By Vishwapati
Patna: The much-awaited Chaiti Chhath Mahaparva, a major festival of faith and devotion, is set to begin on April 1. Celebrated with great enthusiasm in Bihar and several other parts of the country, this four-day festival is dedicated to the worship of the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya. With preparations now complete, the devotional songs of Chhathi Maiya have started resonating in cities, including the capital, Patna, creating an atmosphere of spirituality and devotion.
The administration is also alert about the security arrangements on the ghats so that the devotees can worship uninterruptedly. Ghats are being cleaned for the devotees.
Chaiti Chhath is mainly a festival of worship of Sun God and Chhathi Maiya. It is also considered a festival of wish fulfillment. Devotees keep this fast to fulfill their wishes and complete it with utmost devotion. Fewer people observe Chaiti Chhath as compared to the Chhath festival celebrated in the month of Kartik, but its religious and spiritual significance is equally high.
Chaiti Chhath Rituals
First day: Nahai-Khai (1 April 2025, Tuesday)
The festival begins with devotees taking a holy dip in the Ganges or other sacred rivers before consuming satvik food, usually consisting of gram dal, pumpkin curry, and rice.
Second day: Kharna (2 April 2025, Wednesday)
On this day, the devotees keep a waterless fast throughout the day. In the evening, after worshiping the Sun God, kheer made of jaggery, roti and fruit are consumed. With this, the 36-hour tough fast of the devotees begins, in which even water is not consumed.
Third day: Sandhya Arghya (3 April 2025, Thursday)
On this day, Chhath devotees offer arghya to the setting sun. They gather on the banks of ponds, rivers or other water sources and worship the Sun God and pray to Chhathi Maiya for happiness and prosperity.
Fourth day: Arghya to the rising sun and conclusion of fasting (4 April 2025, Friday)
On the last day of Chhath Mahaparva, the devotees offer arghya to the rising sun and break their fast. On this occasion, prasad is distributed, which includes Thekua, Kasar, Pudukia and other traditional dishes.
Celebrations Beyond Bihar
Though deeply rooted in Bihar’s cultural fabric, Chaiti Chhath is also observed with with full faith in Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal. Its popularity has also crossed national borders, with NRIs also celebrate it with full tradition in foreign countries, due to which this festival is also becoming famous at the global level.
Administration on High Alert
In various cities including Patna, the administration has taken special care of the cleanliness, security and other facilities of the ghats so that the devotees can perform the puja without any hassle. The atmosphere has become devotional with the songs of Chhathi Maiya and tremendous enthusiasm is being seen among the devotees. Chaiti Chhath Mahaparva is not just a religious ritual, but also a symbol of devotion, faith and social harmony. Through this festival, people worship nature and Sun God, due to which it gives the message of life energy and positivity.
