Chhath Puja

Chhath Puja is one of the most ancient and spiritually significant festivals celebrated in India, primarily in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Nepal. It is dedicated to Lord Surya (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya (the Goddess who represents the power of the Sun) — symbols of life, energy, and purity. The origins of Chhath Puja are traced back to the Mahabharata and Ramayana. It is believed that Draupadi and the Pandavas performed the Chhath ritual to seek divine blessings for prosperity and recovery of their lost kingdom. Similarly, Lord Rama and Sita are said to have observed this fast and offered prayers to the Sun God after returning to Ayodhya, marking a tradition of gratitude and purification. The four-day festival involves fasting, holy bathing in rivers, and offering prayers during sunrise and sunset, symbolising the balance between nature, energy, and human life. It is a festival of self-discipline, faith, and gratitude — where devotees thank the Sun for sustaining life on Earth.