The Four Stages of Chhath Puja Rituals
A detailed explanation of Nahay Khay, Lohanda/Kharna, Sandhya Arghya, and Usha Arghya - the four sacred stages that make Chhath Puja one of the most rigorous Hindu festivals.
The sacred four-day journey of Chhath Puja rituals
Chhath Puja is unique among Hindu festivals for its structured four-day ritual sequence, each day building upon the previous one in spiritual intensity and physical demands. These four stages - Nahay Khay, Lohanda/Kharna, Sandhya Arghya, and Usha Arghya - represent a complete spiritual journey of purification, devotion, and gratitude.
Nahay Khay (नहाय खाय)
Day of Purification and Preparation
Meaning and Significance
"Nahay Khay" literally means "bathe and eat." This first day marks the beginning of the spiritual journey and focuses on physical and mental purification. Devotees prepare their bodies and minds for the intense rituals ahead.
Rituals and Practices
- Holy Bath: Devotees take a purifying bath in a river, pond, or clean water body before sunrise
- House Cleaning: Complete cleaning and purification of the home and surroundings
- Sacred Meal: Preparation and consumption of simple, pure vegetarian food
- Mental Preparation: Beginning of mental focus and spiritual contemplation
- Fasting Rules: Only one meal is consumed, typically rice, lentils, and pumpkin curry
Traditional Foods
Chana dal (split chickpeas), kaddu (bottle gourd), rice, and pure ghee are the preferred foods, symbolizing simplicity and purity.
Lohanda/Kharna (लोहंडा/खरना)
Day of Fasting and Evening Feast
Meaning and Significance
Kharna is the most challenging day, involving a complete fast without water (nirjala vrat) from sunrise to sunset. This day tests the devotee's determination and purifies the body through controlled deprivation.
Rituals and Practices
- Complete Fast: No food or water from sunrise to sunset (12+ hours)
- Evening Preparation: Preparation of kheer (rice pudding) and chapati
- Moon Worship: Offering prayers to the moon after sunset
- Breaking the Fast: Consuming prasad (kheer and chapati) after moon worship
- Family Participation: Family members also consume the same prasad
- Preparation for Next Day: Beginning preparation for the main rituals
Sacred Prasad
The kheer must be prepared with jaggery (not sugar), rice, and milk, cooked in pure ghee. This prasad is considered highly sacred and is shared with family and neighbors.
Sandhya Arghya (संध्या अर्घ्य)
Evening Offering to the Setting Sun
Meaning and Significance
Sandhya Arghya is the main ritual day when devotees offer prayers to the setting sun. This day represents the peak of devotion and is considered the most important day of the festival.
Rituals and Practices
- Preparation of Offerings: Making thekua, fruits, and other prasad items
- Decorating Soop: Arranging offerings in bamboo baskets (soop)
- Journey to Water: Procession to river, pond, or water body
- Standing in Water: Devotees stand waist-deep in water facing west
- Sunset Prayers: Offering arghya (water) to the setting sun
- Community Singing: Traditional Chhath songs and prayers
- Night Vigil: Many devotees spend the night near the water body
🥮 Traditional Offerings
Thekua (sweet cookies), bananas, coconuts, sugarcane, and seasonal fruits arranged in decorative patterns.
🎵 Sacred Songs
Traditional folk songs in Maithili and Bhojpuri languages, passed down through generations.
Usha Arghya (उषा अर्घ्य)
Dawn Offering to the Rising Sun
Meaning and Significance
Usha Arghya, the final ritual, involves offering prayers to the rising sun. This represents hope, new beginnings, and the completion of the spiritual journey. "Usha" means dawn, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness.
Rituals and Practices
- Pre-dawn Preparation: Devotees gather at the water body before sunrise
- Sunrise Vigil: Waiting for the first rays of the sun
- Final Arghya: Offering water and prayers to the rising sun
- Prasad Distribution: Sharing blessed food with family and community
- Breaking the Fast: Devotees break their 36-hour fast
- Blessings: Seeking blessings from elders and giving to younger ones
- Community Celebration: Collective celebration and feast
🌅 The Sacred Moment
The moment when the sun's first rays touch the water is considered the most auspicious. Devotees make their final wishes and express gratitude for the year's blessings.
Spiritual and Scientific Benefits
Each stage of Chhath Puja offers both spiritual and scientific benefits:
🧘 Spiritual Benefits
- • Mental purification and focus
- • Increased self-discipline and willpower
- • Deep spiritual connection with nature
- • Community bonding and social harmony
- • Gratitude and mindfulness practice
🔬 Scientific Benefits
- • Detoxification through controlled fasting
- • Vitamin D absorption from sun exposure
- • Improved immunity and metabolism
- • Cardiovascular benefits from physical activity
- • Mental health benefits from meditation
Preparation Guidelines
For those planning to observe Chhath Puja, here are essential preparation guidelines:
📋 Before Starting
- • Consult with experienced practitioners or family elders
- • Ensure good health and physical fitness
- • Arrange for pure, clean water source
- • Prepare all necessary items and ingredients
- • Plan for community support and participation
- • Understand the complete ritual sequence
Modern Adaptations
While maintaining the core spiritual essence, modern celebrations have adapted to contemporary challenges:
- Urban Settings: Use of swimming pools, artificial ponds, or large containers when natural water bodies aren't available
- Health Considerations: Medical supervision for elderly or health-compromised devotees
- Environmental Awareness: Eco-friendly offerings and cleanup initiatives
- Global Diaspora: Community centers organizing collective celebrations
Conclusion
The four stages of Chhath Puja represent a complete spiritual journey that combines ancient wisdom with practical benefits. Each day builds upon the previous one, creating a transformative experience that purifies the body, mind, and soul. Whether observed in traditional settings along the Ganges or adapted for modern urban environments, these rituals continue to provide devotees with a profound connection to nature, community, and the divine.
Understanding these four stages helps us appreciate the depth and complexity of Chhath Puja, making it clear why this festival holds such a special place in the hearts of millions of devotees worldwide.
DFWCPCC Editorial Team
Cultural preservation through education