When the sun sets and rises, a timeless festival of devotion, tradition, and soulful connection unfolds by the water’s edge.

You know, sometimes festivals catch you off guard - not just with their colours and rituals but with the sheer depth of feeling behind them. Chhath Puja is definitely one of those. It’s more than just a festival; it’s a whole vibe - steeped in devotion, drenched in folklore, and honestly, downright fierce in the love it commands for Surya, the Sun God.

That Sun, That Faith

Chhath isn’t your regular puja where you just light a lamp and say a couple of prayers. Chhath Puja’s got a rhythm and rigour that’s almost like a spiritual boot camp. Falling this year from October 25th to 28th, it commands four days of strict rituals, fasting, and prayers. The very act of fasting without water for almost 36 hours? That’s commitment. I mean, how many festivals ask you to go that far?

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The whole thing revolves around Surya - the giver of life, light, energy. The sun isn’t just a star here; it’s a deity, a force that fuels crops, health, and prosperity. When devotees offer “Arghya” (water offerings) to the setting and rising sun by the riverbanks, it’s like a thank-you note in the purest form. And there’s this distinct communal spirit - villages and cities alike come together, barefoot, clad in vibrant sarees and dhotis, humming folk songs called “Chhath Geet.”

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Folk Tales and Fierce Loyalties

Now, what I find really captivating is how many folklore colours this festival has. The stories of the Mahabharata subtly thread their way into the festivities. The Pandavas and Draupadi perform Chhath to regain their kingdom; Karna, the legendary son of the Sun God, dutifully observing it - the layers here are beautifully rich.

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It's like the festival has been passed down like a treasured heirloom, carrying with it the hopes and grit of generations. You can't help but feel the pulse of time beating under the water where these prayers take place.

Rituals That Stir the Soul

While the whole festival is filled with symbolic acts, a few stand out as heartbreakingly beautiful. The “Nahay Khay” day kicks things off with devotees taking a holy dip and eating only pure, simple food (no spices, no extras - just plain kaddu-bhat and chana dal; that’s bottle gourd and rice with chickpeas). Then comes “Kharna,” a day when the fast breaks for the first time after sunset with kheer and puris - simple, sweet, utterly comforting food.

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But it’s the “Sandhya Arghya” and “Usha Arghya” that truly steal the show. Imagine a riverbank at dusk, the sky painted in burnt orange and pink hues. Figures clad in color, hands raised in unison, singing soulful ballads to the setting sun. Then the morning ritual at dawn, when the first light glistens on the water, and the prayers feel like whispered secrets to the rising orb.

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Oh, and speaking of water - it’s deeply symbolic here. Walking barefoot to the waterbody is a gesture of humility and communion with nature. No plastic or artificial offerings either; it’s all organic fruits, sugarcane, thekua (a local jaggery cookie), and flowers.

What Makes Chhath Puja Different?

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Besides being one of the toughest fasts, Chhath Puja uniquely blends austerity with festivity. There’s discipline but also sheer joy, precision rituals wrapped around folk melodies, and the intense energy of collective devotion. It fosters environmental respect, urging followers to keep water bodies clean and indulge only in eco-friendly offerings.

This year, I’m particularly struck by how the festival's spirit feels like a balm against today’s rush and chaos. In a world where everything’s instant and disposable, this four-day contemplation on nature's rhythm and life-giving sun reminds us to slow down, savor, and appreciate.

Whether it’s your first time hearing about Chhath or you’ve been lucky enough to watch it unfold on those shimmering riverbanks - this Chaath, let the sun’s worship bring a little awe and wonder to your heart.