Chhath Puja is one of the most ancient and sacred Vedic festivals of India, dedicated to Surya Dev (Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya — the goddess of life energy and fertility.
Unlike most Hindu festivals, Chhath has no idol worship. It is a direct offering to nature — to the sun and water — expressing gratitude for sustaining life on earth. Devotees pray for the well-being of their family, protection of children, recovery from illness, and fulfilment of heartfelt wishes.
It is observed primarily by communities from Bihar, Jharkhand, and Eastern Uttar Pradesh. PSOTS has celebrated Chhath since 2022, and 2026 marks our Panch Varsh Mahotsav (5th year).
Day 1 — Nahay Khay (नहाय खाय)
Devotees (Vratis) take a purifying bath, wear clean clothes, and eat a simple sattvic meal — usually chana dal, lauki, and rice. The house is cleaned thoroughly. From this day, the Vrati observes strict purity.
Day 2 — Kharna (खरना)
A complete fast all day — no food, no water. In the evening the Vrati prepares खीर (rice kheer with jaggery) and रोटी as an offering to Surya Dev. After prayer, this prasad is distributed to family and neighbours. A 36-hour waterless fast then begins.
Day 3 — Sandhya Arghya (संध्या अर्घ्य) ⭐
The most significant moment — the Vrati stands in water at the ghat and offers Arghya (water + fruits + thekua) to the setting sun. The ghat fills with bamboo baskets (सूप), fruits, sugarcane, and diyas. Bhajans are sung by all.
Day 4 — Usha Arghya (उषा अर्घ्य) ⭐
Before dawn, the Vrati returns to the ghat and offers Arghya to the rising sun. After this final offering, the fast is broken and prasad — especially ठेकुआ — is distributed to everyone present.
ठेकुआ (Thekua) is the most sacred prasad of Chhath — a crisp, sweet biscuit made from wheat flour, jaggery, and ghee, shaped by hand and fried. It is offered to Surya Dev and then distributed. Receiving thekua is considered auspicious.
Other offerings placed in the सूप (bamboo basket) include fresh fruits (banana, sugarcane, coconut, citrus), kheer, ginger root, turmeric, and diyas. All are prepared with complete purity — no tasting before offering, no non-vegetarian food in the household during these four days.
Not at all. All PSOTS residents regardless of state or religion are warmly invited to attend, witness, and accept prasad. Chhath is a festival of gratitude to the sun and nature — its blessings are for everyone.
Coming to the ghat and offering your respect is a way to be part of something deeply meaningful, and we are glad to share it with the entire PSOTS community.
The Ghat is set up at the designated water body within the PSOTS society premises. The committee decorates it with lights, sugarcane, and diyas — it will be clearly visible. Look for announcements on WhatsApp for exact directions if you are unsure.
There is no strict dress code, but please dress modestly and respectfully — this is a sacred ritual space. Comfortable traditional wear (saree, kurta, salwar) is always appreciated. Avoid revealing clothing.
If you plan to stand in the water alongside Vratis, wear clothing you don't mind getting wet.
Yes, children are very welcome — Chhath is a family festival. Please keep young children supervised near the water. Children may accept prasad with both hands and participate in the bhajans.
Chhath Puja is a deeply sacred and disciplined Puja. As a visitor or well-wisher, please be mindful:
- Maintain silence and calm — avoid loud talking or laughter during Arghya
- No alcohol or non-vegetarian food in or near the ghat area
- Do not touch the offerings, baskets (सूप), or prasad without permission
- No smoking anywhere near the ghat
- Do not disturb Vratis — they are in a state of deep fasting and prayer
- Silence phone ringers during Arghya moments
- You are warmly welcome to join the bhajans and accept prasad with both hands
On Kharna evening (Nov 2), community prasad (kheer + roti) is served at the Community Hall at 7:00 PM — open to all residents.
On Usha Arghya morning (Nov 4), Thekua and other prasad is distributed at the ghat after the sunrise offering — this is a blessed moment and everyone is encouraged to be present.
All residents of Prestige Song of the South (PSOTS) are welcome to participate — whether you are a Vrati (devotee observing the fast) or simply want to be part of the Puja as a family.
Non-Hindu residents are also warmly invited to witness and support this sacred festival.
Login to the Resident Portal, go to your Profile tab, and mark yourself as a Vrati. This helps the committee plan ghat space, prasad quantities, and provide personalised support.
Yes! We welcome volunteers for ghat setup, prasad distribution, logistics, decoration, and more. Visit the Volunteer Page to register your interest and preferred tasks.
Go to the Contribute Page. You can pay via UPI (GPay, PhonePe, Paytm, BHIM) or cash. After paying, fill in the contribution form so the committee can verify and record it.
Cash payments can be handed directly to any committee member.
There is no minimum or maximum — contribute any amount you are comfortable with. Every contribution, big or small, is valued and goes entirely toward the Puja.
Yes, completely normal. After you submit the form, the committee manually checks the UPI transaction. This usually takes 24–48 hours. Once verified, the status changes to Received/Verified and your name appears on the contributors list.
All funds go toward the Chhath Puja expenses, including:
- Ghat decoration, tent & lighting setup
- Kharna community dinner
- Thekua & prasad for all residents
- Cultural programme (5th year special)
- Miscellaneous logistics & supplies
A full finance breakdown is published on the Finance Page for complete transparency.
Yes. The Finance Page shows year-wise expense breakdowns from 2022 to present. In 2025, ₹1,98,383 was collected from 141 families and every rupee is accounted for.
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