📜 Significance:
Chhath Pooja is an ancient Vedic festival dedicated to Surya Dev (the Sun God) and his wife Usha (Chhathi Maiya). It is observed to thank the Sun for sustaining life on earth and to seek blessings for health, prosperity, and well-being. Though traditionally more prominent in Bihar and eastern India, Chhath is also observed with devotion in parts of Maharashtra, especially by communities originally from those regions. The pooja signifies purification, discipline, and gratitude toward nature’s supreme energy.

🗓️ When It’s Performed:

  • Celebrated over four days during the month of Kartika (October–November), usually after Diwali
  • Starts on Pratipada (1st day) and concludes on Chhath (6th day)
  • Observances include fasting and ritual bathing at riverbanks or water bodies during sunrise and sunset

🛐 Who Can Perform:

  • Devotees of Surya and Chhathi Maiya, families observing tradition
  • Usually performed by women with the help of family and Panditji
  • Can be performed at home, riverbanks, lakes, or temples near water bodies

📦 Puja Samagri (Items Required):

  • Surya idol or photo, diya (lamp)
  • Fruits (especially seasonal and fresh), sugarcane stalks
  • Thekua (traditional sweet), rice, wheat
  • Arghya thali (offering plate) with water from holy rivers if possible
  • Flowers, incense sticks, camphor
  • Bamboo basket or “soop” for offerings
  • Kalash, haldi, kumkum, chandan paste

🕯️ Main Rituals:

  1. Purification through fasting (Nirjala Vrat – without water) and holy baths
  2. Preparation of prasad and offerings on the bamboo basket
  3. Standing in water at sunrise and sunset offering Arghya (water offering) to the Sun God
  4. Recitation of Vedic mantras and Surya stotras
  5. Devotional singing and prayers expressing gratitude and seeking blessings
  6. Concluding the festival with breaking the fast and distributing prasad

⏳ Duration:
Spans over 4 days, with daily rituals lasting 1–2 hours each, major rituals during sunrise and sunset

🎁 Benefits of Chhath Pooja:

  • Purifies the body and mind through disciplined fasting and prayers
  • Brings health, prosperity, and happiness to devotees and family
  • Invokes the power of the Sun for energy, vitality, and success
  • Strengthens gratitude towards nature and cosmic forces
  • Promotes unity, devotion, and spiritual upliftment