Chhath Puja Vrat: Fasting Rules, Traditions and Complete Puja Vidhi

The Unyielding Discipline of the Chhath Vrat

The Chhath Puja fast (Vrat) is recognized as one of the most challenging and strict fasts within the Hindu tradition. The individual undertaking the fast, referred to as the Vrati (typically women, though men participate as well), are required to follow extremely strict guidelines of purity, endurance, and dedication.

The 36-Hour Nirjala Fast

The core of the Chhath Vrat is the 36-hour Nirjala Fast: indicating that the Vrati must abstain from any food or water intake. This timeframe starts on the evening of Kharna (Day 2) after having the Rasiyaw Prasad and continues uninterrupted through Sandhya Arghya (Day 3), ending only at sunrise during Usha Arghya (Day 4).

Strict Rules of Purity

Purity is essential during Chhath. These guidelines apply not only to the Vrati but also to the whole household:

• No Onion or Garlic: The kitchen needs to be completely cleared of onions, garlic, and any non-vegetarian products several days beforehand.
• Sleeping on the Floor: From the very first day (Nahay Khay), the Vrati rests on the floor using a simple mat or blanket, giving up the comfort of beds.
• Unstitched Clothing: Vratis are required to wear fresh, unstitched garments. Women usually don a cotton sari without a blouse or petticoat, while men wear a dhoti. Preferably, the clothing is colored using natural turmeric dye.
• No Leather: Leather belts, shoes, or bags are completely prohibited during the Puja and the procession to the Ghat.
• Spotless Cooking: Chhath Prasad (Thekua, Kheer) should be prepared exclusively on a newly built mud stove (chulha) using only dry wood, and never on a modern gas stove. The cook must wash their hands repeatedly during the process.

The Complete Puja Vidhi

The Vidhi (ritual) demands significant physical stamina. Standing in cold water for hours at sunset and sunrise calls for tremendous determination. The Vrati carries the heavy bamboo basket (Soop) as prayers are recited. It is firmly believed that the Vrati absorbs energy directly from the sun, enabling them to endure hunger, thirst, and cold without exhaustion.