Solar & Vedic Festivals

Chhath Puja Guide: Surya Dev & Chhathi Maiya Worship, Thekua Prasad, and Rules

Bhakti Voice

भक्ति वॉइस

Sandhya Arghya takes place on Shashthi sunset; Usha Arghya on Saptami sunrise.

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Chhath Puja is one of the most rigorous, scientifically profound, and spiritually uplifting ancient Vedic festivals of India, dedicated to Surya Bhagavan (the Sun God) and His sister Chhathi Maiya (Shashti Devi). Spanning four days from Kartika Shukla Chaturthi to Saptami, Chhath is unique because it honors both the setting sun (Sandhya Arghya) and the rising sun (Usha Arghya). Practiced with absolute purity without the mediation of priests, devotees observe 36 hours of waterless fasting (Nirjala Vrat) standing waist-deep in water bodies.

The story

The tradition traces back to the Mahabharata era when Mata Kunti worshiped Surya Deva and was blessed with the illustrious Karna. During the Pandavas' exile in the forest, Draupadi, distressed by their suffering, performed Chhath Vrat under Sage Dhaumya's guidance. Pleased with Her unyielding devotion, Surya Bhagavan restored the Pandavas' lost kingdom, prosperity, and glory.

Traditions

Puja at home

Frequently asked questions

What are the four continuous days of Chhath Puja?

Day 1: Nahay-Khay (purification and Kaddu-Bhat meal); Day 2: Kharna (evening kheer-roti after day fast); Day 3: Sandhya Arghya (sunset offerings); Day 4: Usha Arghya (sunrise offerings & Parana).

Why is the setting sun worshipped first during Chhath?

Vedic philosophy emphasizes gratitude to the retiring cycle of energy and recognizes that without the dusk, the dawn cannot emerge, teaching balance and respect for all phases of life.

What is the primary traditional prasad of Chhath?

Thekua (crispy whole wheat, jaggery, and ghee confection), freshly harvested sugarcane stalks, raw turmeric, ginger plants, and grapefruit (Daabh Nimbu).