Understanding the Deeper Message of Chhath Puja
Chhath Puja, one of the most revered festivals of eastern India, transcends regional and cultural boundaries to embody the essence of purity, gratitude, and harmony between humanity and nature. Observed primarily in Bihar, Jharkhand, and parts of Uttar Pradesh, the festival has now found resonance among Indian communities across the world. As families gather on riverbanks, ponds, and lakes to worship the Sun God, the spirit of devotion, discipline, and environmental awareness shines through every ritual.
Purity of Mind, Body, and Environment
From a spiritual and ecological perspective, Chhath represents complete purification. The rituals of the festival are designed to cleanse both the body and the surroundings. Devotees bathe in rivers or ponds, maintain strict fasting, and prepare offerings in an atmosphere of cleanliness and devotion. This discipline, often involving a 36-hour fast without food or water, symbolizes the endurance of human faith and the quest for inner purity.
Rituals of Devotion and Discipline
The observance of Chhath begins with Nahay Khay, the ritual bathing and cleansing of both self and surroundings, followed by a simple meal of rice, gourd, and lentils cooked in a clean and sanctified kitchen. The second day, known as Kharna, involves an evening fast broken with offerings of rice pudding and fruits. The most sacred moments occur on the third and fourth days—Sandhya Arghya and Usha Arghya—when devotees offer prayers to the setting and rising sun, respectively. These offerings, performed while standing in water, are expressions of gratitude to the Sun God (Surya Dev) and Chhathi Maiya for sustaining life on earth.
The Spiritual Meaning Behind the Festival
Chhath is not merely a festival of rituals; it is an act of reverence toward the elemental forces that sustain existence. It celebrates the harmonious relationship between humans and nature—sunlight, water, and air. The festival also promotes social unity and family bonding, as every household comes together in preparation, prayer, and celebration. The songs sung during the rituals—folk hymns passed down through generations—carry themes of faith, purity, and gratitude.
The Strength of Women and the Spirit of Devotion
Women, particularly mothers and daughters-in-law, play a central role in observing Chhath. Their unwavering dedication, physical endurance, and spiritual strength transform the ritual into a collective act of empowerment. Even in cities, working women continue to uphold this tradition with full devotion, adapting their busy schedules to accommodate fasting, prayers, and rituals. Their participation keeps alive the essence of Chhath while bridging the gap between ancient faith and modern life.
Challenges in Urban Life
In metropolitan areas like Delhi and Mumbai, performing Chhath Puja poses new challenges due to limited access to clean natural water bodies. Yet, the enthusiasm of devotees remains undiminished. Artificial ponds, rooftops, and community spaces are being used to recreate the sacred ambience of riverbanks. The growing awareness around environmental conservation has also led many to emphasize cleanliness and eco-friendly practices during the festival.
A Festival of Light, Discipline, and Faith
Renowned folk singer Sharda Sinha, whose songs echo across every Chhath celebration, beautifully describes the festival as a tribute to both the Sun and the spirit of gratitude. In an interview, she remarked that Chhath is not only about worshipping the Sun as a life-giver but also about fostering harmony with nature, family, and society. The festival teaches balance, discipline, and humility—values essential to modern life.
Generations of women have passed this tradition forward with devotion. Even those who have migrated to cities or abroad continue to observe the rituals, transforming their balconies, rooftops, or nearby lakes into sanctified spaces of worship. For many, this is not merely a festival but a way of reaffirming identity, continuity, and faith in an ever-changing world.
The Eternal Message
Chhath Puja reminds humanity that true prosperity lies not in material abundance but in gratitude toward the forces that sustain life. It is a call to reconnect with purity—of heart, body, and environment. Whether performed in the rural ghats of Bihar or the apartments of distant cities, the spirit of Chhath remains the same: unwavering devotion, simplicity, and harmony with nature.
