Festivals
Date
Chhath Puja
About
Chhath Puja is an ancient Vedic festival dedicated to the Sun God (Surya) and the Goddess Chhathi Maiya. It is observed for four days, culminating in the grand offerings to the rising sun.
Significance:
It is the only festival where both the setting sun and the rising sun are worshipped. The festival emphasizes purity, mental discipline, and gratitude for the life-sustaining energy of the sun.
Rituals & Puja Vidhi:
1. Nahay Khay: The first day involves a ritual bath and a simple, pure vegetarian meal. 2. Kharna: The second day involves a full-day fast broken only in the evening with rice pudding and flatbread. 3. Sandhya Arghya: The third day involves standing in water for hours and offering prayers to the setting sun. 4. Usha Arghya: The final day involves offering prayers to the rising sun, marking the conclusion of the fast.