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The Grandeur of Sandhya Arghya
Devotees across India, particularly in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh, gathered at riverbanks, ponds, and temporary water bodies on October 27, 2025, to offer Sandhya Arghya—the evening prayer dedicated to the setting Sun. This sacred ritual, central to Chhath Puja, witnessed thousands of families standing waist-deep in water, their bamboo baskets filled with offerings of thekua, rice laddus, sugarcane, fruits, and flowers. Lamps and diyas lit up the ghats, creating a mesmerizing spectacle as communities collectively sought blessings for happiness, prosperity, and longevity of their loved ones.
Essence and Significance of Chhath Puja
Chhath Puja is among India’s oldest and most spiritually significant festivals, devoted to worshipping the Sun God (Surya) and Chhathi Maiya. It symbolizes purity, faith, endurance, and the timeless gratitude people offer to nature. Women, known as Parvaitin, undertake a 36-hour strict fast without water, cleaning their homes and surroundings, emphasizing internal and external purification. Rituals begin with Nahay Khay, progress to Kharna (nirjala vrat or waterless fast), and culminate in the Sandhya Arghya, where families, transcending caste and class, stand in water united in prayer.
The festival carries profound social and spiritual significance. It is believed that observing Chhath with sincerity brings prosperity, ensures the wellbeing of children, and strengthens family bonds. Chhath Puja fosters community unity, equality, and respect for environmental conservation, shining a light on the importance of rivers and clean water bodies.
Tradition Passed Down Generations
Passed down through generations, the Chhath tradition links ancient Vedic customs with modern-day devotion. The rituals require no priestly intervention and can be performed by all, reflecting inclusivity and the festival’s people-centric nature. As the Arghya concludes, devotees express their gratitude to the Sun for blessing them with life, good health, and a bountiful harvest, truly capturing the festival’s enduring legacy.
