As the setting sun is worshipped, millions of people gather at the banks of the Ganga Ghat for the annual celebration of Chhath Puja. While it is traditionally celebrated in the Kartik month, some regions in India also observe the festival during Chaitra. Chhath Puja involves strict rituals and fasting for four days to express gratitude to Lord Surya for sustaining life on Earth. The festival is predominantly celebrated in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Nepal, as well as by diaspora communities from these regions.
Chhath Puja: An Ancient Hindu Festival Celebrating the Sun
Chhath Puja is an ancient Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of Lord Surya, the Sun God. Celebrated primarily in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Nepal, the festival honors the life-sustaining power of the sun and expresses gratitude for its blessings.
Origins and Significance
The origins of Chhath Puja can be traced back to the Vedic period. The Rig Veda, the oldest Hindu scripture, contains hymns dedicated to Surya. In ancient times, the festival was primarily observed by farmers and agricultural communities who relied heavily on the sun for their livelihood.
Chhath Puja is believed to have been first mentioned in the Skanda Purana, a Hindu mythological text. According to legend, Lord Rama performed this ritual after defeating the demon king Ravana. The festival is also associated with the story of Karna, a warrior from the epic Mahabharata, who was believed to be born from the Sun God.
Rituals and Celebrations
Chhath Puja involves a series of strict rituals and fasting for four days. The rituals begin with a ritual bath in the Ganga River. Devotees then offer prayers and make offerings of prasad (food offerings) to the rising and setting sun.
The most important ritual of Chhath Puja is the arghya, an offering made to the sun at both sunrise and sunset. The arghya consists of water, milk, honey, and other sacred substances. Devotees stand waist-deep in the river or on river banks and offer the arghya to the rising or setting sun.
Top 5 FAQs on Chhath Puja
1. When is Chhath Puja celebrated? Chhath Puja is typically celebrated in the Kartik month of the Hindu calendar, which usually falls in October or November. In some regions, it is also observed during the Chaitra month (March or April).
2. Who celebrates Chhath Puja? Chhath Puja is predominantly celebrated in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Nepal, as well as by diaspora communities from these regions.
3. What are the main rituals of Chhath Puja? The main rituals of Chhath Puja include ritual bathing, fasting, and offering arghya (water offerings) to the rising and setting sun.
4. What is the significance of the arghya offering? The arghya offering symbolizes gratitude to the Sun God for sustaining life on Earth and for providing warmth and nourishment.
5. What is the importance of fasting during Chhath Puja? Fasting during Chhath Puja is considered a purifying practice that helps prepare devotees for the festival rituals and allows them to focus their minds on devotion.
Engineer's Day is celebrated in India on September 15th to honor the legacy of M. Visvesvaraya, a pioneering engineer. It's a day to recognize and appreciate the hard work and technical expertise that engineers bring to society. To make Engineer’s Day 2025 special, here are some inspiring wishes, thoughtful quotes, and fun messages to send to the engineers in your life. Happy Engineer's Day to all the innovators, problem-solvers, and visionaries!
The ninth day of Pitru Paksha, known as Matru Navami, holds immense significance for Hindus. On this day, special rituals of shradh are performed to honor and seek blessings from departed mothers, sisters, and daughters. The shradh of Matru Navami is considered to bring peace and salvation to the souls of ancestors, while also fostering the bond of motherhood in the lives of those who perform it. Along with charity and other rituals, it is a day dedicated to honoring the maternal side and upholding ancestral respect.
This year, on September 15, India celebrates Engineers' Day to honour the legacy of M. Visvesvaraya, a distinguished civil engineer, scholar and statesman. From designing dams to modernising water management systems, Visvesvaraya's innovative contributions have left a lasting impact on India's infrastructure. Recognised for his stellar achievements and dedicated service, he was honoured with the title of 'Sir' by King George V of Britain and the Bharat Ratna by the Government of India. As we celebrate the legacy of the 'Father of Modern Mysore', we also mark the UNESCO-recognised World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development on March 4 each year, emphasising the role of engineers in advancing the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.
On September 14 every year, India celebrates Hindi Diwas to honor the day Hindi was adopted as the official language in 1949. The day aims to raise awareness about the importance of the language, which has also influenced the English language with many words of Hindi origin. This article takes a look at 10 fascinating facts about Hindi, including its global reach and influence.
A group of foreign nationals have taken the matter of cleaning up the garbage-filled roads and drains in Gurugram into their own hands, after the city faced extensive criticism for its poor infrastructure. A viral video of them cleaning the streets has garnered widespread attention and sparked a debate on the cleanliness responsibility of locals. Along with raising awareness, these foreigners are also vocalizing the importance of keeping India clean.
Religious orator Aniruddhacharya's comments during a sermon in Vrindavan, drawing offensive comparisons between women in live-in relationships and their moral character, have triggered widespread condemnation. Social media users, public figures, and former Army officer Khushboo Patani have called out his misogynistic and regressive statements, with Uttar Pradesh Women's Commission Chairperson Babita Chauhan also denouncing his language and intent. In response to the backlash, the orator released an apology video, but critics argue that the remarks undermine efforts towards gender equality and respectful public discourse.
Stay up-to-date on the latest world news and entertainment with this innovative e-Paper that offers an Indian perspective. From cinema and streaming reviews in "First Day First Show" to top technology stories in "Today's Cache", this e-Paper covers a variety of topics. And don't miss out on "Science For All", "Data Point", "Health Matters", and "The Hindu On Books" for informative and engaging content on science, data, health, and books.
A Pakistani national was apprehended by the Border Security Force in Jammu and Kashmir's R S Pura Sector after he crossed the international border from the Pakistan side. Meanwhile, farmers and farmers' unions in flood-hit Punjab have called for support in long-term rehabilitation efforts rather than immediate supplies. Stay updated on these and other news with the Indian Express live blog.
Celebrated on September 8th, International Literacy Day is a global reminder of the power of education and literacy for individuals and communities. This year's theme, "Promoting literacy in the digital era," highlights the growing importance of digital learning and inclusivity in education. Across the world, people commemorate this day with events, drives, and creative works to raise awareness about literacy. In honor of this day, here are 20 inspirational quotes to share on social media, speeches, or posters, reminding us of the transformative power of education.
Exploring the spiritual traditions and practices associated with the upcoming lunar eclipse on September 7, 2025, in India. Learn about the Sutak Kaal, a period of spiritual pause, and the recommended dos and don'ts during this event. Discover how embracing these rituals can bring about introspection and spiritual growth during this celestial occurrence.