Chhath Puja, observed for four days, is one of the most important Sun God and Chhathi Maiya festivals. Sandhya Arghya, the offering to the dusk Sun, represents thankfulness, devotion, and devotion to nature’s divine powers, on Day 3. Families perform the rituals on riverbanks or near water bodies, walking with intricately decorated bamboo baskets (soop) containing traditional prasad like thekua, sugarcane, fruits, and oil lamps (diyas).
Sandhya Arghya: Rituals and Spiritual Significance
Devotees follow a Nirjala fast avoiding food and water during the entire day, staying in perfect purity and control. Once the sun sets, families pray while standing waist-deep in water, hands folded towards the golden horizon, and singing mantras with love. The air resounds with folk songs and hymns (mantras), raising the spiritual pitch. The day is charged with emotion as people pray for family health, prosperity, courage, and healing.
Sandhya Arghya: Heartfelt Chhath Puja Wishes
Wishing loved ones on the Chhath Puja festival with warmth along with the essence of unity and community:
- “Wishing Chhathi Maiya’s blessings to fill your family with health and happiness. Happy Chhath Puja!”
- “Wishing you energy, prosperity, and harmony as you make your offerings to the Sun God. Jai Chhathi Maiya!”
- “Let the radiance of diyas and the divine presence of Chhath Puja bring joy and harmony in your home.”
- “May Surya Dev’s grace light up your life and all your wishes come true.”
- “Chhath Puja is not a ritual, but a feeling- may this day bring about an upliftment of your soul and success in your endeavours.”
Sandhya Arghya: Powerful Chhath Puja Mantras
Chanting mantras during Sandhya Arghya is of deep religious importance, said to summon the energy of the Sun and give us blessings. Some commonly chanted mantras are:
- “ॐ सूर्याय नमः” (Om Suryaya Namah) — Salutations to the Sun God.
- “ॐ अदित्याय नमः” (Om Adityaya Namah) — Chant to the cosmic source of life.
- “छठी मइया के जय” (Chhathi Maiya Ke Jai) — Victory to Goddess Chhathi , bestower of health and prosperity.
Sandhya Arghya : Faith and Community
Third day of Chhath Puja, the day is Sandhya Arghya is not just a period of individual worship but also of profound collective celebration. The practice unites communities with a common objective, transcending generations and cementing cultural ties. As prayers rise with tunes and gifts, families have faith in the declining sun, praying for vigour and optimism with the dawn of a new day.
