Why it is celebrated
Dedicated to the Sun God (Surya) and Chhathi Mai, it acknowledges the sun as the source of all life and emphasizes ecological harmony and social equality.
History and Legend
An ancient 'Mahaparva' with roots in the Ramayana and Mahabharata, famously performed by Goddess Sita and Draupadi to seek divine blessings.
When it is celebrated
A four-day ritual typically falling in the month of Kartik, starting on the sixth day after Diwali.
How it is celebrated
Includes Nahai-Khai (purity ritual), Kharna (fasting and kheer offering), Sandhya Arghya (offerings to setting sun), and Usha Arghya (offerings to rising sun) at riverbanks.
About the Festival
The atmosphere of Chhath is mystical, echoing with beautiful folk songs by artists like Sharda Sinha. Devotees stand waist-deep in water at lit-up Ghats, offering 'Thekua' and fruits in bamboo baskets. It is more than a festival; it is a way of life that teaches patience, discipline, and profound respect for the natural world.