How to Perform Chhat Puja Vidhi Step by Step

Chhat Puja Vidhi: Rituals, Process, Facts, Story

February 04,2026 | Added by: Astro Editorial Team

Chhat Puja Significance & Facts

Chhath Puja is a inherited form of Shashti. This festival starts on the Shashti Tithi (sixth day) of the Kartik month Shukla Paksha, five days after Diwali, which falls on the new moon day of Kartik. This is one of the most difficult and important four-day fasts and festivals, starting on the sixth day of the bright fortnight of the Kartik month. That's why it is called “Chhath”.

This festival lasts for four days. On the first day, a meal consisting of rice cooked with rock salt and ghee, and pumpkin vegetable is consumed as prasad (offering), and only one meal is eaten.

The fast begins on the next day. The devotees abstain from food and water throughout the day and in the evening, around 7 pm, they prepare kheer (rice pudding), perform puja (worship), and then consume the prasad, which is called Kharna.

On the third day, offerings of milk are made to the setting sun. On the last day, offerings are made to the rising sun. Special attention is paid to purity during the puja; garlic and onions are prohibited. Devotional songs are sung in the houses where this puja is performed. Finally, the prasad of the puja is distributed to the people.

Chhath is a very big festival, especially in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Nowadays, wherever Bihari people live, they celebrate Chhath Puja, whether in India or outside India. The significance of Chhath Puja is immense; this fast has been observed for centuries, and people celebrate it with great joy.

It is believed that women who observe the Chhath fast are blessed with a son. Women generally observe this fast for the desire of a son and for the well-being of their sons. Men also observe this fast with complete devotion for the fulfilment of their wishes.

In the Chhath festival, the Chhath fast is of great importance, resembling a rigorous penance. This Chhath fast is mostly observed by women; some men also observe this fast. Women who observe the fast are called Parvaitin. During this four-day fast, the observer has to fast continuously.

Along with food, comfortable bedding is also given up. In the room prepared for the festival, the observer spends the night on the floor with only a blanket or sheet. People participating in this festival wear new clothes. It is mandatory for those observing the fast to wear clothes that have no stitching.

Women wear sarees and men wear dhotis during Chhath Puja. So, let's understand in details about what happens during these four days of fasting and how people of North India celebrate the Chhath festival.

First Day - Nahay-Khay

The first day of the Chhath festival, known as 'Nahay-Khay', begins on the fourth day of the bright half of the lunar month of Chaitra or Kartik (Kartik Shukla Chaturthi Tithi). First, the house is cleaned and purified. After that, the devotees take a bath in the nearby Ganges River, a tributary of the Ganges, or a pond.

On this day, the devotees carefully cut their nails, wash their hair thoroughly with clean water, and then bathe. While returning, they bring back Ganges water, which they use for cooking. They keep their surroundings clean and tidy. Devotees eat only once on the day. The meal consists of pumpkin curry, mung bean and chickpea lentils, and rice. Fried puris, parathas, and other vegetables are strictly prohibited.

This food is prepared with a very pure and pious feeling; the food is considered prasad (offering) and is not like a normal day's meal. The food is prepared in a traditional way, meaning it is cooked in bronze or clay pots. Instead of gas, mango tree wood and a traditional clay stove are used for cooking. You know, I'm not Bihari, but as a Hindu, I can feel how sacred and difficult this fast is.

Once the food is prepared, the devotee first offers it to the deity, then eats, and only then do other family members eat.

Second Day – Kharna

The second day of the Chhath festival, known as Kharna or Lohanda Chhath, is celebrated on the fifth day of the bright half of the lunar month of Kartik Month. On this day, the devotees keep fast all the day. On this day, the devotees do not even consume a single drop of water before sunset, let alone food.

In the evening, devotee make kheer (rice pudding) is made using rice, jaggery, and sugarcane juice. Salt and sugar are not used in the preparation of this food. These two items are again offered to the Sun God as Naivedya (offering), and then the devotees consume them in solitude in the same house. All the family members leave the house at that time when devotee eat prasad so that there is no noise should be raised.

There's another thing, if someone calls them or speaks loudly while they are eating, they immediately leave their food and get up. This means that once they get up after being told to, they don't sit down again to eat. This is because hearing any kind of noise while eating in solitude is against the rules of the festival for those observing the fast.

Third Day - Sandhya Arghya

The third day of Chhath Puja, known as Sandhya Arghya, is celebrated on the sixth day of the bright fortnight of Chaitra or Kartik. Throughout the day, everyone prepares for the puja together. Special offerings for Chhath Puja, such as Thekua (made from rice flour, jaggery, and ghee), and rice ladoos (also called Kachwaniya), are prepared.

