Chhath Puja Geet: Popular Folk and Devotional Songs Sung During Nahay Khay, Kharna and Arghya

Chhath Puja is one of the most sacred and culturally significant festivals celebrated in Bihar, Jharkhand, eastern Uttar Pradesh and several other parts of India. Along with fasting, traditional food preparations and rituals dedicated to Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya, devotional folk songs, popularly known as Chhath Geet, hold a special place in the celebrations. Sung mainly in Bhojpuri and other regional languages, these traditional songs express faith, gratitude, family bonds and devotion to the Sun God.

From Nahay Khay and Kharna to Sandhya Arghya and Usha Arghya, every stage of the four-day festival has its own musical traditions. These songs create a spiritual atmosphere at homes and river ghats, bringing generations together through the rich folk heritage of the region.

Also Read: Chhath Puja 2026 Date: November 15 or 16? Check 4-Day Calendar, Nahay Khay, Kharna and Arghya Timings

Chhath Puja Geet for Nahay Khay

Nahay Khay marks the beginning of Chhath Puja. On this day, devotees take a holy bath, clean their homes and prepare a traditional meal, usually consisting of rice, chana dal and bottle gourd (lauki). The food is prepared with great care and purity.

Traditional Chhath songs sung during Nahay Khay reflect the excitement of beginning the festival and the devotion of families preparing for the sacred rituals. These folk melodies often describe the preparations, the importance of purity and prayers to Chhathi Maiya.

Also Read: Chhath Puja Prasad 2026: How to Make Traditional Thekua and What to Keep in the Daura

Chhath Puja Geet for Kharna

Kharna is observed on the second day of Chhath Puja. Devotees observe a fast throughout the day and break it after sunset following prayers. Traditional offerings generally include jaggery-based kheer, roti and fruits.

Kharna songs express devotion, patience and the spiritual discipline associated with the festival. Women often sing these folk melodies while preparing prasad and arranging the puja ingredients. The songs also highlight the emotional connection between devotees and Chhathi Maiya.

Also Read: Why Chhath Puja Is Considered One of the Strictest Hindu Fasts: The 36-Hour Nirjala Vrat Explained

Popular Chhath Puja Geet for Sandhya Arghya

Sandhya Arghya is one of the most important moments of Chhath Puja. On the third day, devotees gather near rivers, ponds and other water bodies to offer prayers and arghya to the setting Sun. Families carry bamboo baskets filled with fruits, thekua, sugarcane, coconut and other traditional offerings.

Some popular traditional Chhath Geet associated with this occasion include:

• Kelwa Ke Paat Par Ugalan Suruj Mal – One of the best-known traditional Chhath songs, celebrating the Sun God and the devotional atmosphere of the festival.
• Pahile Pahil Chhathi Maiya – A beloved folk song expressing devotion and the emotions associated with observing Chhath for the first time.
• Hey Chhathi Maiya – A devotional expression of prayers and gratitude to Chhathi Maiya.
• Uga Ho Suruj Dev – A traditional devotional theme centred on welcoming and worshipping Surya Dev.
• Patna Ke Ghat Par – A popular Chhath-themed song associated with the festive atmosphere at river ghats.

These songs are particularly popular during evening prayers and reflect the deep cultural connection between Chhath Puja and Bhojpuri folk music.

Chhath Puja Geet for Usha Arghya

Usha Arghya marks the final day of Chhath Puja. Before sunrise, devotees return to the riverbanks and offer prayers to the rising Sun. This ritual symbolises gratitude, hope, renewal and the importance of sunlight in sustaining life.

Traditional songs sung during Usha Arghya welcome the rising Sun and seek blessings for the health, happiness and prosperity of family members. The melodies often carry an emotional tone, as devotees complete their difficult fast and offer their final prayers to Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya.

After offering Usha Arghya, devotees break their fast by consuming prasad. The occasion is also marked by blessings, family gatherings and the sharing of traditional offerings.

Sharda Sinha's Contribution to Chhath Puja Folk Songs

No discussion of Chhath Puja Geet is complete without mentioning the legendary folk singer Sharda Sinha. Her soulful voice and traditional Bhojpuri and Maithili songs have become closely associated with the festival.

Her popular Chhath songs, including Kelwa Ke Paat Par Ugalan Suruj Mal and Pahile Pahil Chhathi Maiya, continue to hold a special place in the hearts of devotees. For many families, listening to her songs has become an inseparable part of Chhath preparations and celebrations.

Her music has helped preserve the traditional folk culture of Bihar and introduced the devotional spirit of Chhath Puja to audiences across India and beyond.