Last Updated At: 22-Oct-2025

Check Out These Hidden Facts About Chhath Puja that Might Pique Your Curiosity

India is a land of diverse cultures and colorful festivals, attracting travelers and cultural enthusiasts from all over the world. Among these, Chhath Puja stands out as one of the most ancient and eco-friendly festivals in India. Its name is derived from the number six, reflecting its celebration on the sixth day of the lunar month of Kartika. But there’s more to the number six than just dates—let’s uncover some hidden facts about this fascinating festival.

Before diving into the details, here’s a complete overview of Chhath Puja, its origins, rituals, and cultural significance.

Origin of Chhath Puja

The worship of the Sun God is not unique to India; it has ancient roots worldwide. Civilizations such as the Egyptians and Babylonians also revered solar deities. For instance:

Egyptians worshipped Amun and later practiced Atenism, an early monotheistic religion focused on the Sun.
African tribes like the Akan and Dogon also associated their gods of creation with the Sun.

In India, Chhath Puja is deeply linked to Lord Surya (Sun God) and is believed to have been first performed by Karna, the son of Lord Surya and Princess Kunti. Karna ruled over Anga Desh (modern-day Bhagalpur, Bihar), which explains why this is among predominant celebrated festival in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Eastern Uttar Pradesh.

Today, Chhath Puja is celebrated not only in India but also by the Nepalese community and the Indian diaspora worldwide.

The Mythological Story Behind Chhath Puja

There are two popular legends explaining the origin of Chhath Puja:

Lord Rama and Sita:
According to some texts, after returning to Ayodhya from his 14-year exile, Lord Rama, along with Sita, offered prayers to the Sun God during the Shukla Paksha of Kartika month. They broke their fast at sunrise, marking the tradition that later became Chhath Puja.
Karna, Son of Kunti:
Karna is believed to have offered rigorous prayers to the Sun God while standing in water and distributed prasadam (holy food) to the poor. This ritual became the foundation for Chhath Puja as it is observed today.

Why Chhath Puja is Unique: 5 Fascinating Facts

The Only Vedic Festival Still Practiced
Chhath Puja is one of the rare traditional Hindu celebrations traced back to the Rig Veda, where hymns praising the Sun God describe rituals similar to today’s practices.

Roots in the Mahabharata Era
Besides Karna, Draupadi was also a devout worshipper of the Sun God. Her devotion is believed to have given her the strength to cure illnesses and support the Pandavas in the Battle of Kurukshetra.

Logical and Scientific Basis of Rituals
Researchers highlight that Chhath Puja rituals, including fasting and standing in water, help regulate Pranic energy flow, purify the body, and reduce negative emotions like greed, jealousy, and anger.

Health Benefits Backed by Science
Chhath Puja occurs in late autumn, a time when sunlight is ideal for Vitamin D synthesis, essential for calcium absorption, bone health, and overall immunity. Sunrise and sunset rituals maximize exposure to UVB rays, preparing the body for the winter months.

Hormonal and Mental Well-being
Rituals during Chhath Puja are designed to optimize hormone secretion, especially through sun exposure at dawn and dusk, providing energy, improving mood, and balancing body functions naturally.

How Chhath Puja is Celebrated

Chhath Puja spans four days, including rituals like:

Nahay-Khay: The initial purification and bathing ritual.
Lohanda and Kharna: Fasting and offering Thekua (a special sweet made of wheat, jaggery, and ghee).
Sandhya Arghya: Evening offerings to the setting sun.
Usha Arghya: Morning prayers and offerings at sunrise.

Women traditionally lead the rituals, observing strict fasting and cleanliness, while men assist in preparing the offerings and maintaining the sacred spaces near rivers or ponds.

Chhath Puja Specialties

Thekua: A traditional sweet and the most iconic dish of Chhath Puja.
Fruits and Seasonal Foods: Locally sourced, eco-friendly, and prepared without preservatives.

Plan Your Trip to Witness Chhath Puja

If you want to experience the vibrant, spiritual, and eco-friendly Chhath Puja, Bihar is the best destination. Cities like Patna, Gaya, Bhagalpur, and Muzaffarpur host grand celebrations with thousands of devotees offering prayers along riverbanks.

Experience the magic of Chhath Puja in Bihar—a festival where culture, spirituality, and science beautifully intersect.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Chhath Puja

Q1. What is the story behind Chhath Puja?
A1. It is believed to have been first performed by Karna, the son of the Sun God, and observed later by Lord Rama and Draupadi according to Vedic traditions.

Q2. Who started Chhath Puja?
A2. Karna is considered the first to perform the rituals of Chhath Puja.

Q3. What is the special dish of Chhath Puja?
A3. Thekua, a sweet made of wheat flour, jaggery, and ghee, is the festival’s signature dish.

Q4. Can girls perform Chhath Puja?
A4. Yes, it is predominantly observed by women, though men also participate.

Q5. Why is Chhath Puja celebrated after Diwali?
A5. Chhath Puja occurs on the sixth day of Kartika month, immediately following Diwali. Mythologically, it is linked to Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya, celebrated as Diwali.

Q6. Is Chhath a harvest festival?
A6. Yes, it is a post-harvest festival, thanking the Sun God for a bountiful harvest and praying for prosperity.

--- Published By Adotrip

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