Overview
Chhath Puja is an ancient Hindu festival dedicated to the Sun God (Surya) and Chhathi Maiya. Celebrated predominantly in Bihar, Jharkhand, Eastern Uttar Pradesh, and Nepal's Terai region, it is observed to thank Surya for sustaining life on earth and to request the granting of certain wishes.
The rituals of Chhath Puja are rigorous and are observed over a span of four days, including holy bathing, fasting, standing in water for long periods, and offering prasad to the setting and rising sun.
Chhath Puja Setup & Ambience
Chhath Puja is a deeply spiritual and culturally rich festival that transforms riverbanks and public spaces into sacred sanctuaries of devotion and harmony:
- Ghats (Riverbanks): Rituals are performed on the banks of rivers or ponds, which are cleaned and decorated by the community.
- Decorated Platforms: Temporary altars made with bamboo, banana leaves, and sugarcane are built where devotees stand in water for offerings.
- Natural Elements: Eco-friendly items like clay diyas, earthen pots, and fresh fruits are used, enhancing the purity of the rituals.
- Lighting & Rangoli: Homes and ghats are lit with oil lamps and decorated with colorful rangolis, especially during the evening Arghya.
- Community Participation: The celebration involves collective efforts of families and volunteers, ensuring cleanliness and devotion at every level.
Spiritual Significance
Chhath Puja is one of the most ancient and sacred festivals dedicated to the worship of the Sun God (Surya) and Chhathi Maiya. It symbolizes gratitude towards nature and the divine energy that sustains life on Earth.
Devotees observe strict rituals, including fasting, holy bathing, and offering Arghya (water offerings) to the rising and setting sun. The festival promotes purity, discipline, and devotion, believed to cleanse the soul, bring well-being, and fulfill sincere wishes.
Visitor Attractions
During Chhath Puja, the atmosphere is filled with devotion, rituals, and cultural beauty. Some highlights include:
- Ghats Decorated for Arghya: Riverbanks and ponds are beautifully decorated where devotees offer prayers to the setting and rising sun.
- Colorful Offerings: Devotees prepare traditional offerings like thekua, fruits, and sugarcane arranged in bamboo baskets.
- Traditional Music & Bhajans: Folk songs and devotional bhajans dedicated to Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya echo throughout the celebration areas.
- Devotee Processions: Groups of fasting devotees walk barefoot to the ghats, carrying offerings and singing devotional songs.
- Illuminated Surroundings: The ghats and streets are lit with diyas (oil lamps) creating a serene and spiritual ambiance at night.
How to Reach
By Train: Bihar is well connected by rail. Major stations like Patna Junction, Gaya Junction, Bhagalpur, Muzaffarpur, and Darbhanga have direct trains from most Indian cities. From the station, auto-rickshaws or e-rickshaws are available to reach nearby ghats.
By Air: Patna (Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport) and Gaya (Gaya International Airport) are the main airports in Bihar. Cabs and pre-paid taxis are available to reach Chhath ghats in respective cities.
By Road: State and private buses connect all major cities and towns of Bihar. During Chhath Puja, special buses are often arranged for devotees heading to important ghats like Ganga Ghat in Patna, Vishnupad Ghat in Gaya, or Burhi Gandak Ghat in Muzaffarpur.
Local Transport: Auto-rickshaws, e-rickshaws, and cycle-rickshaws are the most convenient options to reach riverbanks and ghats within the cities.
Nearby Attractions
- Gandhi Maidan (2 km from major ghats in Patna)
- Golghar (3 km)
- Patna Museum (4 km)
- Takht Sri Patna Sahib (12 km)
- Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park (6 km)
