Chhath Puja is one of the most sacred festivals dedicated to Surya Dev (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya, celebrated mainly in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Nepal. It is a festival of gratitude, purity, and deep devotion where devotees offer prayers to the rising and setting Sun for health, prosperity, and family well-being.
The festival lasts four days, and each day has its own deep spiritual meaning and ritual. Let’s understand the Chhath Puja rituals day wise, from Nahay Khay to Usha Arghya.
🌸 Day 1: Nahay Khay — The Day of Purification
Meaning: The first day of Chhath Puja is called Nahay Khay, which means “to bathe and eat.”
Devotees begin the ritual with a holy dip in rivers or ponds, symbolizing physical and spiritual purification. After the bath, they prepare a satvik meal — usually rice, bottle gourd (lauki), and chana dal — cooked in pure ghee.
Only the devotee performing the fast eats this meal, marking the start of cleansing and preparation for the days ahead.
✨ Spiritual Insight: This day purifies the body and mind, reminding us that inner cleanliness is the first step toward divine connection.
🌾 Day 2: Kharna (Lohanda) — The Day of Fasting and Self-Control
Meaning: The second day, known as Kharna or Lohanda, is a day of complete fasting from morning till evening. Devotees abstain from food and water all day. In the evening, after offering prayers to the setting Sun, they break their fast with gur (jaggery) kheer, roti, and fruits.
This prasad is then distributed among family and neighbors as a symbol of love and devotion.
✨ Spiritual Insight: Kharna represents patience, purity, and surrender. It teaches us to detach from material cravings and strengthen spiritual focus.
🌅 Day 3: Sandhya Arghya — Offering to the Setting Sun
Meaning: The third day is the most beautiful and visually divine — Sandhya Arghya (Evening Offering). Devotees gather at riverbanks or ponds at sunset, carrying soops filled with fruits, sugarcane, and diyas.
Women stand in water, offering arghya (water) to the setting Sun while chanting mantras and songs of Chhathi Maiya. The entire atmosphere glows with diyas, faith, and music of devotion.
✨ Spiritual Insight: Sandhya Arghya symbolizes gratitude for life and light. It’s about thanking the Sun God for energy, abundance, and guidance through life’s journey.
🌄 Day 4: Usha Arghya — The Final Offering to the Rising Sun
Meaning: The final day, Usha Arghya, marks the completion of the four-day ritual. Devotees gather again before sunrise to offer prayers to the rising Sun — symbolizing new beginnings, hope, and blessings.
After the offering, devotees break their fast (Paran) with the same satvik meal and share it as prasad.
✨ Spiritual Insight: Usha Arghya represents awakening and renewal — a reminder that after every darkness comes light, and faith brings divine grace.
🪔 Spiritual Significance of Chhath Puja
Each ritual of Chhath Puja carries a message of discipline, purity, and surrender. It is believed that those who observe Chhath with faith are blessed with good health, happiness, and spiritual peace.
Performing Surya Aradhana (Sun Worship) with Tulsi Mala and chanting Surya Mantras enhances the positive energy of the festival and brings inner healing.
🛕 Suggested Products for Your Chhath Puja Sadhna:
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Tulsi Jaap Mala: For purity and spiritual connection during Sun worship.
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Digital Jaap Counter: To help maintain focus during mantra chanting.
✨ Shop spiritual essentials at MalaMantra.in — your trusted source for authentic devotion tools.
