Chhath Puja is one of the most sacred festivals of the Madhesi and Maithil communities, observed with deep devotion in Nepal's Terai region, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh in India—and increasingly celebrated by diaspora communities around the world. Known as a festival of the Sun God (Surya) and Chhathi Maiya, it is marked by fasting, offerings, and prayers performed along riverbanks.

At the heart of this festival is the indispensable role of women, who embody devotion, discipline, and cultural continuity through their participation in the rituals.

Women as the Central Observers (Vratis)

While both men and women may take part in Chhath Puja, women are traditionally the primary observers of the fast. They abstain from food and water for long periods, maintaining complete purity of mind and body. The four-day rituals—Nahay Khay, Kharna, Sandhya Arghya, and Usha Arghya—are often led by women who prepare the offerings, guide the family, and perform the puja at sunrise and sunset. Their commitment symbolizes not only personal devotion but also collective family well-being.

Women as Primary Devotees — The Parvaitin Tradition

Traditionally, women have been the primary observers of Chhath Puja vows. Known as Parvaitin (the one who observes the fast), women take on the rigorous four-day ritual with unwavering dedication. This leadership role is not imposed but chosen, reflecting the deep spiritual connection women feel with the Sun God and the natural elements central to the festival.

Mothers: The Cultural Transmitters

Mothers play the most crucial role in preserving and transmitting Chhath Puja traditions. From teaching children the proper way to make offerings to sharing the stories and significance behind each ritual, mothers serve as living libraries of cultural knowledge.

They pass down cultural traditions in many ways:

• Teaching traditional songs: Mothers teach the beautiful folk songs of Chhath in Maithili and Bhojpuri.
• Cooking sacred foods: The art of preparing thekua, kheer, and other prasad items is carefully handed down.
• Ritual knowledge: Mothers guide children on proper procedures, timing, and the spiritual meanings of rituals.
• Cultural values: Beyond rituals, they instill devotion, sacrifice, and the importance of community service.

Leadership Within Family and Community

Women are not only participants but also leaders in organizing Chhath Puja. They oversee the preparation of offerings such as thekua and fruits, manage the collection of bamboo baskets (soop), and ensure that all rituals are performed correctly. Within communities abroad, like in the Dallas–Fort Worth area, women play a pivotal role in mobilizing families, preparing prasad collectively, and creating the spiritual environment of the celebration.

Preservers of Tradition and Culture

A unique cultural element of Chhath Puja is the folk songs (Chhath geet) sung during rituals. Women lead these devotional songs, passing them from one generation to the next. The melodies, often sung in Bhojpuri and Maithili, create an atmosphere of reverence and cultural pride. By teaching these songs, preparing traditional foods, and narrating the stories behind the festival, women serve as the carriers of cultural identity.

Women as Cultural Anchors in the Diaspora

For Madhesi and Nepali-American families, celebrating Chhath Puja abroad is not always easy—finding a riverbank, organizing the rituals, and gathering the community takes effort. Yet, it is often women who insist on continuing the tradition, ensuring that children learn the meaning of fasting, devotion, and community gathering. In this way, women become the cultural anchors of the diaspora, keeping alive a centuries-old festival thousands of miles away from its origin.

Symbol of Resilience and Faith

In many ways, women in Chhath Puja embody the festival's core values—discipline, humility, and harmony with nature. Their prayers face the rising and setting sun, reminding the community of gratitude for life, light, and sustenance. Their leadership ensures that Chhath Puja remains not just a ritual, but a living tradition that continues to inspire resilience and unity in both homeland and diaspora communities.

Closing Reflection

Chhath Puja is often called the festival of the Sun, but in practice, it is also a celebration of women—their strength, sacrifice, and spirituality. Without their unwavering devotion, the rituals would lose much of their essence.

As we celebrate Chhath Puja each year, whether on the banks of rivers in Nepal or in parks and lakes across the United States, let us honor the women who keep this tradition alive and ensure that future generations inherit not only the rituals but also the values of faith, family, and cultural pride.