Chhath Puja: The Eternal Bond with the Sun
Chhath Puja, the great festival of Bihar, is a deeply spiritual celebration dedicated to Surya (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya, his divine consort. The festival, rooted in Vedic traditions, venerates nature, purity, and gratitude, recognising the Sun as the universal source of energy, health, and prosperity. It is one of the most disciplined festivals where rituals are performed with utmost devotion and simplicity, without any idol worship
Chhath Puja is one of the most sacred and widely celebrated festivals in Bihar, dedicated to worshipping both the rising and setting sun to honour Surya (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya, his consort. This four-day festival is known for its emphasis on purity, simplicity, strict rituals, and spiritual discipline, especially among women who observe rigorous vows for family well-being, prosperity, and good health.
Deep Importance and Relevance
Chhath Puja symbolises gratitude for the Sun’s life-giving energy—essential for sustenance, agricultural prosperity, and healing. Devotees believe that the Sun and Chhathi Maiya bestow children, health, and abundance, and that sincere worship during Chhath brings spiritual growth, success, and clarity in life
- It is unique for worshipping the Sun at both dawn and dusk, representing the cycle of creation and destruction in nature.
- The festival avoids idol worship and instead centres on direct offerings to natural elements.
- Chhath rituals encourage eco-friendliness, purity of food, and communal participation, reflecting ancient Vedic values.
- The festival also carries health benefits as devotees spend long hours in water, fasting, and consuming simple, sattvik (vegetarian) foods.
Chhath Puja is much more than a ritual—it is a community celebration, renewal of family bonds, and reaffirmation of humanity’s connection to nature. Women’s prayers and sacrifice are at its heart, making it a profound spiritual journey and a shining symbol of Bihar’s cultural heritage.
My Journey with Chhath
I, Sujata Belwariar, have been performing Chhath Puja for the last two decades. For me, these four days are more than a religious observance—they are an intimate spiritual journey. Each year, as I prepare for the festival, I seek the blessings of Chhathi Maiya and the divine Sun for the well-being of my family. The rituals bring immense inner satisfaction and peace as if connecting me directly with the divine rhythm of nature.
In recent years, our family has begun travelling to Haridwar for Chhath Puja. The sight of countless devotees offering arghya to the rising and setting Sun along the holy Ganga ghats is an experience beyond words. The golden rays reflecting on the water, the devotional songs, and the fragrance of offerings create an atmosphere where it truly feels as though God Himself has descended to bless us.
At Haridwar’s Ganga ghats, as thousands stand immersed in water with folded hands before the glowing orb of the setting Sun, one realises that Chhath transcends religion—it is the dance of faith and light. For devotees like me, this festival is not just tradition; it is the heartbeat of devotion, resilience, and divine connection.
By – Sujata Belwariar
