The third day of Chhath Puja, known as Sandhya Arghya or Pehela Arghya (meaning the first offering to the setting sun), holds immense significance and is considered one of the most important phases of this four-day festival. Chhath Puja, dedicated to the worship of the Sun God (Surya) and his sister Chhathi Maiya, is celebrated with great devotion in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Nepal. Each day of the festival is marked by unique rituals that bring devotees closer to nature and to the Sun, whom they thank for the blessings of health, prosperity, and well-being. The third day of Chhath Puja is a day of intense devotion, elaborate preparation, and symbolic rituals, where devotees come together to offer their prayers to the setting sun. This essay explores the importance of Sandhya Arghya, its rituals, and the spiritual meaning behind the evening offering that defines this day.

The Significance of Sandhya Arghya: Honoring the Setting Sun

In Hindu traditions, the Sun is not only a powerful source of life but also a deity that provides energy, sustenance, and warmth. By honoring the Sun God, devotees express their gratitude for life and health. While the Sun is usually associated with sunrise and new beginnings, the act of offering an Arghya (a ritual offering) to the setting sun symbolizes humility, completion, and respect for the cyclical nature of life. It acknowledges that the end of one cycle is essential for the beginning of another. In this way, Sandhya Arghya represents balance, acceptance, and the importance of endings in life’s journey.

The third day of Chhath Puja is also seen as a test of the devotee’s resolve and dedication. After fasting without food and water for 36 hours, devotees gather at riverbanks or ponds in the evening to make this offering. Despite the physical challenge of fasting, they engage in the rituals with a calm mind and unwavering focus, embodying the values of endurance and devotion that define Chhath Puja.

Preparing for the Evening Arghya

The preparations for the third day of Chhath Puja begin early in the morning. Devotees and their families start by cleaning and organizing the area where the rituals will take place. Many families create beautiful decorations and altars at riverbanks, ponds, or even at home if they cannot go to a natural water body. This preparation reflects the idea of purity, as it is believed that the area where the Arghya is offered must be clean and sacred to invite divine blessings.

One of the significant aspects of preparation involves arranging the daura, a bamboo basket that holds the offerings for the Sun God. Traditional offerings include fruits like bananas, sugarcane, coconut, and sweets made of jaggery, like thekua, which are considered to be Chhath Puja’s signature prasad (sacred food). Thekua, a type of baked cookie, is prepared with wheat flour, jaggery, and ghee, symbolizing the simplicity and humility of the festival. All offerings are carefully placed in the daura, along with a diya (earthen lamp) to add a touch of light and warmth to the rituals.

Families often wear traditional clothes, with women dressed in saris and men in dhotis, adding to the sacred atmosphere of the festival. Devotees apply turmeric and sandalwood paste, symbolizing purity, and some wear yellow or orange clothing, which are considered colors of devotion and symbolize the Sun. The attire and the careful arrangement of offerings show the level of respect and reverence that devotees bring to this occasion, where every detail reflects their commitment to honoring the divine.

Evening Gathering at the Riverbank

As the sun begins to set, devotees gather at the riverbank or pond along with family, friends, and members of the community. This collective gathering strengthens bonds within the community, as people come together with a shared purpose. Chhath Puja is as much a personal journey as it is a communal celebration, and the sight of devotees standing side by side, holding their offerings, is a powerful reminder of unity, faith, and tradition.

The riverbank or pond where the Arghya is offered is decorated with lamps and rangolis (colorful floor designs), creating a festive and serene atmosphere. Some people bring along musical instruments or sing devotional songs, enhancing the spiritual energy. The surrounding water body reflects the lamps, creating a beautiful, almost mystical scene. The river or pond is symbolic of purity, and offering prayers in this environment is believed to magnify the blessings of Chhathi Maiya.

The gathered community waits patiently for the exact moment of sunset, as timing is crucial in this ritual. When the sun is just about to set, devotees step into the water, with the women traditionally positioned closest to the water's edge. This immersion in water is an act of humility, symbolizing the devotee's surrender to the divine power of the Sun and nature.

Offering the Arghya: The Ritual of Devotion

As the sun dips toward the horizon, devotees prepare to offer the Sandhya Arghya. With the daura balanced on their heads or held in their hands, they step into the water up to waist or knee level. The Arghya is performed by holding a small vessel filled with water and slowly pouring it while facing the setting sun, often with a diya (lamp) or incense in hand. This act of offering water to the sun has deep spiritual symbolism, representing devotion, respect, and a request for the Sun’s blessings.

The diya, lit as part of the offering, represents the light of wisdom and purity, while the water symbolizes life and sustenance. As devotees pour the water, they offer prayers and silently express their wishes for health, prosperity, and happiness. Families often offer prayers for the well-being of their loved ones, believing that the Sun God will fulfill their heartfelt desires. This ritual of pouring water to the setting sun serves as a reminder of the humility and gratitude that are central to Chhath Puja.

While performing the Arghya, many devotees chant hymns and mantras dedicated to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya. These chants and prayers enhance the spiritual energy of the ritual, creating a peaceful and focused environment. Through these prayers, devotees reaffirm their connection with the divine and surrender to the natural forces that govern life.

The Joy and Unity of Celebrating Together

After offering the Arghya, the community gathers for a small celebration. Families exchange greetings, prasad, and blessings, sharing in the joy and satisfaction of completing an important day of Chhath Puja. This day is often marked by a sense of unity and joy, as neighbors, friends, and family members come together to support each other in devotion.

Chhath Puja is a festival that bridges people across generations, as grandparents, parents, and children all take part in the rituals. This collective celebration of devotion reinforces the idea that faith and tradition are meant to be shared, making Chhath Puja not only a personal journey but a community celebration of spirituality and harmony.

Conclusion

The third day of Chhath Puja, Sandhya Arghya, is a deeply spiritual and significant day that highlights the devotion, discipline, and unity of the festival. Through the rituals of offering the Arghya to the setting sun, devotees express their gratitude, humility, and respect for the natural world and divine forces. This day is a celebration of life, health, and prosperity, as well as an opportunity for devotees to seek blessings from Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya for themselves and their families.

Sandhya Arghya captures the essence of Chhath Puja’s teachings, reminding devotees of the importance of humility, balance, and gratitude. The festival is a harmonious blend of personal devotion and communal celebration, as families and communities come together in shared faith. Through its rituals, Chhath Puja fosters a deep connection between individuals, nature, and divinity, making it a truly unique and cherished celebration in Indian culture. The third day’s offerings to the setting sun mark a beautiful moment of devotion, unity, and spiritual awakening in the journey of Chhath Puja.