Sunday, November 15, 2026
Ancient Hindu festival dedicated to Surya (Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya (Mother Goddess). Devotees observe a 4-day rigorous fast, offer arghya to the setting and rising sun while standing in water. Most popular in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Eastern Uttar Pradesh.
Dedicated to Chhathi Maiya (Usha) and Lord Surya
On Chaturthi, the Vrati (faster) bathes in the river at sunrise and eats one sattvik meal — typically rice, chana dal, and lauki sabji cooked in a new earthen pot on a newly made chulha. The fast begins from this meal.
On Panchami, the Vrati observes a waterless fast all day. At sunset, after a short puja, the Vrati eats Kharna — rasiyao-kheer (jaggery rice kheer) and a roti — before continuing a 36-hour nirjala fast until the next evening. The kheer is distributed as prasad.
On Shashthi morning, the Vrati and family prepare Thekua (wheat flour, jaggery, ghee cookies shaped into flowers and deep-fried) and other prasad. The cooking is done in absolute purity — the kitchen is scrubbed, the cook bathes, and no one speaks harsh words.
Arrange the bamboo daura with all the offerings — thekua, kheer, fruits (especially sugarcane, coconut, water chestnut, seasonal fruits), diyas, and flowers. The soop is layered with prasad beneath. The daura is sacred — it must be carried to the ghat without touching the ground.
The entire family walks to the river ghat or water body, carrying the daura on the men's heads. The Vrati stands in knee-deep water facing the setting sun. Hold the daura in front, wave it in a circular motion, and offer arghya by pouring water from the copper lota to the setting Sun. Offer all items in the daura to Surya.
ॐ ऐहि सूर्य सहस्त्रांशो तेजोराशे जगत्पते। अनुकम्पय मां भक्त्या गृहाणार्घ्यं दिवाकर॥
The Vrati stays awake through the night, often on the riverbank or at the puja area. Chhathi Maiya Geet (traditional folk songs) are sung through the night. The sacred lamps are kept burning.
Before dawn on Saptami, the family returns to the ghat carrying fresh prasad in the daura. The Vrati enters the water and waits for the first rays of the sun. At sunrise, offer arghya to the rising Sun exactly as done the previous evening — pouring water from the copper lota while chanting the Surya mantra.
ॐ घृणि सूर्याय नमः॥ ॐ सूर्याय नमः॥
Sing songs in praise of Chhathi Maiya (Usha). Offer kumkum and sindoor at the feet of the sun's reflection in the water. Take blessings from the elders present at the ghat.
केलवा के पात पर उगेलन सूरज देव, झांके झुके...॥ (traditional Chhath Geet)
After the Pratah Arghya, the Vrati drinks a sip of Ganga jal or ginger water to break the 36-hour nirjala fast. Then the family eats the prasad together. The fast is complete only after consuming the thekua.
Distribute thekua, kheer, and fruit prasad to relatives, neighbours, and passers-by. Chhath prasad is considered especially powerful and is never refused. The daura is then respectfully emptied and preserved for next year.
This guide reflects classical Parashari tradition. Regional variations exist — consult a family priest for specifics.
