Chhath Puja 2026: Who Is Chhathi Maiya? Know Her Mythological Story, History and Religious Significance
Chhath Puja 2026 is an important Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Surya (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya , the revered mother goddess believed to protect children and bless families with happiness and prosperity. Observed over four days, the festival involves strict fasting, traditional offerings and prayers to the setting and rising Sun. While Surya Dev represents life, energy and vitality, Chhathi Maiya is worshipped as the divine protector of children. But who is Chhathi Maiya, what is her connection with Goddess Shashthi , and why do devotees seek her blessings during Chhath Puja? Here is everything you need to know about her mythology, history and significance.
In Hindu religious traditions, Chhathi Maiya is closely associated with Goddess Shashthi, who is regarded as the guardian of newborn babies and the protector of children. She is believed to bless couples with offspring, safeguard infants and ensure the well-being of families.
According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Shashthi is considered an embodiment of Prakriti, the primordial feminine energy. Her name comes from the Sanskrit word Shashthi, which refers to the sixth day of a lunar fortnight. The word Maiya is an affectionate term for mother, reflecting the goddess's role as a nurturing and protective figure.
The Devi Bhagavata Purana describes Goddess Shashthi as a manifestation of Prakriti and the presiding deity of children. She is also identified as Devasena, the daughter of Lord Brahma and the wife of Lord Skanda, also known as Kartikeya.
In regional Chhath traditions, Chhathi Maiya is also believed to have a close association with Surya Dev. Some popular beliefs describe her as the Sun God's sister. However, these associations differ across religious texts, local customs and devotional traditions.
According to the religious account, Goddess Shashthi emerged from the sixth part of Prakriti, representing divine feminine energy. She was entrusted with the responsibility of protecting children, blessing parents and safeguarding newborns.
The Purana also narrates an important incident involving King Priyavrata and his wife, Queen Malini. Their story explains why devotees worship Goddess Shashthi, particularly on the sixth day of the lunar fortnight.
On the advice of Sage Kashyapa, the king performed a yajna in the hope of becoming a father. His prayers were eventually answered when Queen Malini gave birth to a baby boy. However, their happiness soon turned into sorrow as the child was born lifeless.
Heartbroken by the loss, King Priyavrata took his infant son's body to the cremation ground. While he was grieving, a divine woman appeared before him. She introduced herself as Goddess Shashthi, also known as Devasena, the daughter of Lord Brahma and the wife of Lord Skanda.
The goddess was known for protecting children and blessing couples with parenthood. Seeing the king's suffering, she brought the lifeless child back to life and blessed the royal family.
She then instructed the king to establish her worship on the sixth day of the lunar fortnight and during occasions connected with childbirth and children's welfare.
This story is considered an important explanation of Goddess Shashthi's role in Hindu traditions. It also highlights why parents pray to Chhathi Maiya for their children's health, happiness, protection and longevity.
According to popular regional beliefs, Chhathi Maiya is regarded as the sister of Surya Dev. This association is particularly common in the folk traditions of Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh.
During the festival, devotees offer prayers to the Sun during sunset and sunrise while seeking the blessings of Chhathi Maiya. These rituals reflect the belief that nature, motherhood and the Sun's energy are essential for sustaining life.
Devotees believe that worshipping both deities with devotion brings good health, prosperity, happiness and protection to their families.
In Hindu scriptures, the Sun is revered as a powerful deity who provides light, warmth and energy. Ancient religious practices also highlight the importance of Sun worship and its connection with human life, agriculture and nature.
The festival is especially popular in Bihar, Jharkhand, eastern Uttar Pradesh and parts of Nepal. Over the years, it has become an important cultural and religious celebration, bringing families and communities together through shared rituals and traditions.
One of the most distinctive features of Chhath Puja is the worship of both the setting and the rising Sun. Unlike festivals that focus primarily on morning prayers, Chhath devotees offer arghya during sunset and again at sunrise.
The festival involves rigorous fasting, traditional food preparations, cleanliness and prayers near rivers, ponds and other water bodies.
Several mythological stories are also linked to Chhath Puja. Popular accounts associate the festival with Lord Rama and Goddess Sita, Karna from the Mahabharata, and Draupadi and the Pandavas. These legends form an important part of the festival's devotional traditions, although they are not universally accepted as its historical origin.
Some regional traditions suggest that they observed rituals similar to Chhath Puja and offered prayers to Surya Dev to seek divine blessings for the kingdom and its people.
