A four-day festival of devotion, discipline, and gratitude to the source of all life.
In a display of profound devotion, millions gather not before an idol, but before the sun itself. This is Chhath Puja, an ancient festival thanking the ultimate source of life on Earth.
The rituals are led by 'Vratins', mostly women, who undertake an extraordinary spiritual journey. They are the heart of the celebration, embodying immense discipline and faith.
The four-day observance begins with 'Nahay Khay'. Devotees take a holy dip in a river and prepare a simple, pure meal, marking the start of a period of sacred purity.
On the second day, 'Kharna', the Vratins observe a day-long fast. They break it only after sunset with a special meal of 'kheer' (sweet rice pudding) and 'roti'. It's their last meal for 36 hours.
Now, the true test of devotion begins. A continuous 36-hour fast without a single drop of water. It is an act of deep meditation, gratitude, and self-control.
As dusk falls on the third day, a spectacular scene unfolds. Families line the riverbanks, standing in the water to offer 'Sandhya Arghya'—the first offering to the setting sun.
Bamboo baskets, or 'soops', brim with nature's bounty. Sugarcane stalks, fresh fruits, and 'Thekua'—a revered sweet—are offered as a gesture of thanksgiving.
The air hums with the sound of 'Chhath Geet'. These timeless folk songs narrate the story of the festival, weaving a powerful thread of community and shared heritage.
Finally, on the fourth morning, devotees return to the riverbank before sunrise. They make their final offering, 'Usha Arghya', to the first rays of the rising sun.
With the sun's first light, the long fast is broken. A small bite of blessed 'prasad' and a sip of water completes the sacred cycle, renewing the devotee's spirit.
Chhath is unique. There are no priests, no idols. It is a direct communion with nature, emphasizing purity, discipline, and equality for all who gather at the water's edge.
From the banks of the Ganges to waterways across the globe, this ancient tradition thrives. The festival shows how a community's faith can create a bridge between the earth and the sun.
Discover more curated stories