Chaiti Chhath: Patna’s Radiant Summer Tribute to the Sun God
In March 2026, the ghats of the Ganga in Patna will once again transform into sacred spaces of devotion. While smaller in scale than the winter festival, Chaiti Chhath is known for its intense spiritual atmosphere and the rigorous penance performed by the Vratins (devotees) during the rising temperatures.
The Four Days of Rigorous Devotion
- Nahay-Khay: Devotees take a holy dip in the Ganga and consume a simple, sanctified meal of bottle gourd (kaddu-bhaat) and lentils, marking the beginning of the purity period.
- Kharna: A day-long fast is broken only in the evening after offering kheer (jaggery-based rice pudding) and roti to the Sun God. After this, a 36-hour waterless fast begins.
- Sandhya Arghya (Evening Offering): As depicted in the images, thousands gather at the riverbanks. Devotees stand waist-deep in the water, offering soop (bamboo trays) filled with seasonal fruits, thekua, and sprouts to the setting sun.
- Usha Arghya (Morning Offering): The festival concludes at dawn as devotees offer the final prayers to the rising sun, breaking their long fast with the holy prasad.
Why Chaiti Chhath is Unique in Patna
- The Seasonal Transition: Unlike the cold mornings of November, Chaiti Chhath requires devotees to withstand the increasing summer heat, making the 36-hour thirst-free fast an even greater feat of endurance.
- Ganga Ghat Transformation: Patna’s administration prepares specialized “low-water” enclosures and shades at ghats like Collectorate, Mahendru, and NIT Ghat to protect devotees from the midday sun.
- A Symbol of Resilience: The festival highlights the deep-rooted faith of Bihar, where nature is worshipped in all its seasonal forms. The sight of thousands of lamps floating on the calm summer waters of the Ganga is truly mesmerizing.