Chhath Puja, one of the most sacred festivals in the region, is dedicated to Lord Surya (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya. Celebrated on the sixth day of Kartik Shukla (October-November), it is observed with rigorous rituals at the Ganga ghats, involving a 36-hour fast without water.
Key Takeaways
- The Four-Day Ritual
- Celebrations at the Ghats
The Four-Day Ritual
Chhath spans four days. Day 1 (Nahay Khay): ritual bath and cooking of satvik food. Day 2 (Lohanda/Kharna): preparation of prasad and a day-long fast. Day 3 (Sandhya Arghya): offering prayers to the setting sun. Day 4 (Usha Arghya): pre-dawn offerings to the rising sun.
Day 1: Nahay Khay
Holy bath and preparation of simple satvik food.
Day 2: Kharna
Day-long fast broken with prasad in the evening.
Day 3: Sandhya Arghya
Evening offerings to the setting sun. The main ghat event.
Day 4: Usha Arghya
Pre-dawn offerings to the rising sun. The most emotional moment.
Celebrations at the Ghats
The main celebrations take place at Assi Ghat, Dashashwamedh Ghat, and Rajghat. Women in traditional sarees stand waist-deep in the Ganga, holding offerings of fruits and thekua (a sweet made of wheat and jaggery) in bamboo baskets on their heads.
Main Ghats
Assi Ghat and Rajghat are the most popular. Reach early.
Thekua
Traditional prasad made of wheat flour, jaggery, and ghee. Available at local shops.
Quick Tips
Chhath Puja is in October-November, 4 days. Main celebrations at Assi Ghat and Rajghat. Sandhya Arghya at sunset on Day 3. Usha Arghya at dawn on Day 4. Carry offerings of fruits and thekua.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was this article helpful?
Your feedback helps us improve
Enjoyed this article?
Get the latest Varanasi travel tips delivered to your inbox.
Related Articles
Festivals Narad Mahotsav in Varanasi: A Celebration of Divine Music
Discover the annual Narad Mahotsav, a classical music festival honoring the celestial sage Narad, held at various venues across Varanasi.
Festivals Ram Lila in Varanasi: Living the Epic
Varanasi Ram Lila is a theatrical tradition spanning months, with performances in ancient venues that bring the Ramayana to life in the most dramatic way imaginable.
Festivals Kashi Khedut Mela: The Farmer Fair of Varanasi
The Kashi Khedut Mela is an annual agricultural fair celebrating the farming traditions of the Varanasi region with livestock exhibitions, folk performances, and rural crafts.