Chhath

Chhath is a Hindu festival dedicated to Surya, the Sun God, and his consort Chhathi Maiya. It is observed most prominently in Bihar, Jharkhand, eastern Uttar Pradesh, and the Terai region of Nepal, with communities in other parts of India and the diaspora also participating. The festival emphasizes purity, restraint, and reverence for the sun and nature.

The observance spans four days. The dates fall during the Kartik month of the Hindu lunisolar calendar, usually in October or November. Activities begin with Nahay Khay, when participants bathe and consume vegetarian meals prepared away from the home. This is followed by Kharna, a day of fasting from sunrise to sunset, after which prasad is offered. The main ritual occurs on the third day at dusk and the fourth day at dawn, when devotees stand in clean water to offer arghya—prayers and water or offerings—to the setting and rising sun from riverbanks, ponds, or other water bodies. Women often lead the rites and observe extended fasts, though men may participate as well.

Common practices include offering fruits, traditional sweets made from rice and jaggery, and other prasad, along with decorative lamps, rangoli, and incense at homes and temples. The ritual is typically performed by communities with agrarian roots, and serves as a cultural expression of gratitude for the sun’s energy, fertility, and the sustenance of families and communities.

In Nepal, Chhath is widely observed by Maithili-speaking communities in the Terai, among others. The festival is regarded as one of the most significant regional Hindu celebrations, reflecting local customs and social cohesion.