Hindu festival
Chhath Puja
Also known as Chhath, Surya Shashthi.
In short
Chhath Puja is a four-day worship of the Sun, centred on the sixth tithi of the waxing moon in Kartik. Devotees fast, stand in water, and offer arghya to the setting and then the rising sun — a rite of gratitude for life-giving light, especially in Bihar and eastern India.
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When is Chhath Puja?
- This year’s date
- Set by the panchang each year from the rule below. Godify shows a specific date only once it is confirmed against an authoritative panchang — never guessed.
- Tithi / rule
- Principally Shukla Shashti (6th tithi of the waxing moon) of Kartik, with arghya offered to the setting and rising sun; the four-day observance begins on Chaturthi
- Calendar
- Lunar calendar (tithi-based)
- Deity
- Surya
The story
Chhath is among the most austere and devotional of festivals, offered directly to Surya, the Sun, and to Chhathi Maiya. It gives thanks for the sustaining energy of the sun and prays for the well-being of one's family.
Over four days the devotee undertakes rigorous fasting and purity, culminating in standing in water to offer arghya to the setting sun and, the next dawn, to the rising sun — a rare worship of the sun at both its going and its coming.
How it’s celebrated
Devotees observe a rigorous fast, gather at rivers and ponds, and offer arghya (water and fruit) to the setting sun on the evening of Shashthi and to the rising sun the next morning.
A mantra to mark the day
ॐ सूर्याय नमः
oṃ sūryāya namaḥ
I bow to Surya, the radiant Sun, source of life and vitality.
More Hindu festivals
About Chhath Puja
When is Chhath Puja?
Mainly on the Shukla Shashti (6th tithi of the waxing moon) of Kartik, within a four-day observance. The exact Gregorian dates are set by the panchang each year.
Who is worshipped in Chhath Puja?
Surya, the Sun, together with Chhathi Maiya — offered arghya at both sunset and sunrise in thanks for life-giving light.
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