Chhath Puja 2026: Why the Sun is Worshipped on Chhath Puja, Know Its Significance and Interesting Facts

Why is Chhath Puja known as the Most Difficult Fast?

Chhath Puja is regarded as one of the most sacred and difficult fasts because devotees have to follow strict rules during this fast. On Chhath Puja, devotees worship both the rising and setting Sun. According to religious beliefs, the setting Sun symbolises darkness when it becomes weak, while the rising Sun symbolises the return of power and divine energy. Devotees offer prayers to the Sun to both the rising and setting Sun.

Blessings of Sun and Chathi Maiya

In astrology, the Sun is the significator of willpower and offspring. Worshipping the Sun during Chhath is believed to bless devotees with children and their longevity. The Sun grants the boon of offspring, and Goddess Chhathi Maiya protects them. There are no restrictions on who can observe this fast, as both men and women observe it with devotion to seek blessings from the Sun and Chhathi Maiya.

Rules and Restrictions of Chhath Puja

Several important rituals are observed during this festival, as it is prohibited to perform after sunset or before sunrise.

This festival is especially for the Sun, who represents yellow and orange colours astrologically and also brightness over darkness, so the black colour is completely avoided on this festival. On the other hand, astrologically, black colour is represented by Rahu, Ketu, and Saturn, who are rivals of the Sun. Black colour is considered inauspicious for the devotees in this festival.

Before the six days of Chhath Puja, devotees avoid consuming garlic, onions, or tamsic food.

Items like sugarcane juice, fruits, and thekua that are offered to the Goddess are also not eaten before the rituals.

Thekua, made from jaggery, is considered the most sacred prasad of Chhath Puja. Jaggery is used because it represents the Sun’s energy.

Astrological Significance of Chhath Puja

During Chhath Puja, wearing yellow coloured clothes has special significance in this festival as it represents Surya Narayan, the Sun deity. Devotees wear yellow or saffron clothes, and married women apply saffron-colored sindoor. The baskets (called daura or daliya) used to carry offerings to the river are wrapped in yellow cloth. 

Chhath Puja is considered especially auspicious from both religious and astrological points of view as the Sun symbolises fatherhood, authority, and honour. Performing this puja helps individuals overcome child-related issues (Santaan Dosh) in their Kundli.

If a person’s Sun is afflicted in their birth chart, or if they face obstacles due to unfavourable positioning of the Sun, observing this fast with devotion is believed to bring balance, improve the situation, and bring positivity in life.