In India, Chhath Puja is considered one of the most sacred and difficult fasts dedicated to the worship of the Sun God. Generally, people associate Chhath Puja with the Kartik month, but very few know that Chhath is celebrated twice a year — once as Kartik Chhath and the other as Chaitra Chhath. Chaitra Chhath is also known as Chaiti Chhath.

This festival is especially dedicated to the worship of Surya Dev (Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya. The fast is not only a symbol of religious devotion but also reflects the deep connection between nature, solar energy, and human life. The festival is celebrated with great devotion and faith in Bihar, Jharkhand, Eastern Uttar Pradesh, and the Terai regions of Nepal.

Chhath is considered a symbol of discipline, purity, and spiritual dedication, which is why it is counted among the most sacred fasts in India.

What Is Chaitra Chhath and When Is It Celebrated

Chaitra Chhath is celebrated according to the Hindu lunar calendar on the sixth day (Shashthi) of the Shukla Paksha in the Chaitra month. The festival comes a few days after Holi and is considered an important occasion for Sun worship during the spring season.

General Festival Schedule

• Nahai-Khai – Chaitra Shukla Chaturthi (March/April)
• Kharna – Chaitra Shukla Panchami
• Sandhya Arghya – Chaitra Shukla Shashthi
• Usha Arghya – Chaitra Shukla Saptami

Chaitra Chhath 2026 Dates

• Nahai-Khai – 22 March 2026
• Kharna – 23 March 2026
• Sandhya Arghya – 24 March 2026
• Usha Arghya – 25 March 2026

The dates change every year according to the Hindu calendar, but the festival is always celebrated on Chaitra Shukla Shashthi.
It is a four-day-long fast in which devotees worship the Sun God with strict rituals and deep devotion.

Why Chaitra Chhath Is Celebrated

There are both religious and scientific reasons behind celebrating Chaitra Chhath.

According to religious beliefs, the Sun God is considered the source of life, energy, and health. Without the Sun, life on Earth is impossible, which is why Sun worship holds special importance in Hindu tradition.

During Chhath Puja, devotees worship Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya for family prosperity, long life of children, good health, and happiness. It is believed that those who observe the fast with devotion have their wishes fulfilled and receive positive energy in life.

Religious Significance of Chaitra Chhath

According to the Bhavishya Purana, both Kartik Chhath and Chaitra Chhath hold special importance. Chaitra Chhath is celebrated during the Navratri period every year on the sixth lunar day.

The Purana mentions that during the Chaitra month, the Sun God should be worshipped in the form of Vivasvan. It is believed that the present cosmic cycle is the Vaivasvata Manvantara, in which Surya Dev was born to Aditi and became known as Vivasvan and Martanda.

Vaivasvata Manu, who played a key role in the creation and development of human civilization, is considered the son of Surya Dev. Shani Dev, Yamraj, Yamuna, and Karna are also believed to be his descendants.

Scientific Importance of Chhath Puja

Chhath Puja is not only a religious festival but also has scientific significance.

Sunlight:

• Provides Vitamin D to the body
• Brings mental peace and positivity
• Improves skin and overall health
• Strengthens the immune system

Offering prayers to the Sun during sunrise and sunset allows the body to absorb beneficial solar energy, which is considered good for physical and mental well-being.

This is why Chhath Puja is also seen as a festival connected with nature and health.

Benefits of Chaitra Chhath Fast

According to religious beliefs, Lord Rama is also considered a descendant of Surya Dev, as he was born in the Ikshvaku dynasty, which originated from Vaivasvata Manu. It is believed that Lord Rama performed Sun worship and observed Chhath fast to please his ancestral deity.

The Puranas state that worshipping Surya Dev brings prosperity, good health, and happiness to life. It is also believed that the Chhath fast grants spiritual merit and a place in the divine realm of the Sun.

Origin of Chhath Fast

According to the Brahmavaivarta Purana, the origin of Chhath fast is linked to King Priyavrat. It is believed that Chhathi Maiya gave life to the dead son of King Priyavrat. After this miracle, the king encouraged his people to observe the Chhath fast for prosperity and children.

From that time, the tradition of Chhath Puja began. In the current era, Lord Rama and Karna are also considered among the earliest devotees of Surya Shashthi worship.

How Chaitra Chhath Is Celebrated

Chaitra Chhath is a four-day sacred fast in which each day has a specific ritual and significance. Devotees follow strict rules of purity, discipline, and devotion throughout the festival.

Day 1: Nahai-Khai

On the first day, devotees take a holy bath, clean their homes, and prepare pure vegetarian food.
Pumpkin rice and chana dal are usually prepared as prasad.

This day symbolizes purification of the body and mind.

Day 2: Kharna

On the second day, devotees observe a full-day fast and in the evening prepare jaggery kheer and roti as prasad.
After this, a 36-hour waterless fast begins.

This is considered the most difficult phase of the Chhath fast.

Day 3: Sandhya Arghya

On the third day, devotees go to rivers or ponds to offer prayers to the setting Sun.

During the ritual, offerings include:

• Bamboo baskets
• Fruits
• Thekua
• Coconut
• Sugarcane
• Earthen lamps

The atmosphere becomes deeply spiritual and devotional during this time.

Day 4: Usha Arghya

On the fourth day, devotees offer prayers to the rising Sun in the morning.
After this ritual, the fast is completed and prasad is distributed.

This is considered the most sacred moment of Chhath Puja.

Rules Followed During Chhath Fast

Chhath fast is considered extremely strict and disciplined.

Devotees:

• Avoid onion and garlic
• Eat pure vegetarian food
• Sleep on the floor
• Observe waterless fasting
• Maintain strict cleanliness

The fast symbolizes spiritual discipline and self-control.

Chaitra Chhath Tradition in Bihar and Eastern India

In Bihar, Jharkhand, and Eastern Uttar Pradesh, Chhath Puja is celebrated as a grand festival.
Cleaning riverbanks, singing devotional songs, and community prayers are key features of the celebration.

Thousands of devotees gather near rivers and ponds to worship the Sun God, creating a deeply spiritual atmosphere.

Difference Between Chaitra Chhath and Kartik Chhath

Kartik Chhath is more widely known and celebrated on a larger scale, while Chaitra Chhath is usually more peaceful and family-oriented.

Both festivals hold equal religious importance, but Kartik Chhath sees larger gatherings, whereas Chaitra Chhath is more devotional and simple in nature.

Both are important Sun worship festivals in Hindu tradition.

Chaitra Chhath is a sacred festival dedicated to Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya, symbolizing faith, discipline, and respect for nature.
The festival teaches the importance of the Sun and natural energy in human life and encourages spiritual devotion and inner peace.

Whether in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, or the Terai region of Nepal, Chaitra Chhath connects people with devotion, discipline, and nature.

This is why Chaitra Chhath is not just a religious festival but a celebration of faith, health, and harmony with nature.

FAQ