A Festival of Faith, Purity, and Nature Worship
As the golden rays of the setting sun reflected on the calm waters of the Saryu River, the ghats came alive with chants, diyas, and unshakable devotion. Chhath Puja — one of the most ancient and revered Hindu festivals — once again painted the holy riverbanks in hues of spirituality and serenity.
Women clad in bright sarees, their foreheads adorned with vermilion and their hands holding bamboo baskets filled with offerings, stood waist-deep in the river. They offered ‘Arghya’ to the setting sun, praying for the health, happiness, and prosperity of their families.
The Significance of Chhath Puja
Chhath Puja, primarily celebrated in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Nepal, honors Surya Dev (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya, believed to be the sister of the Sun God. Unlike most other festivals, Chhath is known for its simplicity and purity — no idols, no pomp, just pure devotion and discipline.
It is said that by observing the rituals of Chhath with faith and dedication, devotees receive divine blessings, mental peace, and physical well-being. The Sun God is worshipped as the source of life and energy, while Chhathi Maiya is believed to grant fertility and protect children.
Four Days of Strict Rituals and Fasting
The festival spans four rigorous days, each representing self-discipline and deep spiritual cleansing.
- Nahay Khay (First Day):
Devotees bathe in the river and prepare a pure vegetarian meal, often of rice, dal, and pumpkin, cooked in bronze utensils without onion or garlic. - Kharna (Second Day):
A day-long fast is observed without water. In the evening, devotees break their fast with jaggery kheer, fruits, and chapatis, followed by the beginning of a 36-hour waterless fast. - Sandhya Arghya (Third Day):
The main day of worship. As the sun sets, devotees offer Arghya to the setting sun with fruits, sugarcane, and ‘Thekua’ — a special sweet made from wheat flour, jaggery, and ghee. The atmosphere resonates with devotional songs and folk chants dedicated to Chhathi Maiya. - Usha Arghya (Fourth Day):
The final offering is made to the rising sun the next morning. After this, devotees break their fast, marking the completion of the ritual with gratitude and joy.
The Divine Aura at Saryu Ghats
On the sacred banks of Saryu in Ayodhya, Chhath Puja becomes an unforgettable sight. Thousands of diyas float on the river, illuminating the night like a thousand stars. The air fills with the fragrance of incense and the echo of conch shells. Families, young and old, gather together to witness this celestial communion between faith and nature.
The devotion of women, standing for hours in the cold water, their eyes fixed on the fading light, reflects an unparalleled spiritual strength — a living image of Indian tradition’s endurance and purity.
A Celebration Beyond Religion
While Chhath Puja is rooted in Hindu tradition, its message goes beyond boundaries — celebrating the bond between humans and nature. It teaches respect for natural elements — the sun, water, and earth — which sustain life on this planet.
At the Saryu Ghats, one could sense unity — people of all backgrounds coming together to serve, support, and celebrate. Volunteers offered prasad, managed crowds, and kept the ghats clean — showing that spirituality and social harmony can coexist beautifully.
A Reflection of Eternal Faith
Chhath Puja is not just a ritual — it’s a spiritual journey of devotion, discipline, and gratitude. As the Saryu River glistened with the reflection of thousands of diyas, it seemed to carry the prayers of countless devotees — glowing with faith that transcends time and space.
