Why is Chhath Puja Celebrated? Cultural Significance and How to Celebrate

Chhath Puja is an auspicious Hindu festival primarily celebrated in the Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh. You will also see migrant communities across all other regions of India observing traditional rituals around water bodies. The deep-rooted spiritual significance of Chhath Puja lies in the worship of the Sun God (Surya) and his consort, Chhathi Maiya, honouring the forces of nature for life, health and well-being. 

In 2025, the four days of Chhath Puja are from October 25 to October 28. Devotees of this ancient Vedic festival observe rituals such as fasting and worshipping the sun at its rising and setting. Read this blog to learn more about Chhath Puja and how you can also celebrate this auspicious occasion.  

Why is Chhath Puja Celebrated: Mythological Origin and Cultural Significance 

The festival of Chhath Puja has deep-rooted Vedic traditions in which the sun was highly revered and worshipped as a source of energy and healing. Its relevance is traced back to the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, when Draupadi and Sita are believed to have worshipped the sun for blessings.  

In the contemporary world, the traditions of Chhath Puja and its associated rituals have been passed down through generations, although the essence remains the same. This Hindu festival is centred around expressing gratitude to the Sun God (Surya) for sustaining life and worshipping Chhati Maiya for her blessings.  

One distinct feature of Chhath Puja is that, unlike most other Hindu festivals, it does not involve any idol worship. Devotees can be seen offering prayers at riverbanks to natural elements such as water and sunlight. 

How to Celebrate Chhath Puja: Rituals and Traditions 

For devotees, Chhath Puja is a time of the year when families come together. People travel long distances to participate in celebrations with their families. Even those living away from home can recreate the rituals wherever they are.

The four-day celebration is observed as follows: 

Day 1 (Nahay Khay): The first day of Chhath Puja is observed by taking a holy bath in nearby water bodies and by consuming vegetarian (satvik) food made without any onion or garlic as per tradition.  

Day 2 (Kharna): The second day of Chhath is traditionally marked by a day-long fast, broken only after sunset with kheer, fruits and prasad. 

Day 3 (Sandhya Arghya): On the third day of Chhath Puja, devotees stand in waist-deep water in nearby water bodies and offer prayers (arghya) to the setting sun. Traditional offerings in bamboo baskets include traditional food such as thekua, fruits, and sugarcane.  

Day 4 (Usha Arghya): The fourth and last day of Chhath Puja is observed by offering prayers to the rising sun. Devotees can be seen gathering around nearby waterbodies early in the morning to perform the rituals that include singing folk songs. 

Chhath Puja is also the time of the year marked by traditional gifting that includes new clothes, home decor items and high-quality kitchenware, including stainless steel utensils. Gold and silver jewellery, as well as other traditional jewellery, are also gifted to women during Chhath Puja.  

Also Read: Religious Places to Visit in India

To Conclude 

Chhath Puja is more than just a Hindu festival. It is the time for families coming together, expressing gratitude to the gods for blessings and prosperity and symbolising a strong cultural pride.  

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Frequently Asked Questions 

What rituals are followed during Chhath Puja? 

Devotees observe a fast, perform ritual bathing in sacred water, present seasonal fruits and sweets as offerings, and stand in water during prayers conducted at sunrise and sunset. 

How old is the tradition of Chhath Puja? 

The tradition of Chhath Puja originates from ancient Vedic times and has been practiced for several centuries, particularly in the eastern regions of India. 

Who celebrates Chhath Puja? 

Chhath Puja is primarily observed in the Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand, and eastern Uttar Pradesh, as well as by migrant communities throughout India and internationally. 

Can Chhath Puja be celebrated away from home? 

Many practitioners adapt to the rituals by conducting them near local water bodies or on rooftops using tubs, while maintaining the required standards of purity and devotion.