Overview

Chhath is one of the most sacred and visually captivating festivals in Nepal’s Terai region and northern India, especially in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Mithila communities. Dedicated to Surya, the Sun God, and Chhathi Maiya (a goddess associated with health and prosperity), the festival spans four days of purification, fasting, and prayer. Women—often barefoot and in vibrant traditional attire—stand for hours in rivers or ponds, offering arghya (sacred offerings) to the setting and rising sun. Songs echo through the night as families gather near water bodies in devotion and celebration. More than just a ritual, Chhath represents gratitude, hope, and a powerful connection to nature.