The Four-Day Journey of Devotion
Chhath Puja is a multi-day celebration spanning four days, marked by rigorous discipline, profound purity, and steadfast devotion. Every day is designated with a particular name, accompanied by unique rituals and specific culinary customs.
Day 1: Nahay Khay (The Day of Purification)
The festival begins with Nahay Khay (literally "Bathe and Eat"). The Vrati (the individual fasting) immerses themselves in a sacred river to cleanse both body and soul. The home is meticulously cleaned. The Vrati partakes in one simple, pure vegetarian meal, typically made up of bottle gourd (kaddu) vegetable, chana dal, and rice prepared on a traditional clay stove.
Day 2: Kharna (The Day of Preparation)
The second day, Kharna, signals the start of the strict fasting period. The Vrati abstains from both food and water throughout the day. In the evening, a special prasad called Rasiyaw (kheer prepared with jaggery, milk, and rice) along with roti is prepared. After offering it to the deity in seclusion, the Vrati partakes of it, commencing the 36-hour Nirjala (waterless) fast.
Day 3: Sandhya Arghya (The Evening Offering)
This day is the most visually stunning of the festival. Devotees assemble large bamboo baskets (daura) and soops loaded with fruits, thekua, sugarcane, and coconuts. In the late afternoon, the whole family proceeds to the edge of a river or pond. The Vrati wades waist-deep into the water and makes offerings Arghya toward the setting sun. This pays tribute to the setting sun (Pratyusha) and expresses gratitude for its life-giving energy.
Day 4: Usha Arghya (The Morning Offering)
Before dawn on the last day, families gather once more at the riverbank. The Vrati stands again in the water, awaiting the sunrise. As the initial rays of the sun (Usha) emerge, the final Arghya is provided. The Vrati then ends their 36-hour fast by taking ginger and water, signifying the successful conclusion of the Chhath Puja.
The original article text is retained from the provided Chhath Puja collection. For this edition, navigation, summaries, images, and clearly marked editorial notes have been included.