Chhath Puja, celebrated annually after the Diwali festival, is widely observed in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and adjoining regions of Nepal. This festival falls on the sixth day of the Kartik month according to the Hindu calendar, which is why it is also known as Surya Shashti. Other regional names include Chhath, Chhathi, Chhath Parv, Dala Puja, and Dala Chhath.

Chhath Puja 2024: What is Chhath Puja?

Chhath Puja is dedicated to the Sun God, Surya Dev, and is celebrated to promote the well-being, prosperity, and progress of one’s family. The Sun God is revered as the deity of energy and life-force. The worship of Surya Dev spans four days and includes a ritual called ‘Arghya,’ performed while standing in knee-deep water.
Fasting during Chhath Puja is primarily undertaken by women devotees for the well-being of their sons and the happiness of their families. This fasting encompasses all four days of the festival.