Chhat Puja, also known as Pratihar Sashthi or Surya Sashthi, is a major Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of the Sun God, Surya, and his wife, Usha. The festival is mainly celebrated in the Indian states of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand, as well as in Nepal.
Devotees observe rigorous rituals, fasting, and prayers over four days, offering arghya (water) to the setting and rising sun at riverbanks or other water bodies. Chhat Puja is a festival of gratitude, where devotees express their thankfulness to the Sun God for sustaining life on earth and seek his blessings for health, wealth, and prosperity.
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Pratihar Sashthi or Surya Sashthi (Chhat Puja) Dates in India for 2024, 2025, and 2026
Here are the dates for Chhat Puja in India for the upcoming years:
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 09/11/2024 | Saturday |
| 2025 | 29/10/2025 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | 18/11/2026 | Wednesday |
The Significance of Chhat Puja in India
Chhat Puja is one of the most revered festivals in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand, with its significance rooted in ancient Hindu traditions. The Sun God is regarded as the source of all life and energy, and Chhat Puja is observed to thank him for sustaining life and to pray for prosperity and the well-being of the family. The festival also honours Chhathi Maiya, a manifestation of Goddess Usha, who is believed to bestow children and ensure the health and longevity of offspring.
Chhat Puja is unique in that it is the only Vedic festival dedicated to the worship of the Sun God and is considered an occasion for spiritual purification, healing, and the removal of negative energies. The festival is also significant for its emphasis on environmental cleanliness and purity, as devotees gather at riverbanks and other natural water bodies for the rituals.
How Pratihar Sashthi or Surya Sashthi (Chhat Puja) is Celebrated in India
Chhat Puja is observed over four days, each day involving specific rituals that demonstrate the devotion and discipline of the devotees. The rituals include fasting, offering prayers at water bodies, and preparing traditional offerings for the Sun God.
- Day 1 (Nahay Khay): The first day of Chhat Puja is known as Nahay Khay, which means “bathe and eat.” Devotees take a holy dip in a river or other water body and bring back water to prepare the traditional meal. The meal, often consisting of rice, lentils, and pumpkin, is eaten after offering it to the Sun God. On this day, devotees clean their homes and purify themselves for the rigorous fasting that follows.
- Day 2 (Kharna): On the second day, known as Kharna, devotees observe a day-long fast, which is broken in the evening after offering prayers to the Sun God. The fast is broken with a simple meal of kheer (sweet rice pudding), chapati, and bananas, which is shared with family members. After this meal, devotees begin another 36-hour fast, during which they abstain from food and water.
- Day 3 (Sandhya Arghya): The third day is the most significant day of the festival. Devotees prepare a variety of offerings, including thekua (a traditional sweet made from wheat flour, jaggery, and ghee), fruits, and coconut, which are placed in baskets. In the evening, devotees gather at riverbanks or ponds to offer arghya (water) to the setting sun. The ritual is performed with devotion and gratitude, and the atmosphere is filled with devotional songs and prayers.
- Day 4 (Usha Arghya): The final day of Chhat Puja begins before sunrise. Devotees return to the riverbanks to offer arghya to the rising sun, completing the cycle of worship. After the prayers, the 36-hour fast is broken, and prasad (blessed food) is distributed among family members and neighbours. The conclusion of the rituals marks the end of the festival, and devotees return home with a sense of spiritual fulfillment and joy.
Chhat Puja in Different Parts of India
While Chhat Puja is primarily celebrated in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand, it has spread to other parts of India due to migration, particularly in cities with large populations of people from these regions.
- Bihar (Patna, Gaya): In Bihar, especially in the cities of Patna and Gaya, Chhat Puja is celebrated with immense devotion and grandeur. Thousands of devotees gather at the banks of the Ganges and other rivers to perform the rituals, creating a vibrant atmosphere of faith and unity. The riverbanks are beautifully decorated, and arrangements are made to ensure the safety and comfort of the devotees.
- Uttar Pradesh (Varanasi, Lucknow): In Uttar Pradesh, Chhat Puja is celebrated with great fervour in cities like Varanasi and Lucknow. The Ganges River and other sacred water bodies become the focal points for the rituals, with devotees gathering in large numbers to offer prayers to the Sun God.
- Jharkhand (Ranchi): In Jharkhand, Chhat Puja is one of the most important festivals, and the entire state comes alive with devotion during the four days of celebration. The rivers and ponds in cities like Ranchi are crowded with devotees performing the rituals, and the festive spirit is palpable throughout the state.
- Delhi and Mumbai: Chhat Puja is also celebrated in metropolitan cities like Delhi and Mumbai, where large communities of people from Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand reside. Temporary water bodies are created in parks and other public spaces to allow devotees to perform the rituals. The festival is celebrated with the same devotion and enthusiasm as in the traditional regions.
Chhat Puja – A Festival of Devotion, Discipline, and Gratitude
Chhat Puja is a unique and deeply spiritual festival that exemplifies the devotion, discipline, and gratitude of its participants. The rigorous fasting, the offering of arghya to the Sun God, and the gathering at riverbanks all reflect the deep reverence that devotees have for nature and the divine forces that sustain life. The festival is a celebration of life, health, and prosperity, and it fosters a sense of community and shared faith.
Chhat Puja also serves as a reminder of the importance of environmental purity and the need to protect and respect the natural world. The festival’s emphasis on cleanliness and the gathering of devotees at water bodies highlight the close connection between spirituality and the environment in Hindu culture.
More Information about Chhat Puja in India
- Is Chhat Puja a public holiday in India? Chhat Puja is observed as a restricted public holiday in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and other states with significant populations of devotees. The festival is celebrated with prayers, fasting, and rituals at riverbanks and water bodies.
- How is Chhat Puja celebrated in India? Chhat Puja is celebrated over four days with rituals that include fasting, offering prayers to the Sun God, and gathering at riverbanks to perform the arghya ritual during sunrise and sunset. The festival is a demonstration of devotion, discipline, and gratitude for the Sun God’s blessings.
- What is the significance of Chhat Puja in Indian culture? Chhat Puja is a festival that honours the Sun God and his wife, Usha, for sustaining life on earth. The rituals reflect gratitude for nature’s bounty and are performed to seek blessings for health, wealth, and prosperity. The festival also emphasises environmental cleanliness and spiritual purification.
- Where are the major Chhat Puja celebrations held in India? Major Chhat Puja celebrations take place in Bihar (Patna, Gaya), Uttar Pradesh (Varanasi, Lucknow), Jharkhand (Ranchi), and metropolitan cities like Delhi and Mumbai. Devotees gather at riverbanks and water bodies to offer prayers and perform the rituals.