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The festival begins with Nahai-Khaai, followed by Kharna, then the offering of Sandhya Arghya.
Devotees abstain from food and water for 36 hours.
Chhath Puja, a revered Hindu festival, is devoted to Lord Surya (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya. Primarily celebrated in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand, it spans four days, each with its unique significance. The festival begins with Nahai-Khaai, followed by Kharna, then the offering of Sandhya Arghya (evening offering), and concludes with Morning Arghya, after which devotees break their fast. This fast is considered particularly challenging, as devotees abstain from food and water for 36 hours. Although traditionally women observe the Chhath fast for their children’s long life, happiness, and health, men are also allowed to participate. In fact, there is historical precedent for men performing the ritual. According to Pandit Raja Acharya of Gaya Mantralaya Vedic Pathshala, Kunti, mother of the Pandavas, once observed a fast for Lord Surya before marriage to pray for a bright son. This devotion led to the birth of Karna, who is associated with the qualities and blessings of Lord Surya. Since Karna was born before his mother’s marriage, Kunti did not adopt him, and Karna’s childhood was spent in great pain.
When Karna discovered that he was born by the grace of the Sun God, he began fasting and worshipping Lord Surya to gain strength and enhance his powers. As part of his devotion, Karna would stand waist-deep in water daily, offering prayers and water to Lord Surya. After his worship, he would give generously to those in need, embodying his commitment to charity and righteousness.
Karna’s devotion to Lord Surya not only brought him kingdom and wealth but also established a legacy. It is believed that Karna was the originator of the Chhath Puja tradition, inspiring this enduring ritual of devotion to the Sun. Many people believe that observing this fast can bestow strength and prosperity upon men, reinforcing the idea that the Chhath Puja tradition offers blessings of power, health, and abundance to all who perform it with dedication.
