Major Festivals — Hindu Sacred Festival
Chhath Puja
Chhath Puja is one of the most ancient and rigorous Hindu festivals dedicated to Surya (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya (the Sun's sister). Observed for four days in Kartik month, it involves a 36-hour waterless fast by the worshipping woman (vrati), offering arghya (water offerings with fruits) to the setting sun (Sanjhiya Arghya) and rising sun (Subah Arghya), and standing in a river or pond at both sunrise and sunset. It is the only Vedic festival where the setting sun is also worshipped.
Last updated: 19 April 2026 · Source: Vedic Tradition
Significance
Gratitude to the Sun — the source of all life, health, and prosperity. Chhath is the only major Hindu festival where the setting sun is equally worshipped. Fulfills wishes for children, health, and family prosperity.
Rituals & Traditions
Day 1: Nahay Khay (ritual bath, eat vegetarian food). Day 2: Kharna (fast, eat kheer at sunset). Day 3: Sanjhiya Arghya (evening water offering to setting sun). Day 4: Subah Arghya (morning water offering to rising sun). Break fast with prasad.
Traditional Foods
FAQ
Q.What is Chhath Puja?
Chhath Puja is one of the most ancient and rigorous Hindu festivals dedicated to Surya (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya (the Sun's sister). Observed for four days in Kartik month, it involves a 36-hour waterless fast by the worshipping woman (vrati), ...
Q.What is the significance of Chhath Puja?
Gratitude to the Sun — the source of all life, health, and prosperity. Chhath is the only major Hindu festival where the setting sun is equally worshipped. Fulfills wishes for children, health, and family prosperity.
Q.What are the rituals of Chhath Puja?
Day 1: Nahay Khay (ritual bath, eat vegetarian food). Day 2: Kharna (fast, eat kheer at sunset). Day 3: Sanjhiya Arghya (evening water offering to setting sun). Day 4: Subah Arghya (morning water offering to rising sun). Break fast with prasad.
Q.What foods are made during Chhath Puja?
Thekua (wheat flour cookies), Kheer, Prasad fruits (sugarcane, banana, coconut), Kaddu bhaat