Hindu Festival without Priest: Chhath Puja is a special Hindu festival where people do all the rituals by themselves without any priest. It is an old tradition celebrated for four days in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh and Nepali Terai. The festival is about devotion, self-discipline, and directly connecting with the Sun God, Surya Dev, and Chhathi Maiya.
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The rituals of Chhath Puja are unique because they emphasize purity and self-control. All ceremonies are performed by the devotees themselves. This close connection between God and worshiper shows the core faith behind the festival. Unlike other festivals where priests lead the prayers, here, devotees take full responsibility for their offerings and rituals.
The festival lasts four days. The 1st day is Nahay Khay, when devotees take a holy bath in rivers and eat pure, simple foods to prepare for the fasting days ahead.
Day 2nd is Kharna, the start of fasting. In the evening the devotees end the fast with prasad, usually kheer and chapati, while chanting traditional prayers.
Day 3rd is Sandhya Arghya, when men and women gather at riverbanks or ponds to offer arghya, water, and other offerings, to the setting Sun. This ritual is entirely performed by the community and does not involve priests.
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The 4th day is Usha Arghya, the end of the fast, when devotees worship the rising Sun and break their 36-hour fast with prasad, celebrating with family and community.
People stand in rivers or ponds to offer “arghya” to the Sun during sunset and sunrise. No idols are used in Chhath Puja, and it is mostly about folk traditions and faith. Women play a very important role, especially in preparing offerings and leading prayers. The festival is mainly celebrated in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Nepal. Devotees eat only clean, simple foods like fruits, milk, and sattvic meals during these days.
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