Chhat Puja is a Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of the sun god Surya and Chhathi Maiya

Chhat Puja is a Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of the sun god Surya and Chhathi Maiya (also known as Usha) who is considered as the consort of Surya. It is primarily observed in the northern regions of India, particularly in the states of Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh and some parts of Nepal. Chhat Puja typically takes place six days after Diwali, in the month of Kartik (October or November) in the Hindu lunar calendar.

The festival involves a series of rigorous rituals and offerings performed by devotees at the banks of rivers, ponds or any clean water bodies. On the first day, devotees take a holy dip in a river or pond and they clean their homes. They observe a fast and eat only one meal during this day. On the second day, the devotees observe another fast throughout the day. In the evening, they prepare the prasad which is offered to the sun god during sunset. On the third day, devotees go to the riverbank in the evening to make offerings to the setting sun. This is a significant ritual in which they stand in the water and offer milk, water, fruits and other traditional items to the sun god. The following morning, devotees return to the riverbank to offer their prayers and make offerings to the rising sun. This the concluding part of Chhat puja.

Apart from religious significance, there are a lot of scientific facts attached to these rituals.

• Sun worship and vitamin D – Chhat puja involves the worship of the sun god, Surya. Sunlight is a natural source of vitamin D, which is essential for the human body. By offering prayers to the rising and setting sun, devotees are indirectly emphasizing the importance of sunlight for their health.
• Standing in water – During Chhat puja, devotees stand in water for extended periods while making their offerings to the sun. This practice has a scientific basis as well. It can have a cooling effect and regulate body temperature.
• Fasting and detoxification – Fasting during Chhat puja has detoxification benefits. It gives the digestive system a break and allows the body to remove toxins.
• Environmental Conservation – Chhat puja promotes the worship of nature and emphasizes the importance of clean and pure water bodies. The rituals performed at the banks of rivers and ponds underscore the need for preserving and protecting these natural resources, contributing to environmental awareness and conservation.
• Community health and unity – Chhat Puja fosters a sense of community and social bonding. Scientifically, strong social connections and a sense of belonging have been linked to better mental and emotional well-being.

Chhat puja has been preserved and passed down through generations maintaining its authenticity and significance. Overtime, it has also gained recognition and popularity beyond the northern regions of India, as people from the region have migrated and taken their traditions with them. Today, Chhat Puja continues to be celebrated with great fervour and devotion, and it plays a crucial role in preserving the cultural and religious heritage of the region. It is a unique festival that combines devotion, nature worship and community participation, making it an important aspect of the cultural tapestry of India.

Name – Shraddha Gupta
Grade – 10
Indus Valley World School

Photo Credit : Mithilesh Kumar Patna

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