A bamboo basket called a Daura is used to carry the puja offerings and fruits, which are then placed in the Deokari (a designated area for worship). After performing the puja there, in the evening, a man from the family carries the Daura, containing a coconut, five types of fruits, and other puja items, to the Chhath Ghat (riverbank).

To prevent it from becoming impure, it is carried above the head. On the way to the Chhath Ghat, women usually sing regional folk songs related to Chhath Puja. Upon reaching the river or pond, the women sit on a platform built by a family member. They take mud from the river and place all the puja items on the Chhath Mata's platform, offer a coconut, and light lamps.

A little before sunset, they take all the items for worshipping the Sun God, stand in knee-deep water, offer Arghya to the setting sun, and perform five circumambulations.

This day is harder than the other days because, firstly, they are fasting and don’t take even a drop of water, and secondly, in the cold Kartik month, they have to perform all the puja rituals while standing in the water for hours.

Fourth Day - Usha Arghya

On the fourth day, the morning of Kartik Shukla Saptami, offerings are made to the rising sun. Before sunrise, the devotees reach the ghat to worship the rising Sun God, and their family members and relatives are present, just as they were in the evening. The dishes offered during the evening arghya are replaced with new ones, but the roots, tubers, and fruits remain the same.

All the rules and rituals are the same as the evening arghya. The only difference is that the devotees stand in the water facing east and worship the sun. After the completion of the worship, the ghat is worshipped. After distributing the prasad among the people present, the devotees return home and distribute the prasad to their family members and neighbours too.

Upon returning home, the devotees go to the village's peepal tree, which is called Brahma Baba, and perform worship there. After the worship, the devotees break their fast by drinking a sherbet made of raw milk and eating some prasad. This is called Parana or Parna, which means that on this day, the devotees break their fast. The devotees, who have been observing a waterless fast since the day of Kharna, eat a meal containing salt for the first time this morning.

The most important thing is that if someone in a family observes the Chhath fast, they will continue to do so until a new generation in the family is old enough to observe the Chhath fast. According to Sanatan Dharma, if there is a death in the family or extended family, this festival is not celebrated.

Why and How is an Offering made to the Sun God During Chhath Puja? It is believed that the Chhath festival originated during the Mahabharata period. The first to worship the Sun God was Karna, the son of the Sun God.

Karna was a devout follower of Lord Surya. He would stand in waist-deep water for hours every day, offering prayers to the Sun God. It was through the grace of the Sun God that he became a great warrior. This same method of offering prayers is still prevalent in Chhath Puja today.

Some stories also mention Draupadi, the wife of the Pandavas, worshipping the sun. She regularly worshipped the sun for the good health and long life of her family members.

Is Chhath Puja a part of India's Devotional and Spiritual Heritage?

Yes, the most important aspect of Chhath Puja is its simplicity, purity, and connection to folk traditions. This festival, full of devotion and spirituality, uses bamboo baskets, earthen pots, sugarcane juice, jaggery, and offerings made from rice and wheat, accompanied by melodious folk songs, spreading the rich sweetness of folk life.

Chhath Puja Folk Songs

On various occasions during Chhath Festival, such as while preparing the offerings, during Kharna, while going to offer prayers, at the time of offering prayers, and while returning home from the ghat, many melodious and devotional folk songs are sung. I am sharing one of them with you; please take a look.

केलवा जे फरेला घवद से, ओह पर सुगा मेड़राय
काँच ही बाँस के बहंगिया, बहंगी लचकत जाए'
सेविले चरन तोहार हे छठी मइया। महिमा तोहर अपार।
उगु न सुरुज देव भइलो अरग के बेर।
निंदिया के मातल सुरुज अँखियो न खोले हे।
चार कोना के पोखरवा
हम करेली छठ बरतिया से उनखे लागी।

I've never seen Chhath Puja, but I worship Lord Surya daily that’s why I can imagine how it will be complicated. I also worship Surya Dev every Sunday during the Pausha Month, which is why I like Chhath Puja so much, because it's dedicated to Lord Surya.

I've collected some stories about Chhath Puja from my friends they are from Bihar basically and prepared this information for you. If there might be some mistakes or omissions. I request that if you have more information about Chhath Puja, please share it with us in the comment box.

Frequent Asked Questions(FAQs)

For daily worship, one may dedicate anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes, or even up to an hour. It would be even more beneficial if you were to incorporate a little meditation alongside your worship.

The best time for worship is considered to be between 4:00 AM and 5:30 AM in the morning. This specific period is known as the “Brahma Muhurta”.

If, due to unavoidable circumstances, you are unable to perform your worship, it is not a cause for concern. Simply offer your salutations to your Deity and convey to them, saying, "O Lord, I am unable to perform Your worship today" while explaining the reason for your inability. However, you should always strive to ensure that you do not miss your daily worship on any day, unless such unavoidable circumstances arise.