This account is frequently shared during Chhath celebrations and is an important part of the festival's devotional narratives. However, different versions of the tradition exist, and the story is not universally established as the origin of Chhath Puja.
According to popular accounts, Karna regularly worshipped Surya Dev by standing in water and offering prayers. His devotion is often associated with the rituals followed during Chhath Puja, when devotees stand in water and offer arghya to the Sun.
This connection makes Karna an important figure in the popular stories surrounding the festival.
According to regional folklore, Draupadi worshipped Surya Dev and observed a fast during a difficult phase in the Pandavas' lives. Her devotion is believed to have helped the family overcome challenges and regain happiness and prosperity.
This story is remembered in several devotional traditions and highlights the belief that sincere prayers and dedication can help people find strength during difficult times.
Here are some of the main reasons why devotees seek her blessings:
Here is a day-wise breakdown of the four-day celebration:
Purity and cleanliness are given special importance. The food is prepared according to traditional practices, and devotees begin their preparations for the upcoming days of fasting and worship.
Traditional offerings usually include jaggery-based kheer, chapati and fruits. After offering prayers, devotees consume the prasad and begin the rigorous fast that continues through the main Chhath rituals.
They carry bamboo baskets filled with traditional offerings such as fruits, thekua, sugarcane and other seasonal items. Families gather at the ghats, sing devotional songs and perform the evening rituals with great faith.
After completing the rituals, they break their fast through Parana, following their family and regional customs. This marks the end of the four-day festival.
Note: Sunrise and sunset timings vary across cities. Devotees should check their local panchang for the appropriate timings of Sandhya Arghya and Usha Arghya.
The festival also highlights the deep connection between human life and nature. Surya Dev is worshipped as the source of energy and vitality, while Chhathi Maiya is revered as the divine mother who protects children and blesses families.
Another important aspect of the celebration is its emphasis on discipline, simplicity and community participation. Devotees observe strict fasting, prepare traditional offerings and follow rituals that have been passed down through generations.
Families come together at riverbanks and other water bodies to offer prayers, sing devotional songs and celebrate their faith. The festival also encourages gratitude towards nature and respect for the natural cycle of sunrise and sunset.
Chhathi Maiya's association with Goddess Shashthi, as described in the Devi Bhagavata Purana, explains her importance as the protector of children and the goddess of family well-being. Devotees worship her alongside Surya Dev, seeking blessings for good health, prosperity, happiness and the long life of their loved ones.
As Chhath Puja 2026 approaches, the festival once again offers an opportunity to celebrate faith, family bonds and gratitude towards nature while keeping centuries-old religious and cultural traditions alive.
Who Is Chhathi Maiya? Know Her Connection With Goddess Shashthi
Chhathi Maiya is one of the most revered goddesses associated with Chhath Puja. She is particularly worshipped in Bihar, Jharkhand, eastern Uttar Pradesh and neighbouring regions, where devotees seek her blessings for the health, safety and long life of their children.In Hindu religious traditions, Chhathi Maiya is closely associated with Goddess Shashthi, who is regarded as the guardian of newborn babies and the protector of children. She is believed to bless couples with offspring, safeguard infants and ensure the well-being of families.
According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Shashthi is considered an embodiment of Prakriti, the primordial feminine energy. Her name comes from the Sanskrit word Shashthi, which refers to the sixth day of a lunar fortnight. The word Maiya is an affectionate term for mother, reflecting the goddess's role as a nurturing and protective figure.
The Devi Bhagavata Purana describes Goddess Shashthi as a manifestation of Prakriti and the presiding deity of children. She is also identified as Devasena, the daughter of Lord Brahma and the wife of Lord Skanda, also known as Kartikeya.
In regional Chhath traditions, Chhathi Maiya is also believed to have a close association with Surya Dev. Some popular beliefs describe her as the Sun God's sister. However, these associations differ across religious texts, local customs and devotional traditions.
Chhathi Maiya Story : What Does Hindu Mythology Say?
One of the most significant mythological accounts explaining the importance of Goddess Shashthi is found in the ninth Skandha of the Devi Bhagavata Purana. The story describes how the goddess became known as the protector of children and the one who blesses families with offspring.According to the religious account, Goddess Shashthi emerged from the sixth part of Prakriti, representing divine feminine energy. She was entrusted with the responsibility of protecting children, blessing parents and safeguarding newborns.
