Chhath puja 2026: Chaiti Chhath: Grand Festival of Folk Faith in Bihar Begins with 'Nahay-Khay', What Rituals Are Observed During the Four Days?
Chhath puja 2026: The Chaiti Chhath fast is observed with great discipline and purity not only in the Purvanchal region and North India but across the entire country. Modeled after the festival of Navratri, this grand festival is celebrated twice a year.
According to the Hindu almanac, Chhath—celebrated once during the month of Chaitra and again during the month of Kartik—is one of the most popular festivals observed throughout India, including Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh.
On the first day of Chaiti Chhath, devotees—both men and women—initiated their fast by taking a ritual bath and consuming Arwa (unprocessed) food, in accordance with the 'Nahay-Khay' pledge.
On the second day of the festival, devotees observe a full-day fast without consuming even water; at sunset, they perform worship rituals, after which they partake in a single meal consisting of Kheer (rice pudding) made with milk and jaggery, and drink water until the moon becomes visible. Following this, their Nirjala (waterless) fast—spanning approximately 36 hours—begins.
On the third day of this grand festival, devotees offer the first Arghya (ritual offering) to the setting sun while standing in rivers and ponds. They present their offerings—typically comprising fruits and traditional delicacies like Thekua—to the descending sun.
On the fourth and final day of the festival, devotees once again gather in rivers and ponds to offer the second Arghya to the rising sun. It is only after offering this second Arghya to Lord Bhaskar (the Sun God) that the devotees' 36-hour waterless fast concludes, and they finally partake in food.
A unique feature of this fast—undertaken to ensure the happiness and prosperity of the family and to alleviate hardships—is that it requires neither the assistance of a priest (Pundit) nor the chanting of any specific mantras. Throughout the Chhath festival, meticulous attention is paid to cleanliness and hygiene.