Sacred MahaparvaKartik Shukla ShashthiNov 14, 2026 (In 26 days)

Chhath Puja — Sun God & Chhathi Maiya Worship

छठ पूजा (सूर्यषष्ठी)

Chhath Puja is an ancient 4-day Vedic festival dedicated to the Sun God (Surya) and Chhathi Maiya (Usha/Pratyusha), celebrated without priest intermediaries through strict fasts and river arghya offerings.

Check Exact Tithi on PanchangBook Sankalpa PujaOrder Puja Samagri
Devotees standing waist-deep in sacred river offering Arghya with bamboo soop to the rising Sun
Kartik Shukla Shashthi
Devotees Offering Sacred Arghya to Surya Deva at SunriseArchive: Wikimedia Commons (Open License)

Essential Puja Samagri Checklist

Traditional items customarily assembled before commencing the sacred ritual:

  • Clay / Brass Diya (दीपक) with pure Desi Cow Ghee
  • Pure Roli, Kumkum, Chandan (Sandalwood paste) and Akshata (unbroken rice)
  • Gangajal (Sacred water) in Kalash
  • Fresh seasonal fragrant flowers, Tulsi leaves, and Bilva patra (as appropriate)
  • Dhoop (Incense) and Camphor (Karpura) for Aarti
  • Moli (Sacred Kalava thread) and Janeu
  • Naivedyam: Fresh seasonal fruits, dry fruits, and pure homemade sweets
  • Betel leaves (Paan), Supari, Cloves (Laung), and Cardamom (Elaichi)
Note: Materials may vary according to family tradition and regional customs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the observance date of Chhath Puja — Sun God & Chhathi Maiya Worship determined?

In Vedic astronomical calculations, Chhath Puja — Sun God & Chhathi Maiya Worship is observed on Kartik Shukla Shashthi. Because Hindu calendar days begin with local sunrise (Surya Udaya), exact puja timings (Muhurta) depend on when the auspicious Tithi prevails in your specific geographical location.

Are there fasting (Vrat) guidelines associated with this festival?

Fasting practices vary across families and sampradayas. Common observances range from Phalahar (consuming fruits and milk), fasting until twilight pradosh kaal, to a complete waterless vigil (nirjala). Seekers observe according to personal health and lineage traditions.

What is the core spiritual significance behind this celebration?

Chhath Puja is an ancient 4-day Vedic festival dedicated to the Sun God (Surya) and Chhathi Maiya (Usha/Pratyusha), celebrated without priest intermediaries through strict fasts and river arghya offerings. Celebrating this holy day fosters familial gratitude, charitable sharing (Danam), and attunement with cosmic solar and lunar cycles.

How do regional customs differ across India?

Sanatan Dharma embraces rich regional diversity. While core Vedic mantras and reverence for the divine remain universal, local celebrations reflect distinct linguistic hymns, traditional culinary offerings, and cultural expressions.

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