The Four Days of Chhath
What is Chhath Puja?
Chhath Puja (छठ पूजा, also known as Surya Shashthi, Chhathi Parv, or Dala Chhath) is an ancient four-day Vedic festival dedicated to the Sun God (Surya Dev) and his consort Usha (Chhathi Maiya). Observed primarily in Bihar, Jharkhand, Eastern Uttar Pradesh, Nepal, and diaspora communities worldwide, it is unique for worshipping both the setting and the rising Sun.
Why is it observed?
Surya is worshipped as the visible deity (Pratyaksha Devata) who sustains all cosmic life, energy, and health. According to Nirnaya Sindhu, the festival invokes the divine energy of Surya and Chhathi Maiya (Shashthi Devi) for the longevity, health, and well-being of children and lineage.
How is it observed?
The observance spans four days: Nahay Khay (purification bath and single meal), Kharna (daylong fast followed by evening Kheer-Roti offering), Sandhya Arghya (offering Arghya to the setting Sun while standing in knee-deep water), and Usha Arghya (offering Arghya to the rising Sun at dawn), followed by Parana.
When does it occur?
Chhath Puja takes place during the waxing fortnight (Shukla Paksha) of the lunar month of Kartik (October-November), culminating on the sixth day (Shashthi tithi). A secondary Chhath (Chaiti Chhath) is also observed during Chaitra month.
Key Highlights
Nirjala Fast Span (Derived from Tithis)
Commencing after taking Kharna prasada on Panchami evening and concluding after Usha Arghya on Saptami morning, the strict waterless fast (Nirjala Vrat) spans roughly thirty-six hours, depending on your local sunrise and sunset timings.
Mahabharata Epic References (Vana Parva)
In Mahabharata Vana Parva Ch. 3, Rishi Dhaumya instructed Yudhishthira to chant Surya's 108 names in water during exile; Surya manifested and granted the Akshaya Patra, held by Draupadi to feed all sages. In Vana Parva Ch. 300, Karna daily offered waist-deep water Arghya to Surya.
Shashthi Vyapti Edge-Case Rule
According to Nirnaya Sindhu, Sandhya Arghya requires Shashthi tithi to prevail during Sayahna (sunset window). If Shashthi spans sunset on two consecutive days or neither, specific Purvaviddha rules govern the primary Arghya day.
Arghya in Standing Water & Daura/Sup
Devotees stand in natural water bodies holding bamboo baskets (Daura and Sup) filled with seasonal fruits, Thekua (traditional wheat-jaggery delicacy), sugarcane, and coconut while offering milk and water Arghya to Surya.
Frequently asked questions
How is the duration of the Nirjala fast calculated?
The Nirjala (waterless) fast is derived directly from the festival tithis. It begins after Kharna prasada on Panchami evening, spans the entire day and night of Shashthi, and ends after Usha Arghya on Saptami morning — lasting roughly thirty-six hours, depending on your local sunrise and sunset.
What scriptural references connect Chhath Puja to the Mahabharata?
In Mahabharata Vana Parva Ch. 3, Rishi Dhaumya instructed Yudhishthira to offer water prayers to Surya, receiving the Akshaya Patra. In Ch. 300, Karna daily offered waist-deep water Arghya to Surya, which mirrors modern Chhath rituals.
How is the date of Sandhya Arghya determined if Shashthi tithi is split?
Nirnaya Sindhu mandates that the day when Shashthi tithi overlaps with sunset (Sayahna kaal) is chosen for Sandhya Arghya. If Shashthi covers sunset on both days, Purvaviddha rules select the first day.
What are the four days of Chhath Puja in order?
1. Day 1: Nahay Khay (Kartik Shukla Chaturthi) 2. Day 2: Kharna (Kartik Shukla Panchami) 3. Day 3: Sandhya Arghya (Kartik Shukla Shashthi) 4. Day 4: Usha Arghya & Parana (Kartik Shukla Saptami)
Why is the setting Sun worshipped before the rising Sun in Chhath?
Chhath is unusual in offering arghya to the setting Sun first and the rising Sun the next morning. It is commonly explained as gratitude for what the day has already given, before prayer for what is to come: the end and the beginning are both honoured.