The Purana also narrates an important incident involving King Priyavrata and his wife, Queen Malini. Their story explains why devotees worship Goddess Shashthi, particularly on the sixth day of the lunar fortnight.
The Story of King Priyavrata and Goddess Shashthi
According to the Devi Bhagavata Purana, King Priyavrata, the son of Swayambhuva Manu, and his wife, Queen Malini, struggled to have a child for several years.On the advice of Sage Kashyapa, the king performed a yajna in the hope of becoming a father. His prayers were eventually answered when Queen Malini gave birth to a baby boy. However, their happiness soon turned into sorrow as the child was born lifeless.
Heartbroken by the loss, King Priyavrata took his infant son's body to the cremation ground. While he was grieving, a divine woman appeared before him. She introduced herself as Goddess Shashthi, also known as Devasena, the daughter of Lord Brahma and the wife of Lord Skanda.
The goddess was known for protecting children and blessing couples with parenthood. Seeing the king's suffering, she brought the lifeless child back to life and blessed the royal family.
She then instructed the king to establish her worship on the sixth day of the lunar fortnight and during occasions connected with childbirth and children's welfare.
This story is considered an important explanation of Goddess Shashthi's role in Hindu traditions. It also highlights why parents pray to Chhathi Maiya for their children's health, happiness, protection and longevity.
What Is the Connection Between Chhathi Maiya and Surya Dev?
Chhath Puja is unique because it involves the worship of both Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya. While the Sun God is considered the source of life, warmth and energy, Chhathi Maiya is worshipped as a mother goddess who protects children and blesses families.According to popular regional beliefs, Chhathi Maiya is regarded as the sister of Surya Dev. This association is particularly common in the folk traditions of Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh.
During the festival, devotees offer prayers to the Sun during sunset and sunrise while seeking the blessings of Chhathi Maiya. These rituals reflect the belief that nature, motherhood and the Sun's energy are essential for sustaining life.
Devotees believe that worshipping both deities with devotion brings good health, prosperity, happiness and protection to their families.
Chhath Puja History : How Did the Ancient Festival Begin?
Chhath Puja is considered one of the oldest Hindu festivals associated with the worship of the Sun. Although its exact historical beginnings are difficult to determine, the practice of offering prayers to Surya Dev has been an important part of Indian religious traditions for centuries.In Hindu scriptures, the Sun is revered as a powerful deity who provides light, warmth and energy. Ancient religious practices also highlight the importance of Sun worship and its connection with human life, agriculture and nature.
The festival is especially popular in Bihar, Jharkhand, eastern Uttar Pradesh and parts of Nepal. Over the years, it has become an important cultural and religious celebration, bringing families and communities together through shared rituals and traditions.
One of the most distinctive features of Chhath Puja is the worship of both the setting and the rising Sun. Unlike festivals that focus primarily on morning prayers, Chhath devotees offer arghya during sunset and again at sunrise.
The festival involves rigorous fasting, traditional food preparations, cleanliness and prayers near rivers, ponds and other water bodies.
Several mythological stories are also linked to Chhath Puja. Popular accounts associate the festival with Lord Rama and Goddess Sita, Karna from the Mahabharata, and Draupadi and the Pandavas. These legends form an important part of the festival's devotional traditions, although they are not universally accepted as its historical origin.
Chhath Puja Legends in Ramayana and Mahabharata
The religious significance of Chhath Puja is often explained through stories from Hindu epics and regional folklore. Three popular legends are particularly associated with the festival.1. Lord Rama and Goddess Sita
According to popular Hindu beliefs, Lord Rama and Goddess Sita performed Sun worship after returning to Ayodhya following their 14-year exile.Some regional traditions suggest that they observed rituals similar to Chhath Puja and offered prayers to Surya Dev to seek divine blessings for the kingdom and its people.
This account is frequently shared during Chhath celebrations and is an important part of the festival's devotional narratives. However, different versions of the tradition exist, and the story is not universally established as the origin of Chhath Puja.
2. Karna's Devotion to Surya Dev
Karna, one of the most prominent characters in the Mahabharata, was the son of Surya Dev and Kunti. He was widely respected for his generosity, courage and devotion to his divine father.According to popular accounts, Karna regularly worshipped Surya Dev by standing in water and offering prayers. His devotion is often associated with the rituals followed during Chhath Puja, when devotees stand in water and offer arghya to the Sun.
This connection makes Karna an important figure in the popular stories surrounding the festival.
