Cooked rice or kheer with jaggery
- Roti made from wheat or millet
- Seasonal items and clean water
Everything is placed on banana leaves or clean baskets. The focus is on pure food, not taste only.
Why Chhath is good for the heart (not only religion)
Chhath brings families together. People help each other at the river banks. They sing and share stories. This builds trust and calm. The routine of fasting and early wake-up teaches discipline. Many say it feels like a reset for the mind and body.
How kids can understand Chhath
Tell kids like this: “We say thank you to the sun and the mother goddess. We eat simple food. We sing songs and stand by the water. We help others and feel close to our family.” Keep it fun and short. Let them help with clean jobs like folding leaves or arranging fruits.
Simple safety tips if you go to the riverbank
- Wear shoes that can get wet and won’t slip.
- Stay near people you know.
- Keep an eye on children; water can be risky.
- Carry a small first-aid kit if you can.
- Do not use single-use plastic for prasad — use natural leaves and plates.
Short stories you can share
My neighbor wakes up at 4 AM for Chhath. She sings while cooking the prasad. Everyone in the lane helps. That small help makes the festival easy and joyful.
Common questions people ask
Q: Who is Chhathi Maiya?
A: She is a mother goddess who protects children and families. People ask for her blessings for good health.
Q: Is Chhath only for Hindus from Bihar?
A: No. It started there and is very popular in Bihar, eastern UP and Nepal. But many people across India and outside India celebrate it now.
Q: Can I visit the ghats (river banks) to watch?
A: Yes, you can watch. Just be respectful. Stay at a safe distance and follow local rules.
Few sample WhatsApp messages you can copy
“Wishing you and your family a blessed Chhath. Stay safe and happy.”
“May the sun give you good health. Happy Chhath Puja!”
“छठ पूजा की शुभकामनाएँ। छठी मैया आप पर हमेशा कृपा करें।”
Why this festival matters today
People are busy. Chhath asks you to stop for a few days. It asks you to eat simply. It asks you to say thanks to the sun. In our fast life, this small pause is a big gift. It heals, it connects, and it teaches care.
A short note on being respectful of nature
Chhath asks us to thank the sun and water. So return the kindness. Do not throw plastic in the river. Use leaves or cloth for prasad. Help keep the place clean. This is a part of true worship.
Final words
Chhath Puja is a simple and deep festival. It asks us to be clean, to be grateful, and to help each other. Wish you a bright and peaceful Chhath. Celebrate with care.
- To know the exact Chhath Puja 2025 dates and sunrise timings, you can check the Hindu calendar on Drik Panchang.
- For more details about the cultural and regional importance of Chhath Puja, you can read this detailed guide by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information and friendly guidance. Rituals and dates may vary by region, family tradition, and local calendars. For exact dates, times, and local traditions, please check a trusted local panchang or ask a local priest. I wrote this in simple words to help you understand the meaning and main steps. Use your judgement and follow local health and safety advice while celebrating.
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