Yes, bathing purifies our body. This is beneficial not only for Puja but also in general; daily bathing helps prevent premature wrinkles, makes the skin glow, and strengthens one's immunity. However, if for any reason you are unable to bathe, you may still perform the Puja after thoroughly washing your face, hands, and feet.

No, it is highly advisable and excellent to perform the daily Puja yourself within your own home, regardless of your caste. However, if you lack the time or if no one else in the household is able to perform the Puja, you may then enlist the services of a priest.

One should face towards the East or North while performing “Puja”.

1) First, purify yourself by reciting the self-purification mantra; then, perform “Achamana” (ritual sipping of water) to achieve inner purification. Subsequently, you should perform the purification of the seat Asana, the ground called Bhu Shudhi, and the specific area where the worship is taking place.

2) Next, holding Gangajal (holy water from the Ganges), “Akshat” (unbroken rice grains), and a flower in your hands, perform the purification of the Ganesha idol. After the purification is complete, take a small amount of Akshat in your hands, chant the Ganesha mantra 108 times, and then while reciting the “Avahana” (invocation) mantra release the “Akshat” onto the idol slowly.

3) After that, proceed to observe the “Shodashopachara Puja Vidhi” (the ritual of sixteen acts of worship).

During Ganesh Puja, you may offer to the Lord in the form of Naivedya whatever you wish to present with devotion. Specifically, you may offer Motichoor Laddoos, coconuts, Modaks, any five seasonal fruits, Kheer, and various sweets made with milk.

You may keep the Ganesh idol on the puja platform or in the shrine for as many days as you desire. However, it is essential to perform the Visarjan (immersion) of the Ganesh idol by Bhadra Purnima at the very latest. Because the month of “Shradh Period” begins immediately next day of Bhadra Purnima, during which the immersion ceremony is prohibited. Whenever you perform the immersion, ensure you select an auspicious day; for instance, Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday are considered suitable. Additionally, you should avoid performing the immersion on Amavasya (New Moon), “Sankranti”, or “Pratipada Tithi”.

Lord Ganesh should be worshipped using the “Shodashopachara Puja Vidhi” (the sixteen-step ritual).

Lord Ganesh is worshipped on the “Chaturthi Tithi” (the fourth day) of the “Shukla Paksha” (waxing phase of the moon) during the month of “Bhadrapada”.

Ghat Sthapana is performed on the first day of Navratri. Barley is sown in an earthen pot and then a water-filled Kalash is placed on it. A silver coin, Gangajal, some Banaspati herbs like red sandalwood, jatamansi, indrajava, bhimseni camphor, a betel nut, and a lump of turmeric are placed inside the Kalash. Five mango leaves are placed on top of the Kalash, followed by a whole coconut wrapped in a red cloth. Shakti is then invoked, symbolizing prosperity and the beginning of the worship of Goddess Durga. The Kalash is considered the abode of gods and goddesses and is kept lit with an eternal flame for nine days.

For nine days, Mata Durga should be worshipped daily using the Shodashopachara Puja method. If you wish, you can also chant mantras and perform havan after the puja.

There are four Navratris in a year. The Navratri that falls in September-October is called Gupta Navratri, the Navratri that falls in the Magh month of January-February is called Gupta Navratri, the Navratri that falls in Chaitra month of March-April is called Chaitra/Basantika Navratri, the Navratri that falls in the Jyestha month of June-July is called Gupta Navratri.

Gupta Navaratri occurs twice a year. During this Navaratri, a spiritual seeker performs rituals in secret without anyone else's knowledge in order to attain a specific objective. Gupta Navaratri is considered to be of immense significance for spiritual practice.

Sharadiya Navaratri, which falls during the months of September and October, is celebrated with great enthusiasm by people across the globe.

If you wish to observe the Navaratri fast, you should take a Sankalp (vow) on the very first day of Navaratri, specifying exactly how many days you intend to fast. Generally, some people fast for 7 days and break their fast on Ashtami (the eighth day), while others fast for the full 10 days breaking their fast on Dussehra (the tenth day) following the Kanya Pujan ritual.

During Navaratri, Kanya Pujan also known as Kanjak involves revering young girls as embodiments of the Divine Mother. These girls are regarded as the living manifestations of the nine forms of Goddess Durga, collectively known as Navadurga.

Devotees complete their worship by treating girls aged 2 to 10 as the direct embodiment of the Goddess, offering them food and gifts; this practice is believed to bring happiness, prosperity, and deliverance from all adversities in life. This ritual is performed specifically to honor the Goddess and to seek her divine blessings.

Following the nine days of Navaratri worship, the Kalash should be immersed during an auspicious time (Shubh Muhurat) on the Dashami Tithi (the tenth day), or immediately after Mahanavami.

