Chhath Puja Guide: Rituals, Rules, and the Spiritual Meaning Behind Them
Chhath Puja Rituals: What You Must Do and Avoid for a Blessed Celebration: Chhath Puja is one of the most sacred and traditional Hindu festivals dedicated to the Sun God (Surya Dev) and Chhathi Maiya. It is celebrated with great devotion, mainly in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Nepal. The festival lasts for four days, starting from the sixth day (Shashthi) of the Shukla Paksha in the Kartik month. Devotees observe fasting, take holy baths, and offer prayers to the setting and rising sun, seeking blessings for health, prosperity, and happiness.
What to Do During Chhath Puja
1. Take a Holy Bath Before Starting Rituals
Begin the day with a holy bath in a river or clean water before eating or performing any ritual. It signifies purity and devotion.
2. Maintain Cleanliness
Keep your home and place of worship spotless. Clean surroundings are believed to attract positive energy and divine blessings during the festival.
3. Eat Light and Pure Food
Consume home-cooked, pure (satvik) food such as rice, lentils, and vegetables cooked without onion or garlic. This helps maintain the purity of the ritual.
4. Wear Clean and New Clothes
Wearing new or freshly washed clothes is considered auspicious. It symbolizes inner and outer cleanliness.
5. Consume Prasad Only After Offering Arghya
Do not eat Thekua or Prasad before offering Arghya (water offering) to the rising Sun. The Prasad becomes sacred only after the offering.
6. Keep a Positive Mindset
Avoid anger, lies, or hatred. Stay calm and devote your heart fully to faith, discipline, and devotion during the Puja.
Don’ts During Chhath Puja
1. Avoid Non-Vegetarian Food and Addictive Substances
Do not consume onion, garlic, meat, fish, alcohol, or tobacco during the festival, as they are considered impure.
2. Do Not Eat Outside Food
Avoid outside or fried foods, as only home-cooked meals made with devotion are considered acceptable during the fast.
3. Don’t Touch Puja Items Without Bathing
Always take a bath before touching or preparing Puja materials to maintain spiritual purity.
4. Avoid Using Old or Torn Baskets
During rituals, only new or clean baskets should be used to carry offerings. Torn or damaged items are seen as inauspicious.
5. Don’t Eat Before Prasad
Do not eat anything before consuming the Prasad after offering Arghya to the Sun. It is part of maintaining the sanctity of the fast.
6. Avoid Spicy or Heavy Food
Stay away from spicy or oily dishes during the fasting period, as they disturb the balance and discipline of the ritual.
7. Maintain Harmony
Avoid anger, conflict, or loud arguments during the Puja days. Keeping peace and harmony at home is essential for spiritual focus.
Significance of Chhath Puja
Chhath Puja is a festival of faith, purity, and discipline. Devotees thank the Sun God for sustaining life on Earth and pray for good health and prosperity. Every ritual — from Nahay-Khaay (first day) to offering Arghya to the rising sun (fourth day) — represents devotion, self-control, and gratitude. It is believed that Chhathi Maiya fulfills all wishes of those who perform the rituals with a pure heart.
Origin and Historical Beliefs
According to religious beliefs, Goddess Sita was the first to perform Chhath Puja after returning from exile with Lord Rama. It is also believed that Karna, the son of the Sun God, performed Chhath Puja as he was a great devotee of Surya Dev.
Understanding Key Rituals
Kharna (Second Day)
Kharna marks the end of the first day’s fast. Devotees prepare and eat light, sattvik food such as khichdi, fruits, and Thekua in the evening after offering prayers.
Breaking the Fast
The fast is broken only after offering Arghya to the rising Sun on the last day. Devotees then consume Thekua or Prasad, which signifies the successful completion of the ritual.
Chhath Puja is not just a festival but a spiritual journey of purity, faith, and discipline. Observing the dos and don’ts carefully ensures that the rituals are performed correctly, and blessings from Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya bring happiness, health, and harmony to the family.
ALSO READ: Vastu Tips For Home Temple
