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.
Catch up on all the latest news and stories from India and around the world with our daily e-paper. Get a unique take on world affairs with our special Indian perspective. Stay updated with top highlights, technology stories, science news, reviews, and features from all over. Also, receive your weekly dose of jargon-free science and health tips from our expert writers. Plus, get the best reads from the world of books and cinema with our exclusive columns and reviews.
A team from Vantara, a wildlife conservation initiative founded by Anant Ambani, rushed to the aid of three elephants who ran amok during the 148th Jagannath Rath Yatra in Ahmedabad. The team provided emergency medical care and behavioral support to the distressed animals. This incident highlights the vital role Vantara plays in the welfare of rescued elephants, as they are equipped with the world's largest elephant care centre and advanced veterinary services. Their prompt action during the recent chaos has been praised by both local authorities and the Jagannath Temple Management.
A RTI inquiry filed by Godfrey Pimenta has revealed that 275 animals have died at Byculla Zoo in Mumbai between 2019 and 2025. The zoo claims that these deaths are not unusual and are primarily due to natural causes. However, recent reports about the deaths of three Humboldt penguins and the last elephant, Anarkali, have sparked concern and criticism. The zoo plans to expand its premises by 10 acres to accommodate its 388 current residents and further enhance its species diversity, including the recent addition of four rare gharials. While some species have seen significant declines in population, others such as Cockatiels, Royal Bengal Tigers, and Humboldt Penguins have seen an increase in numbers.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, currently in Brazil for the 17th BRICS Summit, took to social media to honor the sacrifice of Hazrat Imam Hussain on the solemn occasion of Ashoora-e-Muharram. The day is marked by millions of Muslims, both Shia and Sunni, who gather to pay homage to the martyrs of the Battle of Karbala, highlighting the values of courage, sacrifice, and unwavering determination in the face of oppression and tyranny. In Kashmir, a traditional Muharram procession was held on Friday, and it will be followed by another on Sunday, to commemorate the 10th day of the month which marks the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain and his companions.
The recent passing of actor Shefali Jariwala has raised questions about the safety of combining fasting with anti-aging supplements. Experts warn that it is essential to match supplements with absorption needs and body tolerance levels to avoid potential harm. Understanding timing and potential side effects is also crucial, as certain supplements can have adverse effects when taken on an empty stomach.
A major fire broke out at the Amul warehouse in Jamshedpur, destroying large quantities of goods and sparking panic in the area. Firefighters were immediately called in and a special rescue team was deployed due to the intensity of the fire. The cause of the fire is suspected to be a short circuit, and authorities are assessing the extent of the damages. No casualties have been reported so far, and residents have been advised to steer clear of the area.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami participated in traditional paddy farming in Khatima and paid homage to farmers for their hard work and cultural significance. He also offered worship to God through Uttarakhand's "Hudkiya Baul" on the occasion. This gesture serves as an inspiration towards preserving the state's rural culture and highlights the importance of farmers and traditional folk arts. CM Dhami has been a vocal advocate for environmental conservation and even planted a tree on World Environment Day as part of an initiative to involve citizens in protecting the environment.
Hamilton residents, especially drivers, should take note of the 10 highway closures scheduled for roadwork on July 5, 2025. These closures, which include sections of Highway 403, Highway 6, Highway 8, Queen Elizabeth Way, and Red Hill Creek Expressway, are necessary for short-term or emergency repairs and maintenance. To avoid getting stuck in gridlock, plan your routes ahead and take note of lane closures and schedule adjustments.
This Pink Favorite Color Personality Test delves into the intriguing connection between a person's favorite color, pink, and their individual personality traits. It explores aspects such as temperament, work habits and suitable job fields, as well as the role of pink in relationships. It reveals that those who favor pink are empathetic, creative, and nurturing individuals who may struggle with boundaries and are highly influenced by their emotions. Whether it's in the workplace or in their personal lives, those who love pink radiate a warm, expressive, and non-aggressive energy.
The South Central Railway (SCR) has announced the operation of three special trains to cater to the expected surge in passenger traffic during the upcoming Ashadha Ekadashi festival. These single-journey trains will connect passengers to destinations, pilgrimage centers, and important towns in Maharashtra and Telangana. The first train will depart from Nanded and reach Adilabad in seven hours, while the second train will run from Jalna to Akola in eight and a half hours. These trains will provide amenities such as AC II Tier, AC III Tier, Sleeper Class, and General Second Class coaches for travelers en route.