The fourth and final day of the Chhath Puja festival is known as Usha Arghya, one of the most spiritually significant days of this ancient Hindu festival. Celebrated across Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and parts of Nepal, this day marks the culmination of four days of devotion to Lord Surya (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya, seeking blessings for health, prosperity, and family well-being.
Significance of Usha Arghya
Usha Arghya literally means offering prayers to the rising sun. Devotees stand in rivers, ponds, or other clean water bodies early in the morning to perform the ritual. This final Arghya symbolizes:
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The end of the rigorous 36-hour nirjala vrat (fast without food or water) observed on Day 2 and Day 3.
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Gratitude to the Sun God for sustaining life and energy.
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The fulfillment of prayers for prosperity, happiness, and peace in the family.
The rising sun is considered the source of energy and positive vibrations, and offering Arghya at this time is believed to bring divine blessings into the devotee’s life.
Usha Arghya Rituals
The rituals of Usha Arghya are performed with utmost devotion and discipline:
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Early Morning Preparations: Devotees wake up before sunrise, bathe in the river or pond, and purify themselves for the ceremony.
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Offering Arghya: Devotees prepare a basket of offerings (soop) containing fruits, sweets, and thekua — a special fried sweet made from wheat flour, jaggery, and ghee.
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Prayers and Songs: Devotional songs and Chhath puja chants are sung to invoke blessings from Lord Surya and Chhathi Maiya.
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Breaking the Fast: After offering Usha Arghya and performing the prayers, devotees break their fast with fruits, prasad, and simple satvik meals.
Special Foods for Usha Arghya
The food prepared for this final day is simple, pure, and sattvic:
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Thekua – the traditional fried sweet.
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Fruits – like bananas, guava, and coconut.
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Rice and jaggery-based sweets – for offering to the Sun God.
These foods are offered to the river and later consumed by the devotees, completing the fast with gratitude and devotion.
Cultural and Spiritual Importance
Usha Arghya is not just a ritual; it is a celebration of purity, faith, and sustainability. Devotees respect nature by performing rituals in clean water bodies, avoiding plastic, and using biodegradable materials for offerings.
It also strengthens family bonds, as all members participate together, singing traditional songs, preparing food, and standing in devotion side by side.
Conclusion
Chhath Puja Day 4 – Usha Arghya, on October 28, 2025, marks the grand finale of the festival, bringing together devotion, discipline, and celebration. By offering prayers to the rising sun and Chhathi Maiya, devotees express gratitude for life, health, and prosperity.
This sacred day reminds us that faith, patience, and devotion lead to blessings and happiness. As the last Arghya is offered, the festival concludes with hearts full of devotion, gratitude, and spiritual fulfillment.
