Chhath Puja is one of India’s most revered festivals, dedicated to Chhathi Maiya and the Sun God, Surya Dev.
Known for its strict rituals, devotion, fasting, and offerings made to the rising and setting Sun, the festival has traditionally been associated with Bihar, Jharkhand, and eastern Uttar Pradesh.
However, its observance has expanded considerably over the years.
Today, the states that celebrate Chhath Puja include not only Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh but also several other parts of India where communities organize Chhath celebrations in homes, temples, public ghats, lakes, and riverbanks.
But why is Chhath Puja becoming increasingly popular across India?
The answer lies in migration, cultural traditions, community participation, and the festival’s strong connection with nature and family values.
What Is Chhath Puja?
Chhath Puja is a Hindu festival dedicated primarily to Surya Dev, the Sun God, and Chhathi Maiya, who is traditionally worshipped for health, prosperity, family well-being, and the happiness of children.
The festival is observed over four days and involves rituals such as bathing, fasting, preparing traditional offerings, and offering arghya to the setting and rising Sun.
One of the most distinctive features of Chhath Puja is that devotees worship both the setting Sun and the rising Sun.
Devotees also maintain strict cleanliness and discipline throughout the rituals, making Chhath different from many other Hindu festivals.
Which States Celebrate Chhath Puja?
The states that celebrate Chhath Puja most prominently are Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh.
However, the festival is now observed in many other states because of the spread of communities from these regions.
1. Bihar
Bihar is widely regarded as the heartland of Chhath Puja.
The festival holds deep cultural and religious significance across the state, with families gathering at rivers, ponds, and specially prepared ghats.
Cities such as Patna, Gaya, Muzaffarpur, Bhagalpur, and many other areas witness large-scale celebrations.
Devotees prepare traditional offerings such as thekua, fruits, sugarcane, and other seasonal produce.
2. Jharkhand
Chhath Puja is also deeply rooted in Jharkhand’s cultural traditions. Devotees gather around rivers, lakes, ponds, and other water bodies to perform the rituals.
Cities including Ranchi, Jamshedpur, Dhanbad, and Bokaro see extensive preparations during the festival.
Local communities often work together to clean and decorate Chhath ghats.
3. Uttar Pradesh
Eastern Uttar Pradesh has a long-standing tradition of celebrating Chhath Puja, particularly in areas culturally connected with Bihar and the Bhojpuri-speaking region.
The festival is especially visible in cities such as Varanasi, Gorakhpur, Prayagraj, and surrounding areas.
Over time, Chhath celebrations have also become increasingly visible in other urban centers of Uttar Pradesh.
4. West Bengal
Chhath Puja is celebrated by communities across several parts of West Bengal, particularly in urban areas with significant populations originating from Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh.
Kolkata and other cities see devotees gathering near rivers, ponds, and community ghats to offer prayers to the Sun.
5. Delhi and the National Capital Region
Delhi has become an important center for Chhath celebrations because of its large migrant population from Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh.
During Chhath, numerous temporary and permanent ghats are prepared across Delhi and nearby areas.
Community organizations, residential societies, and local groups frequently participate in arranging facilities for devotees.
6. Maharashtra
Chhath Puja is increasingly visible in Maharashtra, particularly in Mumbai and other major urban centers.
The festival is largely celebrated by communities with roots in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh.
Public celebrations allow families living away from their ancestral homes to continue their traditions together.
7. Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Other States
Chhath Puja is also observed by communities in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Odisha, Karnataka, and other parts of the country.
The scale of celebration varies from one location to another.
In many cities, Chhath is primarily a community-led celebration organized by migrant and regional associations.
Why Is Chhath Puja Becoming Popular Across India?
The growing popularity of Chhath Puja can be explained by several social and cultural factors.
1. Migration Has Taken the Festival Beyond Its Traditional Regions
One of the biggest reasons for the spread of Chhath Puja is migration.
People from Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh have moved to metropolitan cities and different states for education, employment, business, and other opportunities.
Even after relocating, many families continue observing Chhath as an important part of their cultural identity.
As communities grow in different cities, collective celebrations have become more common.
2. Community Celebrations Make Chhath More Visible
Chhath is strongly associated with community participation. Families often come together at public water bodies, while local organizations help arrange ghats, lighting, cleanliness, security, and other facilities.
These large gatherings make the festival highly visible and encourage younger generations to participate in traditional rituals.
3. Social Media Has Increased Awareness
Social media has also contributed to Chhath Puja’s growing visibility.
Photographs and videos of beautifully decorated ghats, traditional offerings, devotional songs, and evening and morning arghya ceremonies are widely shared online.
This digital visibility has helped people across India become more familiar with the festival.
4. Its Connection With Nature Appeals to Modern Audiences
Chhath Puja has a strong connection with natural elements, particularly the Sun, water, seasonal fruits, and traditional food.
The emphasis on cleanliness, discipline, simplicity, and environmental surroundings has also contributed to broader interest in the festival.
5. Chhath Strengthens Family and Cultural Bonds
For many devotees, Chhath is more than a religious festival. It is an occasion for families to come together and preserve traditions.
People living away from their hometowns often travel home during Chhath, while others participate in community celebrations in their cities.
This combination of faith, family, and community makes the festival particularly significant for devotees.
What Are the Main Rituals of Chhath Puja?
Chhath Puja traditionally takes place over four days, with each day having its own significance and rituals.
Day 1 – Nahay Khay: Devotees begin the festival with ritual bathing and a simple, traditionally prepared meal. Cleanliness and purity are important aspects of this stage.
Day 2 – Kharna: Devotees observe a day-long fast and break it in the evening after preparing offerings, traditionally including kheer and roti.
Day 3 – Sandhya Arghya: Devotees visit a water body and offer arghya to the setting Sun. Families carry traditional offerings in bamboo baskets and other ritual containers.
Day 4 – Usha Arghya: Devotees offer prayers and arghya to the rising Sun, after which the fast is traditionally concluded.
The exact practices and food preparations can vary between families and regions, but devotion, cleanliness, fasting, and offerings to the Sun remain central to the festival.
The Growing Cultural Reach of Chhath Puja
The story of Chhath Puja’s expansion is closely connected with the movement of people across India.
What was once most strongly identified with Bihar, Jharkhand, and eastern Uttar Pradesh is now celebrated by communities in numerous cities and states.
The festival’s combination of devotion, family traditions, community participation, and respect for nature has helped it maintain its significance even as people move away from their ancestral homes.
As urban communities continue to grow and cultural traditions are shared through public celebrations and digital platforms, the states that celebrate Chhath Puja are becoming increasingly diverse and geographically widespread.
Ultimately, the growing reach of Chhath Puja demonstrates how Indian traditions can travel across regions while retaining their distinctive rituals and cultural identity.
From the ghats of Bihar and Jharkhand to community celebrations in major metropolitan cities, Chhath continues to bring people together through faith, tradition, family, and a shared connection with nature.
