Chhath Puja, a grand festival devoted to the worship of the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya, symbolizes purity, faith, and devotion. Celebrated with immense discipline, this festival spans four days, and today marks its third and most significant day — Sandhya Arghya, when devotees offer prayers to the setting sun. On this sacred occasion, there are certain rituals and restrictions that must be followed diligently. Even a small mistake during Sandhya Arghya is believed to invite negative outcomes. Here’s what devotees should avoid doing during this sacred ritual.
During Sandhya Arghya, those observing the fast must refrain from eating or drinking anything from sunrise until the next morning’s sunrise. Those not fasting should also maintain cleanliness and purity — they should never touch the Prasad or Arghya preparations without washing their hands properly. It’s also important not to prepare or handle offerings if one is impure or unclean, as this is considered disrespectful to the deities. Devotees should avoid wearing slippers or footwear while performing any task related to the puja, as it violates the sanctity of the ritual. Additionally, anger and harsh speech should be completely avoided — maintaining calmness and positivity throughout the day is seen as a way of honoring Chhathi Maiya’s blessings.
As for the correct way to perform Sandhya Arghya, devotees should complete all preparations before sunset and gather at a riverbank, pond, or a clean, water-filled courtyard area. The fasting person should wear pure, traditional clothes and offer milk and Ganga water to the setting sun. The Arghya stream should flow toward the sun, ensuring the sun’s reflection is visible through it. Vedic mantras should be recited while offering the Arghya, and afterward, a ghee lamp should be lit and placed on the water or along the riverbank.
Once the ritual is complete, devotees listen to the Chhath Vrat Katha and perform Aarti, praying for the well-being, longevity, happiness, and prosperity of their family and children. Observing these customs with sincerity ensures that the divine blessings of the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya remain with the devotees throughout the year.
