The 4-Day Spiritual Journey of Faith, Fasting & Devotion
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It is advisable that never plan a trip to eastern states in months of October- November especially. Why? Because the waiting queues are more than 300 in AC trains and double the fares of flights ( this is the devotion of everyone's homecoming).
One of the most ancient Hindu festivals, is dedicated to Surya Dev (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya. Celebrated widely in Bihar, Jharkhand, eastern Uttar Pradesh, and Nepal.
First day marks a spiritual cleanse. Devotees take a holy dip in rivers or ponds ( or simply bath at home adding drops of Gangajal). Only Satvik Food eaten— lauki-bhaat (bottle gourd with rice), is cooked without onion or garlic.
Devotees observe fast from sunrise to sunset without water. At dusk, they break it after offering kheer, roti/ bagiya, and fruits to the deities and share it as prasad. This marks the start of a 36-hour long nirjala vrat (fast without water).
The most visually divine day! Women dressed in bright saris, carrying bamboo baskets of thekua, fruits, and sugarcane, gather at riverbanks. As the sun sets, they offer arghya (prayers with water and milk) to the setting Sun with traditional Chhath geet.
Before dawn, devotees again gather to offer prayers to the rising Sun. Once the offerings are made, the fast is broken — marking the completion of Chhath Puja with blessings and shared prasad.
Chhath is the only festival in India that offer prayers to both the rising and the setting sun. The Sun’s rays are believed to heal, energize, and bring balance to life. Every chant, offering, and fast symbolizes human connection with nature and divine power.