Chhath Puja is among the most significant Hindu festivals dedicated to the worship of the Sun God, Surya, and Chhathi Maiya. Observed with immense devotion, the festival is particularly popular in Bihar, Jharkhand, eastern Uttar Pradesh and parts of West Bengal. Unlike many other Hindu celebrations, Chhath involves worshipping both the setting and rising Sun, expressing gratitude towards nature and the source of life.
But who exactly is Chhathi Maiya, and why does she hold such a special place in this festival?
Who Is Chhathi Maiya?
Chhathi Maiya is traditionally identified with Shashthi Devi, a Hindu goddess associated with the protection of children, motherhood and family well-being. She is worshipped as a divine mother who blesses devotees with healthy children, longevity and prosperity.
According to popular religious beliefs, Chhathi Maiya is considered the sister of Surya, the Sun God. Some traditions also associate her with the divine feminine energy connected to nature and creation.
In Hindu mythology, Shashthi Devi is also described as the daughter of Sage Kashyapa and Goddess Aditi. Different regional traditions offer different interpretations of her identity and relationship with other deities.
Devotees believe that worshipping Chhathi Maiya with sincerity brings protection to children and happiness to the household.
The Mythological Story Behind Chhathi Maiya
Several stories are associated with the origins of Chhath Puja. One popular belief connects the festival to the Mahabharata.
According to the epic tradition, Karna, the son of Surya, was a devoted worshipper of the Sun God. He regularly offered prayers while standing in water and presented arghya to the Sun. His devotion is often associated with the development of Sun worship traditions.
Another popular account connects Chhath Puja with Draupadi and the Pandavas. During their exile, Draupadi is believed to have worshipped the Sun God after seeking guidance from Sage Dhaumya. The worship was associated with overcoming difficulties and restoring prosperity.
The Ramayana also has a connection with the festival through a popular religious tradition. According to this account, Lord Rama and Goddess Sita performed Sun worship after returning to Ayodhya following their victory over Ravana.
These stories are part of the festival's religious and oral traditions rather than a single universally accepted historical account.
History and Ancient Roots of Chhath Puja
Chhath Puja is deeply connected to ancient traditions of Sun worship in India. References to Surya worship appear in the Rig Veda, where the Sun is praised as a source of energy, light and life.
The festival reflects the importance of nature in ancient Indian religious practices. Sunlight was essential for agriculture, harvests and human survival, making the Sun an important object of reverence.
Over generations, these traditions developed into the distinctive four-day Chhath celebration, particularly associated with the cultural heritage of Bihar and neighbouring regions.
Why Is Chhath Puja Celebrated?
Chhath Puja is observed to express gratitude to the Sun God for sustaining life on Earth. Devotees pray for the health, longevity and prosperity of their family members, particularly their children.
Chhathi Maiya is worshipped for maternal protection and family welfare, while Surya represents energy, vitality and the continuation of life.
The festival also carries a strong message of equality, discipline, environmental awareness and community participation. People from different social backgrounds participate in the rituals, and prayers are offered directly to the Sun without requiring elaborate temple ceremonies.
Chhath Puja 2026: Four Days of Rituals
The festival will be celebrated from November 13 to November 16, 2026.
- November 13 – Nahay Khay: Devotees take a ritual bath, clean their homes and prepare traditional food.
- November 14 – Kharna: Devotees observe a day-long fast and perform evening prayers before consuming prasad, usually including jaggery-based kheer and roti.
- November 15 – Sandhya Arghya: Devotees gather near rivers, ponds and other water bodies to offer prayers to the setting Sun.
- November 16 – Usha Arghya: The final prayers are offered to the rising Sun, after which devotees conclude their fast.
Thekua, fruits, sugarcane and traditional offerings arranged in bamboo baskets are important parts of the celebration.
Why Are Both Rising and Setting Sun Worshipped?
One of the most distinctive aspects of Chhath Puja is that devotees offer arghya to both the setting and rising Sun.
The evening offering expresses gratitude for the energy and blessings received throughout the day, while the morning offering celebrates renewal, hope and the beginning of a new day.
This tradition also carries a symbolic message: both beginnings and endings deserve respect.
Chhath Puja is therefore much more than a religious festival. It represents gratitude towards nature, devotion to family, self-discipline and the belief that life flourishes through harmony with the natural world.
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