Tracing Chhath Puja’s Roots: From Satyuga to Today’s Festive Devotion

The month of Kartik coincides with Chhath, the grand celebration of devotion. It is thought that this age-old custom originated during the Satyuga and Dwapara Yuga.

New Delhi: 6th November 2024

Chhath Puja 2024: Celebrated with great devotion, Chhath Puja is one of the most significant Hindu holidays. This magnificent event was first observed in eastern Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand, but it has now expanded throughout many Indian states and even among Indian populations outside.

The sixth day of the Kartik month’s Shukla Paksha, or Shashti, is when Chhath Puja is celebrated in accordance with the Hindu calendar (Panchang). “Nahay Khaye” marks the start of this four-day celebration, while “Usha Arghya” marks its end.

Nahay Khaye: November 5, 2024, Tuesday
Kharna: November 6, 2024, Wednesday
Sandhya Arghya: November 7, 2024, Thursday
Usha Arghya: November 8, 2024, Friday

Importance of Chhath Puja

The ‘Mahaparv’ or great festival of religion, another name for Chhath Puja, has profound spiritual meaning. Chhath Puja’s beginnings are associated with the Satyuga and Dwapara Yuga, according to ancient legends. When Mata Sita and Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya after slaying Ravana, they reportedly observed this fast and worshipped Surya, the Sun God. During the Mahabharata period, Draupadi and Karna are also thought to have worshipped Surya.

Devotees praise nature, dawn, air, and water by worshiping Surya Dev (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya (Goddess Shashthi) during Chhath Puja. Legend has it that King Priyavrat once fasted on Chhath in order to pray to Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya and save his son’s life. This celebration honors long-standing spiritual customs that are closely related to the natural world.

Chhath Puja’s Historical Significance

The Worship of Ram and Mata Sita: The sin of slaying Ravana weighed heavily on Lord Rama when he returned to Ayodhya following the exile and Ravana’s defeat. The sages suggested that he do the Rajasuya Yajna in order to atone for this sin. On the sixth day of Kartik Shukla, Sita observed the fast and worshipped Surya after being invited by Sage Mudgal to his hermitage with Ram.

This historical event connects the Ramayana with the Chhath Puja.

Mahabharata Connection: The Mahabharata also makes reference to Chhath Puja. Following the Pandavas’ defeat in the dice game and the loss of their kingdom, Draupadi undertook the Chhath fast. The Pandavas were able to reclaim their lost kingdom with Surya Dev’s blessings.

Karna’s Devotion to Surya: Another Mahabharata story relates about Karna, who is an ardent Surya worshipper. Every day at dawn, he would stand waist-deep in water and make Arghya (water offerings) to the Sun. This gesture of devotion is thought to have sparked the tradition of Sun worship during Chhath Puja.