Chhath Puja of Bihar: The Sacred Festival Honoring the Sun God
Chhath Puja is one of the most ancient, revered, and vibrant festivals celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm in Bihar and neighboring regions. It is dedicated to Surya, the Sun God, and Chhathi Maiya (the Goddess associated with the Sun), seeking their blessings for health, prosperity, and well-being. Unlike many other festivals, Chhath Puja is unique in its rituals, discipline, and connection with nature.

Historical and Cultural Significance
Chhath Puja traces its roots to Vedic times and is mentioned in ancient Hindu scriptures. It holds a special place in the cultural fabric of Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh, as well as among Maithili, Bhojpuri, and Magahi-speaking communities.

The festival symbolizes gratitude to the Sun for sustaining life on Earth and is believed to bring good fortune, healing, and the fulfillment of wishes. It is also a time to honor nature's elements — water, earth, sunlight — highlighting a deep ecological awareness and spiritual harmony.

When is Chhath Puja Celebrated?
Chhath Puja is observed twice a year:

Chhath in the month of Kartik (October-November), which is the main and most widely celebrated occasion.

A smaller observance in the month of Chaitra (March-April).

The Kartik Chhath Puja spans four days and falls six days after Diwali, often called the "Festival of Six."

The Four Days of Chhath Puja: Rituals and Observances
Day 1: Nahay-Khay (Bath and Eat)
The festival begins with a ritual purification. Devotees take a holy bath, usually in a river or pond, symbolizing cleansing of the body and soul. After the bath, they eat only simple vegetarian food cooked without onion or garlic. This marks the start of the rigorous fasting period.

Day 2: Lohanda and Kharna
On the second day, devotees observe a day-long fast without water (nirjala vrat). After sunset, they break the fast with a special meal called Kharna, which includes jaggery, rice pudding (kheer), and fruits. After this meal, the fast continues again without water until the offerings are made on the final day.

Day 3: Sandhya Arghya (Evening Offerings)
The third day is the highlight of Chhath Puja. Devotees, usually barefoot and dressed in traditional attire, gather at riverbanks or water bodies to offer Arghya (water offering) to the setting sun. The offerings include fruits, thekua (a traditional sweet), and other prasad items arranged beautifully on bamboo baskets called soop.

The ritual is performed standing in water, symbolizing humility and connection to nature. Devotees chant ancient mantras and sing folk songs that praise the Sun God and invoke his blessings.

Day 4: Usha Arghya (Morning Offerings)
On the final day, before sunrise, devotees again offer water and prayers to the rising sun, marking the end of their fast. After this, they partake in the prasad, breaking their fast with great joy and spiritual fulfillment.

Unique Features of Chhath Puja
Nirjala Vrat (Waterless Fast): One of the strictest fasts in Hinduism, devotees abstain from food and water for nearly 36 hours, showcasing their devotion and self-discipline.

Eco-friendly Celebration: Chhath Puja is naturally eco-friendly since it mainly involves clean water bodies and uses natural materials like fruits, sugarcane, and bamboo. No idols or artificial items are used.

Community Bonding: People gather in large numbers along rivers, ponds, and lakes, strengthening social ties and collective spirituality.

Foods and Prasad of Chhath Puja
Food during Chhath is very specific — it excludes onion, garlic, salt, and spices. The prasad mainly includes:

Thekua: Deep-fried wheat flour cookies sweetened with jaggery.

Fruits: Seasonal fruits like bananas, mangoes, and sugarcane.

Rice and Lentils: Cooked simply without salt or spices.

Coconut and Dry Fruits: Used in offerings.

All prasad items are prepared with great care and purity, often in a separate kitchen or area dedicated to ritual food preparation.

Cultural Impact and Folk Traditions
Chhath Puja is also famous for its rich folk songs and dances. Devotional songs praising the Sun God are sung during the rituals, creating a devotional atmosphere filled with collective emotion.

In Bihar, entire communities participate in organizing fairs, decorating ghats, and assisting devotees. Women, especially, play a central role in performing rituals and preparing prasad, preserving age-old customs passed down through generations.

Chhath Puja Beyond Bihar
Though rooted deeply in Bihar, Chhath Puja is now celebrated by the Bihari diaspora worldwide — in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and even internationally in countries like Nepal, Mauritius, and the United States. Large gatherings on riverbanks or lakes often recreate the festival’s traditional environment abroad.

Spiritual and Environmental Message
Chhath Puja's reverence for the Sun and nature highlights the ancient Indian understanding of the environment's sacredness. It reminds us to respect natural resources, especially water and sunlight, vital for sustaining life.

It is a powerful blend of spirituality, health, ecology, and community spirit that continues to inspire millions.

Conclusion
Chhath Puja is much more than a festival — it is a profound expression of devotion, discipline, gratitude, and harmony with nature. Its unique rituals, cultural significance, and social impact make it one of Bihar’s most cherished and celebrated traditions.

For those who witness or participate in Chhath Puja, it is a spiritually uplifting experience that connects the earthly to the divine through the radiant energy of the Sun.