Chhath Puja: Your First-Timer's Guide (FAQ)

Welcome to the auspicious and spiritually significant observance of Chhath Puja! If this is your first time participating, it's natural to have questions. This guide aims to help you understand the basics and prepare for a meaningful experience.

1. What is Chhath Puja? 

Chhath Puja is an ancient Hindu festival dedicated to Surya Devta (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya (Chhath Goddess). It is a thanksgiving festival for sustaining life on Earth and for bestowing prosperity, well-being, and longevity. It is unique for its elaborate rituals performed over four days, primarily involving fasting, holy bathing, and offering arghya (offerings) to the rising and setting sun.

2. When is Chhath Puja celebrated? 

Chhath Puja is celebrated on the sixth day of the lunar month of Kartika (Kartika Shukla Shashthi) in the Hindu calendar. This usually falls in October or November, a few days after Diwali.

3. What are the four days of Chhath Puja called, and what happens on each day?

• Day 1: Nahay Khay (Bathe and Eat)

  • The devotees (Vratis) take a holy dip, often in a river or pond, and then prepare traditional Satvik food (like bottle gourd curry, rice, and chana dal) to eat only once. This initiates the purification process.

• Day 2: Lohanda and Kharna (Offerings and Sweet Rice)

  • Vratis observe a full day's fast, breaking it in the evening after offering Kheer (sweet rice pudding), Puri, and fruits to the Sun God. This meal is also known as Kharna prasad. After this, a rigorous 36-hour fast begins.

• Day 3: Sandhya Arghya (Evening Offerings)

  • This is the main day when Vratis offer Arghya to the setting sun. They stand in water bodies (rivers, ponds, or makeshift pools) and offer milk and water, along with various fruits, sweets (thekua), and other items arranged in a soop (bamboo winnowing basket) or daura (large bamboo basket).

• Day 4: Usha Arghya (Morning Offerings) & Paran (Breaking the Fast)

  • Vratis return to the water body before sunrise to offer Arghya to the rising sun. After the sunrise offerings, the 36-hour fast is broken by consuming ginger and water, followed by the prasad.

4. Who can perform Chhath Puja? 

Anyone can perform Chhath Puja. It is traditionally observed by married women for the well-being of their family and children. However, men also observe the fast, and unmarried individuals can perform it too, typically for specific wishes or for general prosperity.

5. What is the significance of the fasting? 

The rigorous fasting during Chhath Puja is a form of self-purification and penance. It is believed to cleanse the body and mind, making the devotee more receptive to divine blessings. The scientific aspect also highlights detoxification and rejuvenation.

6. What kind of offerings (prasad) are prepared for Chhath Puja? 

The most famous prasad is "Thekua" and "Kasar" (a sweet made from ground rice and jaggery). Other offerings include seasonal fruits (especially sugarcane, sweet lime, bananas, apples), coconuts, rice ladoos, and various traditional sweets. All prasad is prepared without salt, onion, or garlic.

7. Where are the rituals performed?

 The main rituals of offering Arghya are performed at the ghats (banks) of rivers, ponds, or any clean water body. If access to a natural water body isn't possible, people create makeshift pools at home or in community spaces.

8. What should I wear during Chhath Puja? 

Traditional attire is preferred. Women typically wear sarees or salwar kameez, and men wear kurtas. The clothes should be clean and preferably new, or specifically kept aside for the puja.

9. Can I participate if I don't know all the rituals perfectly? 

Absolutely! The most important aspect is devotion and purity of heart. You can observe the fast, help in preparing prasad, and accompany family members to the ghats. Don't hesitate to ask elders or experienced individuals for guidance.

10. What is Chhathi Maiya? 

Chhathi Maiya is worshipped as the sister of the Sun God. She is considered the goddess of children and is believed to protect them and grant wishes related to progeny and their well-being.

11. Are there any specific hygiene rules to follow? 

Yes, purity (shuddhi) is paramount. Devotees maintain strict hygiene throughout the four days. The puja area and cooking area must be meticulously clean. Many families have designated spaces and utensils only for Chhath Puja.

12. What if I feel unwell during the fast? 

The fast is very rigorous. If you have any health conditions or feel unwell, it's essential to consult a doctor and prioritize your health. While devotion is important, safety comes first. Often, in such cases, another family member can observe the fast on behalf of the individual.