Chhath Puja: Devotion to the Rising Sun

In the small village of Madhavpur the setting sun masked the riverbank in golden hue and started the preparations for Chhath Puja – the festival of the Sun God “Surya”.the air was filled with joy, devotional songs and the scent of fresh flowers.

Rohan, a young boy had for years watched his mother perform the rituals of Chhath Puja with great devotion but he never understood the essence of it.

But this year it was different as his grandmother wanted to see the rituals one last time due to her old age and health.

She had told him how Chhath Puja was not just a ritual but a way of showing thanks to the Sun for life, health, and prosperity. Rohan, always occupied with school and games, finally understood the significance of this ancient tradition.

With the preparations for the puja underway, Rohan’s mother and aunt prepared Thekua – a sweet prasad made from wheat flour, jaggery, and ghee and its aroma filled every corner of the house.

His father and uncles prepared the bamboo baskets for the puja at the riverbanks. Even his little sister, Ria prepared the puja thali with her grandmother setting diyas and fruits in it.

At sunset, all the family members walked towards the river dressed in tradition attire carrying the beautiful prepared baskets.

Hundreds of lamps lighten up the ghats as their flames flickered and danced in the river water the Women dressed in vibrant saris walked knee-deep in the water with their baskets while the whole atmosphere was filled with with the rhythmic chanting of Chhath songs.

His mother remained standing in the water, hands together, as she offered prayers to the sinking sun. Rohan was awe-struck and filled with respect as hundreds of devotees, with their folded hands expressed gratitude to nature.

He realized that Chhath Puja was a celebration of faith, unity, and the joys of the simple things in life.

Then back home, after the night arghya, a light dinner of laai (puffed rice) and fruits was laid out for them. Fasting or not, his mother and grandmother seemed tranquil and peaceful.

The following morning, at sunrise, the entire family got up and returned to the river for the final offering, the morning arghya.

The riverbank was crowded than ever before and as the sun came up painting the sky orange and pink, Rohan and his mother raised her hands to pray, giving him a sense of peace.

On the way back, tired but satisfied, Rohan grasped his grandmother’s hand. “I will help make all the arrangements next year,” he promised. His grandmother smiled, realizing the spirit of Chhath Puja had finally entered his heart.

That evening, seated together, exchanging tales and treats, Rohan realized something. Festivals weren’t just about rituals; they were about love, family, and gratitude.

Chhath Puja, which he previously saw as an endless series of rules and rituals, now was a beautiful way of staying connected to nature and his roots.

And so, under the radiant beam of the full moon, amidst the guffaws and the laughter that swirled about the house, Rohan knew that this was a festival that he would always remember.