Chhath Puja dedicated to Lord Surya (the sun god) is a 4-day puja which begins on the fourth day after Diwali in the month of Kartik (October – November) in Shak Samvat calendar. Millions of Hindus who live along Ganga River and Kosi River mainly (chiefly Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh) or trace their roots to the region observe Chhath.
Origins and Ancient References
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Vedic roots: Chhath Puja is one of the oldest known Hindu festivals, with mentions in the Rigveda, where worship of the Surya (Sun) and Usha (dawn goddess) is described.
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Mahabharata connection: Draupadi and the Pandavas are said to have performed Chhath Puja to regain their lost kingdom and prosperity.
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No idol worship: Unlike most Hindu rituals, Chhath Puja involves direct worship of natural elements (Sun, Water, Air) without any idols—symbolizing purity and simplicity.
The origin of Chhath Puja is lost in the obscure misty millennia of ages past. Perhaps the worship might have begun the day man realized the value of Sun (Surya) and how his survival is dependent on this massive fireball that appears without fail each morning and disappears in the evening.
There is a popular belief that Chhath worship was started by the great warrior Karna of the Mahabharata. Karna is the son of Lord Surya and Kunti.
Chhath Vrat and Puja find mention in the Mahabharata. It is believed that Draupadi, the wife of the Pandavas, had performed the Chhath Puja. She performed it during the exile period.
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