3. Draupadi and the Pandavas
Another popular legend connects Chhath Puja with Draupadi and the Pandavas.According to regional folklore, Draupadi worshipped Surya Dev and observed a fast during a difficult phase in the Pandavas' lives. Her devotion is believed to have helped the family overcome challenges and regain happiness and prosperity.
This story is remembered in several devotional traditions and highlights the belief that sincere prayers and dedication can help people find strength during difficult times.
Why Is Chhathi Maiya Worshipped During Chhath Puja?
Chhathi Maiya is worshipped during Chhath Puja because she is traditionally believed to protect children, bless couples with parenthood and safeguard family happiness. Devotees consider her a compassionate mother goddess who looks after the well-being of children and newborns.Here are some of the main reasons why devotees seek her blessings:
- Children's Health and Longevity: Parents pray to Chhathi Maiya for their children's safety, good health, happiness and long life.
- Blessings of Parenthood: Couples who wish to have children seek the goddess's blessings for a happy and fulfilling family life.
- Protection of Newborns: As Goddess Shashthi is associated with infants, devotees worship her for the healthy growth and protection of newborn babies.
- Family Happiness and Prosperity: Families believe that her blessings bring peace, stability, prosperity and well-being into their homes.
- Spiritual Discipline: The strict fasting and rituals associated with Chhath Puja encourage self-control, patience, devotion and spiritual strength.
Chhath Puja 2026: Four-Day Festival Calendar and Rituals
Chhath Puja is celebrated over four days during the Hindu month of Kartik. Each day has a distinct name, ritual and religious importance. In 2026, Chhath Puja will be observed from November 13 to November 16.Here is a day-wise breakdown of the four-day celebration:
November 13, Friday – Nahay Khay
Nahay Khay marks the beginning of Chhath Puja. On this day, devotees take a ritual bath, clean their homes and prepare a traditional meal using carefully selected ingredients.Purity and cleanliness are given special importance. The food is prepared according to traditional practices, and devotees begin their preparations for the upcoming days of fasting and worship.
November 14, Saturday – Lohanda and Kharna
The second day is observed as Lohanda and Kharna. Devotees maintain a fast throughout the day and prepare special prasad in the evening.Traditional offerings usually include jaggery-based kheer, chapati and fruits. After offering prayers, devotees consume the prasad and begin the rigorous fast that continues through the main Chhath rituals.
November 15, Sunday – Sandhya Arghya
Sandhya Arghya is one of the most important days of Chhath Puja. Devotees gather near rivers, ponds and other water bodies to offer arghya to the setting Sun.They carry bamboo baskets filled with traditional offerings such as fruits, thekua, sugarcane and other seasonal items. Families gather at the ghats, sing devotional songs and perform the evening rituals with great faith.
November 16, Monday – Usha Arghya and Parana
The festival concludes with Usha Arghya, which involves offering prayers to the rising Sun. Devotees gather at water bodies early in the morning and perform the final offerings to Surya Dev.After completing the rituals, they break their fast through Parana, following their family and regional customs. This marks the end of the four-day festival.
Note: Sunrise and sunset timings vary across cities. Devotees should check their local panchang for the appropriate timings of Sandhya Arghya and Usha Arghya.
What Is the Religious Significance of Chhathi Maiya in Chhath Puja?
Chhathi Maiya holds a special position in Chhath Puja because she represents motherhood, protection, fertility and family well-being. Her worship reflects the traditional belief that the health and happiness of children are among the greatest blessings a family can receive.The festival also highlights the deep connection between human life and nature. Surya Dev is worshipped as the source of energy and vitality, while Chhathi Maiya is revered as the divine mother who protects children and blesses families.
Another important aspect of the celebration is its emphasis on discipline, simplicity and community participation. Devotees observe strict fasting, prepare traditional offerings and follow rituals that have been passed down through generations.
Families come together at riverbanks and other water bodies to offer prayers, sing devotional songs and celebrate their faith. The festival also encourages gratitude towards nature and respect for the natural cycle of sunrise and sunset.
Chhathi Maiya's association with Goddess Shashthi, as described in the Devi Bhagavata Purana, explains her importance as the protector of children and the goddess of family well-being. Devotees worship her alongside Surya Dev, seeking blessings for good health, prosperity, happiness and the long life of their loved ones.
As Chhath Puja 2026 approaches, the festival once again offers an opportunity to celebrate faith, family bonds and gratitude towards nature while keeping centuries-old religious and cultural traditions alive.
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