Chhath Puja: The Sun Worship Festival That Lights Up Bihar

Chhath Puja is an ancient Hindu festival historically native to Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh. It is dedicated to the Sun God, Surya, and his sister, Chhathi Maiya, to thank them for bestowing the bounties of life on earth and to request the granting of certain wishes. For a deeper dive, read our detailed post: Chhath Puja: The Grand Sun Worship. It is one of the most important Festivals of Bihar, with major celebrations at places like the Deo Sun Temple.,The festival is a rigorous four-day affair that involves fasting (including abstinence from drinking water), holy bathing, and offering prayers (Arghya) to the setting and rising sun. The rituals are observed with immense purity and devotion by both men and women.,The four days have specific names and rituals: 'Nahay Khay' (holy bath and a single meal), 'Lohanda and Kharna' (a day-long fast ending with a special meal after sunset), 'Sandhya Arghya' (evening offerings to the setting sun), and 'Usha Arghya' (morning offerings to the rising sun). The offerings, known as 'prasad', typically include fruits, sweets like Thekua, and sugarcane, all arranged in bamboo baskets.,Devotees gather at the banks of rivers and ponds, creating a mesmerizing spectacle of light, color, and faith. The festival promotes themes of purity, devotion, and gratitude towards nature. The jaggery-based kheer, @[post:rasia-jaggery-kheer-chhath], is also a key part of the rituals.

Keywords: chhath puja, bihar festivals, sun worship, surya, thekua, bihari culture, hindu festival