“Chhath Puja is one of the most sacred festivals for us, Biharis. It’s a time when we come together to honor Surya, the Sun God, with devotion and discipline. For four days, my entire family keeps a fast, from sunrise to sunset, strictly following the Suryodaya (sunrise) and Suryast (sunset) timings that hold so much significance during this puja. We gather at a river or pond to offer Arghya, our prayers and offerings, to the setting sun.

Some of my best memories are from my grandmother’s kitchen, where we would prepare the festival dishes. We cook with Gangajal, the holy water from the Ganges, and everything is made on a traditional clay chulha. All our meals are Satvik, meaning we don’t use onions or garlic, and we follow strict hygiene—cooking and eating only after bathing.

What I find unique about Chhath Puja is that there’s no idol worship. Instead, we offer our prayers directly to the sun, seeking health and prosperity for our family. While there are countless rituals and ancient stories attached to it, I’ve always felt that Chhath is more than a tradition. It’s a time to strengthen bonds and wish for the well-being of everyone around us. It’s an experience that’s deeply humbling and uplifting at the same time.”