Hold a small amount of Akshat (unbroken rice grains) in your hand. While chanting the following mantra, gradually sprinkle the rice grains over the Kalash:

Mantra:

Gachchha Gachchha Surashreshthe Svasthanam Parameshvari |
Pujaradhanakale Cha Punaragamanaya Cha ||

You may distribute the coconut from the Kalash as Prasad (sacred offering) or immerse it in flowing water, as per your preference. Sprinkle the holy water from the Kalash throughout your home, and immerse the earthen pot itself under a tree or in a river. This ritual is believed to usher in positivity, happiness, and prosperity into the home.

Goddess Durga's has 9 forms and those nine forms worship by devotees during the Navaratri period. They are like following:

Day1: Shailaputri

Day2: Brahmacharini

Day 3: Chandraghanta

Day 4: Kushmanda

Day 5: Skandamata

Day 6: Katyayani

Day 7: Kalaratri

Day 8: Mahagauri

Day 9: Siddhidatri

Diwali Lakshmi Puja is best performed during the Pradosh Kala, specifically within the Sthira Lagna (Fixed Ascendant). The Pradosh Kala is generally considered to fall between 5:45 PM and 8:15 PM in the evening. This time corresponds to the Vrisha Lagna (Taurus Ascendant), which is classified as a "Sthira Lagna" according to Vedic Astrology.

During the days of Diwali, one should not sleep late into the morning. Under no circumstances should you disrespect your parents or elders.

Do not deceive anyone, and do not lie to anyone. Every nook and cranny of the house must be absolutely clean and tidy. One should avoid arguments or discord within the home, and one should not sleep during the evening hours. Refrain from consuming any form of intoxicant, and keep the house clean and well-decorated.

Generally, in North India, Diwali is celebrated over a period of five days, observed as follows:

Day 1: Dhanteras

Day 2: Narak Chaturdashi (Chhoti Diwali)

Day 3: Diwali

Day 4: Govardhan Puja

Day 5: Bhai Dooj

To perform Puja alone at home on Diwali, begin by thoroughly cleaning the entire house.

Next, in the North-East corner of the house, spread a red cloth over a raised platform (Chowki) and install the idols of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi.

Light ghee lamps; bathe the idols, apply sandalwood paste and a tilak (sacred mark) to them, and then offer flowers, fruits, and sweets. Finally, perform the worship using incense (dhoop), lamps (deep), and flowers. Conclude the ritual by performing the Aarti (hymn of worship) for Lord Ganesha and Mother Lakshmi, using either camphor or a ghee lamp. Afterward, bow down in reverence and distribute the Prasad (sacred food offering) among everyone present.

Dhanteras falls on the Trayodashi Tithi (thirteenth day) of the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon) during the month of Kartika. It marks the first day of the five-day festival of Diwali. On this day, Lord Dhanvantari, Goddess Lakshmi, and Lord Kubera are worshipped. Purchasing new utensils, gold or silver jewelry, or other items on this day is considered extremely auspicious.

Dhanvantari Trayodashi, is known as Dhanteras. On this day, one should worship Lord Dhanvantari, Goddess Lakshmi, and Lord Kubera. It is considered highly auspicious to purchase gold or silver jewelry, new utensils, coriander seeds, or a broom on this day.

In the evening, a four-faced lamp (Choumukha Deepak) is burned for Lord Yamaraj to pray for the longevity of all family members; during the day, the house is thoroughly cleaned, and in the evening, Lakshmi Pujan (worship of Goddess Lakshmi) is performed.

Chhath Puja is celebrated every year on the Shashthi Tithi or the sixth day) of the Shukla Paksha and waxing phase of the moon during the month of Kartik. It falls exactly six days after Diwali.

During Chhath Puja, the primary deities worshipped are “Surya Dev” hence the name “Surya Shashthi” and “Chhathi Maiya” is Goddess Shasthi. It is believed that Goddess Shasthi always protects children, and worshipping her blesses the household with a male child.

Chhath Puja is a major festival spanning four days, beginning on “Kartik Shukla Chaturthi” is the fourth day and continuing until “Saptami Tithi” is the seventh day. The rituals include:

Day 1: Nahay-Khay;

Day 2: Kharna;

Day 3: Sandhya Arghya (offering to the setting sun); and

Day 4: Usha Arghya (offering to the rising sun). This festival is dedicated to Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya.

Chhath Puja is a difficult fast that continues for 36 hours without water (Nirjala). Purity holds special significance in this observance, wherein everything is strictly sattvic and pure and wholesome. The ritual begins on the first day with 'Nahay-Khay,' followed by 'Kharna' on the second day; the third day features the 'Sandhya Arghya' and evening offering, and the fast concludes called Parana on the fourth day with the 'Usha Arghya' or morning offering.