Chhath Puja is known for its demanding fasting tradition, particularly the approximately 36-hour Nirjala Vrat. During this period, devotees traditionally avoid both food and water while continuing with preparations, offerings and prayers to the setting and rising Sun.

The physical discipline involved, combined with the personal significance of the observance, makes it one of the most demanding fasting practices in Hindu tradition.

Why Chhath Puja Is Celebrated

Chhath Puja is dedicated to Surya Dev, the Sun Lord, and Chhathi Maiya. Devotees offer prayers for family health, prosperity, happiness and the well-being and longevity of their children. The festival includes four main observances: Nahay Khay, Kharna, Sandhya Arghya and Usha Arghya. Offering prayers to both the setting and rising Sun is one of its distinctive traditions, expressing gratitude and devotion.

What Makes the 36-Hour Fast Difficult?

The main Nirjala Vrat requires devotees to abstain from food and water for approximately 36 hours. Unlike fasting practices that permit fruits, milk or drinking water, this observance follows stricter rules.

The challenge involves more than going without meals. Devotees must maintain ritual cleanliness, prepare offerings, arrange worship materials and participate in prayers. Some also carry baskets to rivers or ponds and stand in water during the ceremonies. The final prayers take place early in the morning, adding to the physical demands. For many participants, the fast also carries a deeply personal meaning because it is undertaken for the health and happiness of family members.

The Four Days of Chhath Puja

Each day has a specific ritual purpose:

Day 1 – Nahay Khay: Devotees take a ritual bath and prepare a simple meal according to traditional practices.

Day 2 – Kharna: Participants fast during the day and perform evening prayers before eating the prepared prasad.

Day 3 – Sandhya Arghya: Devotees offer prayers to the setting Sun while continuing the Nirjala fast.

Day 4 – Usha Arghya: Morning prayers are offered to the rising Sun, after which the fast is completed.

The approximately 36-hour fasting period begins after Kharna prasad on the second day, not at the beginning of the festival. Its exact duration can vary slightly depending on the timing of the rituals.

Kharna Prasad and Traditional Offerings

Food preparation is an important part of Chhath Puja. During Kharna, devotees commonly prepare jaggery-based rice kheer, roti or chapati, and bananas or other fruits according to local customs. The food is offered during the ritual before being consumed. After Kharna, the strict Nirjala period begins. Devotees traditionally avoid all food and water until the morning Arghya on the fourth day.

Once the final prayers are completed, they break their fast with Chhath prasad. One of the best-known offerings is thekua, a traditional sweet prepared with wheat flour and jaggery or sugar. Fruits and other offerings are also shared with relatives, family members and fellow devotees.

Why Prayers Are Offered While Standing in Water

Devotees traditionally offer Arghya from rivers, ponds or other designated water bodies. During Sandhya Arghya, they pray to the setting Sun, repeating the offering the following morning during Usha Arghya. Participants often carry baskets containing fruits, thekua, sugarcane and other offerings. They may stand in water during the prayers and attend both evening and early-morning ceremonies. Completing these activities while observing a prolonged fast adds to the physical effort involved.

Health Risks of the Nirjala Vrat

Going without food and water for approximately 36 hours can cause dehydration, weakness, headaches, dizziness and low blood pressure. Physical activity and warm weather may increase these risks. People with diabetes, kidney disease, heart conditions or other chronic illnesses should consult a healthcare professional before attempting the fast. Pregnant or breastfeeding women, older adults and people taking medication that requires food or regular hydration should also seek medical advice.

Chhath Puja combines a strict fasting period with four days of traditional rituals, carefully prepared offerings and prayers to the setting and rising Sun. The 36-hour Nirjala Vrat is demanding because it requires both physical discipline and continued participation in the ceremonies.

For devotees, the observance represents commitment to family well-being and gratitude. Understanding its traditions alongside its health considerations provides a fuller picture of why this fasting practice holds such significance.