Chhath Puja Across India: How Different Regions Celebrate the Festival

Chhath Puja is one of the most revered Hindu festivals dedicated to the worship of the Sun God, Surya, and his sister, Chhathi Maiya. This festival is celebrated with deep devotion and unique customs, especially in northern and eastern India. While it is most popular in states like Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh, its celebration has spread across the country and even among Indian communities abroad. Each region brings its distinct flavor to the festival, enriching Chhath Puja with diverse traditions. Here’s how Chhath Puja is celebrated in different parts of India and what makes each celebration special.

Bihar: The Heart of Chhath Puja

Bihar is often considered the birthplace of Chhath Puja. Here, the festival is celebrated with unmatched fervor, and people from all over the state, and even outside, gather to perform the rituals. The main celebration lasts for four days, during which devotees observe fasting, abstain from drinking water, and perform prayers at riverbanks. 

In Bihar, the ghats (riverbanks) are beautifully decorated, and the atmosphere is filled with the sounds of folk songs dedicated to Chhathi Maiya. People wear traditional clothes, and many devotees stand in the water to offer prayers to the setting and rising sun. Thekua, a special sweet made of wheat flour, jaggery, and ghee, is prepared as a sacred offering. Every aspect of the festival reflects the deep-rooted cultural heritage of Bihar.

Jharkhand: Similar Traditions with a Local Touch

In Jharkhand, the Chhath Puja rituals are similar to those in Bihar, but there are a few regional differences. Like in Bihar, people in Jharkhand also gather by rivers and ponds to worship the Sun God. Devotees follow the same fasting and rituals, preparing offerings of fruits, rice, and thekua. However, Jharkhand also sees a slight tribal influence in its celebrations, as some tribal communities participate in the festival, bringing their own customs and flavors to Chhath Puja.

Uttar Pradesh: Celebrations Along the Ganga

In Uttar Pradesh, especially in regions close to the Ganga River, Chhath Puja is celebrated with great enthusiasm. Cities like Varanasi, Allahabad, and Lucknow see large gatherings of devotees at the ghats, where people come together to perform the puja rituals. The Ganga holds a special significance for the people of Uttar Pradesh, and this makes the Chhath Puja celebration even more sacred here.

Devotees offer prayers to Surya Dev by standing in the water with baskets filled with fruits, sweets, and other offerings. The sound of traditional folk music fills the air, and families gather together to seek blessings for health and happiness. The Uttar Pradesh celebration is vibrant and colorful, with communities joining hands to make the festival even more special.

Delhi and Other Metropolitan Cities

With a large population from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh residing in Delhi and other metropolitan areas, Chhath Puja has gained importance in cities outside the traditional regions. In Delhi, places like the Yamuna River banks and small water bodies are transformed into makeshift ghats, where devotees can perform the rituals. Many community centers organize Chhath Puja celebrations, ensuring that people can observe the festival even far from their hometowns.

In Mumbai and Kolkata as well, Chhath Puja is observed with similar enthusiasm. Families come together, and local organizations arrange for safe places for the rituals. The festival helps connect people with their roots, even when they are far from home.

Chhath Puja in Neighboring Countries

Chhath Puja is also celebrated by Indian communities in neighboring countries like Nepal and Bangladesh. In Nepal, especially in the Terai region, Chhath Puja is celebrated with similar customs as in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Families gather near rivers, ponds, and lakes to perform the rituals, making the festival a beautiful bond between the two countries.

Sending Chhath Puja Greetings Across Regions

With family members and friends living across different cities and countries, sending Chhath Puja greetings has become an important part of the festival. Many people now use digital Chhath Puja greeting cards to send their warm wishes to loved ones. Services like Varnz offer AI generated Chhath Puja greeting cards that make it easy to send customized Chhath Puja wishes in Hindi or English. These beautiful cards capture the spirit of Chhath Puja with traditional images and messages, allowing people to stay connected and share blessings even if they can’t be physically present.

Chhath Puja Celebrations: A Festival of Unity and Devotion

Chhath Puja is more than just a religious festival—it is a celebration of unity, love, and gratitude. Across India, each region adds its unique touch to the festival, creating a beautiful mosaic of cultural diversity. Whether it’s the grand celebrations on the Ganga ghats of Uttar Pradesh, the intimate gatherings in small towns of Jharkhand, or the community events in metropolitan cities, Chhath Puja continues to bring people together.

Sending Chhath Puja greetings and Chhath Puja wishes in Hindi allows families and friends to share the joy, even if they are separated by distance. The Chhath Puja greeting cards from Varnz offer a wonderful way to celebrate and spread the blessings of Chhathi Maiya and Surya Dev to everyone.