Chhath Festival in Nepal: Why is it so Special?

Chhath Puja is a beloved Nepalese festival celebrated with deep devotion, especially in the Terai region. This festival is dedicated to Surya Dev (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya, the goddess who represents Shashthi, a maternal figure. The Chhath festival holds important significance in Nepal, coming shortly after Dashain and Tihar, and unites people to come together and show their undefeated dedication to their faiths.

The four-day Chhath Puja sees its devotees doing various rituals such as fasting, bathing in rivers, offering prasad, and singing religious songs. This creates a sense of harmony, unity, and spirituality for everyone who witnesses the Chhath Puja. The festival spans 4 days of rituals including Nahai Khai, Kharna, Sandhya Arghya, and Usha Arghya. The women of the households hold the central role in puja giving them revered status in the family and among the community members during the celebration period. Their roles depict strength, dedication, and their bond to Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya. Through these rituals, the women ask for blessings for the health, prosperity, and well-being of their families and community alike. Chhath Puja celebrations are widespread in the Terai region, especially in Janakpur, Birgunj, and even throughout the Kathmandu Valley. 

History Behind Chhath Puja in Nepal

Chhath Puja has its origins in ancient Hindu customs and the Vedic culture of Sun worshipping; falling under one of the oldest recorded Sun-worshipping performances. A version of ancient history believes that Goddess Sita, during her exile in the Ramayana, performed Chhath Puja in the Valmiki Ashram. This version is of incredible value as it reflects the bonding of Sita with Nepal, especially in the surroundings of Janakpur. It is believed that her dedication has inspired generations towards puja, and it would be a way of paying respect to her legacy of strength and divinity. 

In addition, the Mahabharata also has lore behind the importance of Chhath, where Goddess Draupadi and the Pandavas performed similar sun-worship rituals, seeking blessings from Surya Dev during their trials. That form of worship is believed to have evolved and turned into today’s Chhath festival celebrated in Nepal and other parts of the Indian subcontinent.

Besides these existing narratives, the Rigveda- one of Hinduism’s oldest texts- reiterates the significance of the sun on human life and portrays Chhath as an expression of respect for this ancient connection. 

Regardless of the version of history one may believe, at its very core the festival is about showing the dedication and strength of the women who are so rooted in their faith that they can endure the hardships of Chhath without blinking an eye.  To many Nepalese, especially Terai, Chhath Puja is much more than a festival; it is a cherished portrayal of faith that links them to their history, and their natural environment while instilling the qualities of patience, gratitude, and humility.

Significance of Chhath Festival

The Chhath Festival holds immense spiritual and cultural importance for people in Nepal and beyond. For many this festival is a core part of their faith and devotion. Through the Chhath festival, families and communities alike come together to work tirelessly to guarantee the success of their puja. 

• Empowering Women: Women play a central role in Chhath Puja, particularly in leading the rituals and fasting. Their role reflects their strength and spiritual devotion within families and communities.
• Sun Worship: Chhath is the celebration of Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya that emphasizes the importance of the sun and the goddess of motherhood and protection.
• Fostering Unity: Chhath goes beyond regional boundaries, bringing together diverse communities across Nepal. The shared rituals and practices promote unity and mutual respect.
• Cultural Preservation: Traditional songs, attire, and rituals associated with Chhath preserve the cultural heritage for future generations, passing down values of devotion and gratitude.
• Physical and Spiritual Purification: Through fasting and bathing in holy river banks, devotees seem to cleanse both their body and soul, seeking purity and divine blessings.

How is Chhath Celebrated?

The Chhath Puja is celebrated over four days with great devotion and gratitude to the Sun God and Chhati Maiya.  Over the four days, the rituals and rites that are performed have the essence of purification, dedication, and faith in them. The rituals mostly include rigorous fasting by the devotees, elaborate offering of materials, and communal gatherings at Ghaths (the bank of rivers and ponds)

Day 1: Nahai Khai (Bathing and Eating)

The first day is dedicated to purification. Women during this day bathe and eat a Satvik meal (fresh, clean food). This often includes bottle gourd and rice which is consumed before the fasting period begins. Some women also choose to bathe in holy rivers such as the Koshi, Gandaki, or Bagmati, symbolizing a cleansing of body and spirit. 

Day 2: Kharna (Fasting and Preparing Offerings)

On the second day, women observe a strict fast from sunrise until sunset, even refraining from water. As the sun sets, they prepare kheer (rice pudding with jaggery) as an offering to Chhathi Maiya, breaking their fast by consuming prasad and sharing it with family members.

Day 3: Sandhya Arghya (Evening Offerings)

The third day is marked by Sandhya Arghya, or evening Ghath where women gather at riverbanks to offer prayers and prasad to the setting sun. The offering includes fruits, thekua, and rice laddu. The scene of lamps and offerings floating on the water is both beautiful and spiritually uplifting.

Day 4: Usha Arghya (Morning Offerings)

On the final day, Usha Arghya or Morning Ghath women gather at dawn to perform the rituals, offering water and prasad to the rising sun. After the rituals, they break their fast with ginger and water, symbolizing renewal. The festival concludes with a celebratory meal shared among family and friends.

Places to Travel During Chhath

Janakpur

Janakpur is home to the famous Janaki Temple and is one of the biggest venues for the Chhath celebration. Thousands of devotees travel to the temple dedicated to Sita, with the Ganga Sagar pond nearby becoming the cultural site for the Chhath rituals.

Birgunj

In Birgunj, the banks of local rivers transform into places of community gatherings during Chhath. The community’s spirit and devotion make it a wonderful place for visitors to experience Chhath Puja up close.

Kathmandu

Although primarily celebrated in Terai, Chhath Puja in Kathmandu has grown with its devotees of Chath over the years. Women and devotees gather along the Bagmati River, creating a mesmerizing scene of offerings, lights, and music. Moreover, Kathmandu is a must-visit in general. You can take a separate walking tour in Kathmandu as well.

Rivers of the Terai Region

The Terai region’s rivers, such as the Koshi and Gandaki, are central to Chhath celebrations. Women and other devotees travel to such rivers for their Chhath rituals, and the scene is filled with songs, prayers, and offerings to the sun.

Conclusion

Chhath Puja in Nepal is a heartfelt tribute and portrayal of faith to Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya, honoring the role of the sun in our lives. This four-day festival is filled with rituals, traditional songs, colorful clothes, and communities coming together. Observing Chhath is a journey of both physical and spiritual purification, as women fast, pray, and gather by riversides to celebrate and seek blessings. With women at the forefront of these rituals, their strength and devotion embody a profound spiritual force. The Chhath festival not only strengthens family and community bonds but also serves as a reminder of the profound respect for nature. For travelers, Chhath is an invitation to experience Nepal’s cultural richness, faith, and the warmth of its people. It’s a festival that perfectly encapsulates devotion, gratitude, and the powerful link between humanity and nature.