Chhath Puja – A Tribute to the Sun and the Power of Gratitude

 By Nitesh Srivastava | New Inspiration

As the golden rays of the rising Sun meet the calm waters of our rivers and lakes, we are reminded of one of the most serene yet powerful festivals in our culture— Chhath Puja. Celebrated with devotion and discipline across parts of India and beyond, this four-day celebration is a gentle call for gratitude, purity, and deep connection—with nature, family, and the divine.

Why Chhath Holds Special Place 

The word Chhath means “sixth” in languages like Nepali, Maithili, and Bhojpuri—and it refers to the sixth day of the Kartik lunar month, when devotees worship the Sun God (Surya) and Chhathi Maiya (also known as Mother Shashthi) for blessings of health, prosperity, and well-being.

For many families, Chhath is far more than rituals—it’s a promise to renew hope, cleanse the soul, and strengthen family ties.

Rituals That Reflect Dedication 

Over the four days of Chhath, devotees follow a journey of discipline and devotion: 

  • Nahay Khay: A sacred bath and a simple satvik meal mark the first step.
  • Kharna: A day-long fast, culminating in offerings of kheer and fruits after sunset.
  • Sandhya Arghya: The heart of the festival—standing waist-deep in water while offering prayers to the setting sun.
  • Usha Arghya: Final morning prayers to the rising sun, ending the vow and renewing spirits.
These steps may appear rigorous, but for devotees they are a sacred practice of focus, purity, and faith.

Lessons for Every Life 

  • Gratitude over indulgence: Chhath reminds us that our greatest blessings come from nature’s simple gifts—sunlight, water, fresh air. 
  • Discipline strengthens the soul: The ritual fasts and purifications are less about renunciation and more about making the heart resilient and aware.
  • Family unity matters: Almost every Chhath ritual is done together—washing wharfs, creating offerings, singing folk songs. These moments knit relationships closer.
  • Respect for nature: Wearing minimal makeup, using earthen lamps, phasing plastic—devotees engage with the environment carefully, showing that spirituality and ecology go hand in hand.
A Wish from New Inspiration 

To all the families observing Chhath—may your prayers at dawn and dusk bring peace, purpose, and prosperity.

Let the light of the setting sun cleanse your worries, and the rising sun fill your heart with hope.

May you stand firm in discipline, yet gentle in your devotion. May your bonds grow stronger. May your path ahead be bright.

Happy Chhath Puja!

— New Inspiration

Location: Uttar Pradesh, India

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