A Unique Festival of Sun Worship, Faith, Devotion, Austerity and Purity: Sanjay Saraff
Ranchi, November 12, 2026: The four-day Chhath Mahaparv, symbolising faith, purity, sacrifice, devotion and gratitude towards nature, will begin on November 13 with the traditional ritual of Nahay-Khay. The festival dedicated to the worship of Lord Surya and Chhathi Maiya will conclude on November 16 with the offering of Arghya to the rising Sun.
Sanjay Saraff, Vice-President of Hindi Sahitya Bharati and spokesperson of Shri Krishna Pranami Seva Dham Trust, said that Chhath is one of the most sacred festivals, reflecting devotion, self-discipline, spiritual dedication and social harmony.
He explained that the first day, November 13, will be observed as Nahay-Khay. On this day, devotees take a holy bath, clean their homes and prepare pure and traditional vegetarian food. Special offerings generally include pumpkin curry, chana dal and Arwa rice. The fasting devotees consume the Prasad first, followed by other family members. The ritual marks the beginning of a period of strict discipline and purity.
The second day, November 14, will be observed as Kharna. Devotees observe a day-long fast and perform special prayers in the evening. Traditional offerings, including jaggery-based kheer, wheat rotis and other sattvik preparations, are prepared and distributed among family members and devotees. After completing the Kharna rituals, the rigorous 36-hour waterless fast begins.
On the third day, November 15, devotees will offer Sandhya Arghya to the setting Sun. Traditional Prasad, including Thekua and rice laddoos, will be prepared. Baskets made of bamboo will be decorated with coconuts, bananas, sugarcane and various seasonal fruits. In the evening, devotees will gather at rivers, ponds and Chhath ghats and offer milk and water to the setting Sun while standing in the water. Traditional Chhath songs will create a deeply devotional atmosphere. Several families will also observe the traditional Kosi ritual.
The fourth and final day, November 16, will begin with devotees gathering at Chhath ghats early in the morning to offer Arghya to the rising Sun. Prayers will be offered for family prosperity, the long life of children, good health and a bright future. After worshipping the Sun God, devotees will break their 36-hour fast by accepting Prasad, marking the conclusion of the four-day festival.
Sanjay Saraff said that Chhath Puja is not merely a religious ritual but a grand celebration of gratitude towards nature, the environment and life itself. One of the most remarkable features of this festival is that devotees offer prayers to both the setting and the rising Sun with equal devotion. This tradition conveys the message of equality, patience, discipline, sacrifice and continuous dedication towards one's duties.
According to popular belief, worshipping Chhathi Maiya brings happiness, peace, prosperity and well-being to families and children. He further stated that Chhath Mahaparv represents social unity, family harmony and India's rich cultural heritage. The festival also inspires people to keep water bodies clean, protect the environment, maintain purity and discipline, and strengthen the spirit of brotherhood and social harmony.
