Chhath

Chhath is a festival of the sun god Surya and the goddess Chhathi Maiya, celebrated for four days in the month of Kartik, six days after Laxmi Puja. It originated in Mithila and the plains of the Madhesh and Bihar, but with families moving to the valley, it is now celebrated at rivers and ponds across Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur — including near Sanothimi.

Four days of devotion

The first day, Nahay Khay, begins with a ritual bath and a simple meal. On the second, Kharna, devotees fast all day and break it in the evening with rice pudding (kheer) and roti. On the third day they fast without even water and, in the evening, stand waist-deep in water to offer arghya to the setting sun. On the fourth morning, before dawn, they return to the water to greet the rising sun, and only then break the fast.

Offerings

Baskets of bamboo (soop and daura) are filled with thekuwa (sweet fried wheat biscuits), sugarcane, bananas, coconuts, radishes, ginger and lamps. Women sing traditional Chhath songs in Maithili and Bhojpuri as they walk to the ghats.

Watching

The riverbanks at sunset and before sunrise are beautiful, with lamps floating and songs rising from the crowds. Visitors are welcome to watch respectfully; do not step into the areas marked for devotees or touch offerings.