Nahay Khay
It is also known as “Kaddu Bhaat”, on this first day, People take a bath in a nearby river, pond or well and the food taken should also be sattwik. On this sacred day the simplest of edibles are preferred like soaked chana (chickpeas), chudaa (flattened rice), kaddu (bottle gourd), and bhaat (plain rice) are taken as these foods purify the mind and soul. In the Bihari tradition, “Nahay Khay” means starting fresh as people practice simplicity while bathing and eating food.
Kharna or Lohanda
On this day parvaitin (the devotee often a woman) who will perform Chhath starts the day with a ceremonial bath in the pokhar or naaiyyi ghat to purify body and soul. Once the sun rises, she goes on a nirjal upwas, meaning, she does not consume anything, neither the food nor the water. This upwas is maintained with a lot of passion it is said that it does wash one’s soul and seek blessings of Surya Bhagwaan. Kharna prasad is consumed once the parvaitin can no longer see the sun and thus, it is at sunset. Simple and satisfying kheer of gudh aur chawal is cooked which is boiled in fresh dongi ka doodh (cow’s milk) on mitti ka chulha (earthen stove). Created with honesty and simplicity, this kheer is traditionally eaten with chapak (roti) and ghee.
Sandhya Arghya
It means making offerings to the setting sun in the evening, honouring and respectfully bidding farewell to the sun’s last rays. As the sun begins to set and its rays shimmer on rivers, ponds, and wells, people gather by the water with their families. Women, in particular, carry offerings like durba grass, milk and water-filled vessels, and sweets like Kasaar (rice ladoo) & Thekua (homemade wheat sweet) placed on kevu leaves, stepping into the water up to their knees, a sacred act representing life’s nurturing element, water. With both hands, they pour water as an offering—known as arghya—and say, “Surya Dev, bless us all, keep our families safe and free from illness.” These words express the heart’s deepest wishes and devotion, hoping for well-being and protection for loved ones.
Usha Arghya
On this day Parvaitin worships to the rising Suraj Devta. As dawn is breaks, they assemble around the holy Ganga or any nearby ghat with lota (brass or clay pots) hung with water. With their palms folded they offer arghya (water offerings) and at the same time chant Vedic prayer. Kaccha Haldi and Bel leaves waft through the air, the instant that proves how much the community is intertwined with nature. This gesture means thanksgiving to the sun and as a sign of honor to the symbol of the sun, the day begins quietly.
