CHHATH PUJA: VEDIC SUN WORSHIP AND THE ETERNAL BOND OF DHARMA – A HISTORICAL ANALYSIS

Chhath Puja is one of the most ancient and ecologically rooted Vedic festivals of the Indian subcontinent, centered on the worship of Surya, the solar deity, and Chhathi Maiya, the divine feminine principle of fertility and protection. Observed predominantly in the Gangetic plains, this festival reflects a living continuity of Vedic sun worship, emphasizing gratitude, discipline, and harmony between humans and nature. This historical analysis explores the origins of Chhath Puja within early Vedic traditions, tracing its references in ancient scriptures, epics, and Puranic literature. The ritual practices—such as arghya offered to the rising and setting sun, rigorous fasting, and water-based worship—embody the core principles of dharma, self-restraint, and cosmic balance. Unlike many ritualistic observances, Chhath Puja is marked by its inclusivity, simplicity, and absence of idol worship, reinforcing its philosophical depth and ethical purity. The study further examines the festival’s socio-cultural evolution across centuries and its role in preserving collective memory, environmental consciousness, and moral responsibility. By situating Chhath Puja within the broader framework of Vedic cosmology and dharmic thought, this paper highlights the festival’s enduring relevance as a symbol of spiritual resilience, cultural identity, and the eternal bond between humanity, nature, and righteous living.