Chhath Puja 2026: Why Do Devotees Offer Arghya to the Setting and Rising Sun?

Chhath Puja is one of India's most unique festivals dedicated to the Sun God, Surya Dev. It is celebrated with great devotion in Bihar, Jharkhand, eastern Uttar Pradesh and many other parts of India. People living abroad also celebrate the festival to stay connected with their culture and traditions.

During Chhath Puja, devotees gather near rivers, ponds and other water bodies to offer prayers to Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya. One of the most interesting things about this festival is that people worship both the setting Sun in the evening and the rising Sun the next morning.

But have you ever wondered why devotees offer water to the Sun? And why is the setting Sun worshipped when it is about to disappear from the sky?

The answers lie in the spiritual meaning of Chhath Puja, its connection with nature and the values it teaches us about life.

Why Is the Sun Worshipped During Chhath Puja?

The Sun is essential for life on Earth. It provides light and warmth, helps plants grow and supports the natural systems that humans and animals depend on. Without sunlight, life as we know it would not be possible.

In Hindu traditions, Surya Dev is worshipped as the source of energy, strength and vitality. Devotees believe that offering prayers to the Sun expresses gratitude for the blessings of life and nature.

During Chhath Puja, people pray for good health, happiness, prosperity and the well-being of their families. For many devotees, the festival is not only about asking for blessings but also about thanking the divine for everything they already have.

The festival reminds us that human life is closely connected to nature. The Sun rises every day, giving light and energy without expecting anything in return. This makes Surya Dev a symbol of consistency, discipline and selfless giving.

What Is the Spiritual Significance of Chhath Puja?

Chhath Puja is known for its strict rituals, devotion and discipline. Devotees follow traditional practices that include maintaining cleanliness, preparing offerings carefully and observing a fast according to their family's customs.

These rituals have a deeper meaning beyond the ceremonies themselves.

Gratitude: Offering Arghya to Surya Dev is a way of thanking the Sun for supporting life on Earth.

Discipline: Following the traditional vrat requires patience, dedication and self-control.

Purity: Cleaning the surroundings, taking ritual baths and preparing prasad with care represent physical and spiritual cleanliness.

Humility: Standing before the vast sky and the Sun reminds people that nature is much greater than any individual.

Together, these values make Chhath Puja a meaningful spiritual experience. It encourages devotees to slow down, focus on their prayers and appreciate the natural world around them.

What Is Surya Arghya in Chhath Puja?

Surya Arghya is one of the most important rituals of Chhath Puja. The word Arghya refers to a respectful offering, traditionally made with water, to Surya Dev.

Devotees stand in water near a river, pond or another suitable water body and offer water while praying to the Sun God. They may also carry traditional offerings in baskets, including fruits and other items used during the puja.

Two major Arghya rituals take place during Chhath Puja.

Sandhya Arghya: This is offered to the setting Sun in the evening. Families gather near water bodies, sing traditional Chhath songs and offer their prayers as the Sun slowly sets.

Usha Arghya: This is offered to the rising Sun the following morning. Devotees return before dawn and wait for the first rays of sunlight to begin their prayers.

Offering water to Surya Dev represents gratitude, devotion and respect for the forces of nature that sustain life.

Why Is the Setting Sun Worshipped During Chhath Puja?

One of the most special traditions of Chhath Puja is worshipping the setting Sun. In everyday life, people often associate sunrise with new beginnings, success and hope. Sunset, on the other hand, is usually seen as the end of the day.

Chhath Puja gives the setting Sun equal importance.

The evening ritual, known as Sandhya Arghya, teaches an important lesson: every stage of life deserves respect.

Life is full of different experiences. Sometimes we achieve our goals, while at other times we face difficulties or must accept that something has come to an end. Just as the Sun continues to hold its importance while setting, people can learn to value themselves beyond their achievements.

The setting Sun symbolises acceptance, balance and gratitude. It reminds devotees to remain thankful not only during happy moments but also when life becomes challenging.

This beautiful message makes Sandhya Arghya one of the most meaningful parts of Chhath Puja.

What Is the Significance of Usha Arghya?

After offering prayers to the setting Sun, devotees return the next morning to welcome the rising Sun through Usha Arghya.

The rising Sun represents hope, renewal and fresh beginnings. As the sky slowly becomes brighter after a dark night, it reminds people that difficult phases do not last forever.

For devotees, offering Usha Arghya is a way of seeking blessings for a positive future, good health and family happiness. It also marks the final stage of the main Chhath Puja rituals, after which the traditional fast is concluded according to family customs.

The transition from sunset to sunrise gives the festival a powerful message. Every ending can be followed by a new beginning, and every new day brings another opportunity to move forward.

What Is the Scientific Significance of Chhath Puja?

Chhath Puja has a strong connection with natural light and the daily cycle of sunrise and sunset. Some parts of this tradition can be understood through established scientific knowledge, although its religious meaning remains a matter of faith.

Natural light plays an important role in regulating the body's circadian rhythm, also known as the biological clock. This internal system helps organise the sleep-wake cycle and responds to patterns of light and darkness. Morning light, in particular, provides important signals to the body.

Sunlight also helps the body produce vitamin D when ultraviolet rays reach the skin. However, excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation can damage the skin and eyes, so safe sun exposure is important.

These scientific facts help explain why sunlight is important to human life. However, there is no established scientific evidence that Chhath Puja rituals themselves cure diseases or provide miraculous medical benefits.

The festival's connection with nature is best understood as a combination of cultural tradition, spiritual devotion and respect for natural cycles.

How Does Chhath Puja Connect Us With Nature?

Unlike festivals celebrated mainly inside homes or temples, Chhath Puja brings many devotees into open spaces near rivers, ponds and other water bodies.

Sunlight, water, fruits and agricultural produce are important parts of the festival. These elements remind people how closely daily life depends on natural resources.

The Sun provides energy, water supports life, and crops provide food for families and communities. Through its rituals, Chhath Puja encourages gratitude for these essential parts of existence.

It also highlights the importance of keeping the places where prayers are performed clean. Respecting rivers and other water bodies is a meaningful way to reflect the festival's connection with nature.

Why Is Chhath Puja Still Important Today?

Even today, Chhath Puja brings families and communities together. Many people travel to their hometowns to celebrate with loved ones, while others organise the rituals in cities and countries far from their ancestral homes.

The festival carries lessons that remain relevant to modern life. It teaches gratitude for what we have, discipline when following our responsibilities, humility when facing challenges and hope when beginning something new.

Through Sandhya Arghya, devotees honour the setting Sun and learn to respect life's endings. Through Usha Arghya, they welcome the rising Sun and celebrate new possibilities.

Ultimately, Chhath Puja is much more than a festival dedicated to the Sun God. It is a celebration of faith, nature, family and gratitude. Its rituals remind us to appreciate the world around us, respect every phase of life and welcome each new day with hope.