Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya
The four day vrat to Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya, with arghya to the setting and rising sun from a river ghat, observed with great devotion in Varanasi.
Overview
Chhath Puja is one of the most revered festivals of Bihar, Purvanchal and Varanasi. Over four days in the month of Kartik, the vratis worship Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya with fasting, purity and offerings made at the water's edge, most famously on the ghats of the Ganga.
The observance begins with Nahay Khay, continues with Kharna in the evening, and reaches its heart on the third day with sandhya arghya to the setting sun, followed at dawn by usha arghya to the rising sun. Thekua, seasonal fruits, sugarcane and a bamboo soop or daura carry the offerings.
Chhath is largely performed by the family itself, and customs pass from mother to daughter in law. A Pandit can guide the sankalp and vidhi, recite the katha and help families new to the vrat, or those observing it away from home, follow the tradition correctly.
वक्रतुण्ड महाकाय सूर्यकोटि समप्रभ।
निर्विघ्नं कुरु मे देव सर्वकार्येषु सर्वदा॥
Vakratuṇḍa mahākāya sūryakoṭi samaprabha, nirvighnaṁ kuru me deva sarvakāryeṣu sarvadā.
Surya Dev is worshipped as the visible form of the divine, the giver of light, warmth and life. Chhath is among the few observances in which both the setting and the rising sun are honoured, a reminder that every ending is followed by a new beginning.
Chhathi Maiya is revered in folk tradition as a protector of children. Many families keep the vrat for the wellbeing and long life of their children and household, and continue it across generations once it is taken up.
These are traditional beliefs associated with the ritual. Pujas are acts of devotion and are not a substitute for medical, financial or professional advice.
On the first day the vrati bathes, preferably in a river, cleans the home and eats a single pure meal, often of lauki, chana dal and rice cooked without onion or garlic.
On the second day the vrati fasts through the day and in the evening prepares kheer of jaggery and rice with roti, which is offered and then taken as prasad before the nirjala fast begins.
The Pandit guides the sankalp in the family's name. Thekua, fruits, sugarcane and other offerings are arranged in bamboo soops and a daura.
On the third evening the family goes to the ghat, and the vrati stands in the water to offer arghya to the setting sun with milk and water, while songs of Chhath are sung.
Before dawn on the fourth day the family returns to the ghat for arghya to the rising sun. The vrati then breaks the fast and prasad is shared.
The exact vidhi varies by region and family tradition, your Pandit will follow your customs.
Samagri can be arranged on request. We'll share a list suited to your vidhi before the day.
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Not included
Duration: Four days, with the Pandit present for the arghya as agreed. Inclusions are confirmed for your booking on WhatsApp.
A Pandit performs the ritual at your home, office or chosen venue in Varanasi or Hyderabad. We help with muhurat, samagri and preparation.
More cities are coming soon.
The same ritual goes by different names in different traditions. Whichever name your family uses, we can help.
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Chhath is mainly performed by the family itself. A Pandit is helpful for the sankalp, the katha and guidance on the vidhi, especially for first time vratis.
Many ghats fill with families during Chhath. Share where you are staying and we will suggest a convenient ghat and the best time to arrive.
Yes. Families away from a river often make a small water tank or use a clean pond or terrace setup for the arghya, following the same sequence.
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शुभं भवतु
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