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

Chhath Puja is one of the most demanding Hindu fasting rituals, but what makes it so challenging is not just the long hours without food. Devotees observe a strict fast without water, prepare offerings with exceptional care and perform prayers to the setting and rising Sun.

The most demanding part of Chhath Puja is the approximately 36-hour Nirjala Vrat, during which devotees traditionally abstain from both food and water. The fast is observed as an expression of devotion to Chhathi Maiya and Surya Dev, seeking blessings for family well-being, prosperity and the longevity of children.

Unlike many Hindu fasts that allow fruits, milk or water, the main Chhath fasting period follows strict rules. The discipline, physical effort and emotional significance behind the rituals make Chhath Puja particularly demanding.


But why do devotees undertake such a strict fast? When does the 36-hour period begin, and what happens before it is completed? The rituals help explain why Chhath Puja holds such a special place in Hindu tradition.

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Chhath Puja Kyon Manate Hain? Why Is Chhath Puja Celebrated?

Chhath Puja is celebrated to worship Surya Dev, the Sun God, and Chhathi Maiya, seeking blessings for the health, prosperity and well-being of the family. The festival is particularly associated with prayers for the longevity and happiness of children.

In Hindu traditions, Surya Dev is regarded as the source of life, energy and vitality, while Chhathi Maiya is worshipped as a protective deity. Devotees express their gratitude through rituals such as Nahay Khay, Kharna, Sandhya Arghya and Usha Arghya. The offering of prayers to both the setting and rising Sun is a distinctive feature of Chhath Puja, reflecting devotion, gratitude and the belief in divine protection.

What Makes Chhath Puja’s 36-Hour Fast So Difficult?

The difficulty of Chhath Puja lies in the combination of strict fasting rules, physical activity and the discipline required to complete the rituals.

Here are the key reasons why the vrat is considered one of the strictest Hindu fasts:

• No food or water: Devotees observing the main Chhath vrat traditionally do not consume food or water for approximately 36 hours.
• Strict ritual discipline: The fast involves following specific customs regarding food preparation, cleanliness, offerings and worship.
• Physical effort: Devotees often prepare prasad, arrange puja materials, carry offerings to water bodies and stand during evening and morning prayers.
• Early morning rituals: The final prayers are offered at sunrise, which may require devotees to wake up before dawn and travel to a riverbank, pond or other designated worship location.
• Emotional commitment: The vrat is often undertaken for the well-being of children, family members and loved ones, making it deeply personal for devotees.

The fast is therefore not simply about remaining hungry. It involves maintaining discipline throughout a series of rituals that require both physical effort and spiritual commitment.

When Does the 36-Hour Chhath Puja Fast Begin?

The approximately 36-hour Nirjala Vrat begins after the Kharna ritual on the second day of Chhath Puja and continues until the morning Arghya offered to the rising Sun on the fourth day.

Chhath Puja is observed over four days, and each day has a distinct ritual significance.

Chhath Puja’s Four-Day Ritual Sequence

Day	Ritual	What Happens
Day 1	Nahay Khay	Devotees take a ritual bath and prepare a simple, traditionally pure meal.
Day 2	Kharna	Devotees observe a fast during the day and perform Kharna puja in the evening.
Day 3	Sandhya Arghya	Devotees offer Arghya to the setting Sun and continue the main Nirjala fast.
Day 4	Usha Arghya	Devotees offer Arghya to the rising Sun and conclude the fast.

The 36-hour fast begins after Kharna prasad, not on the first day of Chhath Puja. Its exact duration can vary slightly depending on the timing of Kharna and the morning Arghya.

Why Do Chhath Devotees Avoid Even Drinking Water?

The practice of abstaining from water is known as Nirjala fasting. In Hindu religious traditions, it represents discipline, restraint and devotion.

During Chhath Puja, devotees worship Surya Dev, the Sun God, and Chhathi Maiya. The fast is traditionally observed to seek blessings for family welfare, good health, prosperity and the longevity of children.

Unlike other fasts where devotees may consume fruits, milk or water at regular intervals, the main Chhath fasting period does not permit these. The strictness of the vrat is associated with following the prescribed rituals with dedication.

However, the religious significance of abstaining from water should not be confused with a medical recommendation. Going without water for an extended period can cause dehydration, particularly during hot weather or strenuous physical activity.

What Do Devotees Eat Before and After the 36-Hour Fast?

Food preparation is an important part of Chhath Puja. The meals consumed before the main fast and the food used to break it are prepared according to traditional practices.

Before the Fast: Kharna Prasad

On the second day, devotees observe a fast throughout the day and perform Kharna puja in the evening.

After the puja, they consume the Kharna prasad, which commonly includes:

• Jaggery-based kheer prepared with rice
• Roti or chapati made using traditionally prepared flour
• Bananas or other fruits, depending on local customs

The food is prepared with care and offered to the deity before being consumed. After Kharna prasad, devotees begin the 36-hour Nirjala fast.

During the Fast: No Food or Water

Once the Nirjala Vrat begins, devotees traditionally refrain from eating or drinking until the morning Arghya.

This is the most demanding part of Chhath Puja and is the reason the vrat is widely described as one of the strictest Hindu fasts.

After the Fast: Chhath Prasad

The fast concludes after devotees offer Usha Arghya to the rising Sun on the fourth day.

Devotees then break their fast by consuming Chhath prasad, often including thekua, fruits and other offerings. Thekua is a traditional wheat-flour sweet prepared with jaggery or sugar and is among the most recognisable offerings associated with Chhath Puja.

The prasad is shared with family members, relatives and other devotees as part of the celebration.

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Why Do Devotees Stand in Water During Chhath Puja?

One of the most distinctive aspects of Chhath Puja is the practice of offering Arghya while standing in a river, pond or other water body.

During Sandhya Arghya, devotees offer prayers to the setting Sun. The ritual is repeated the following morning during Usha Arghya, when prayers are offered to the rising Sun.

The practice is connected with the worship of Surya Dev, who is regarded as the source of life, energy and vitality. Standing in water during these rituals is a traditional practice, but it can also add to the physical demands of the vrat.

Devotees may have to:

• Travel to the designated worship location
• Carry baskets containing fruits, thekua, sugarcane and other offerings
• Stand in water during the prayers
• Participate in evening and early-morning rituals
• Maintain the fast while completing the prescribed worship

For devotees who have already gone without food and water for many hours, these activities can make the observance particularly challenging.

Why Is Chhath Puja’s Fast Considered an Expression of Devotion?

Chhath Puja is deeply rooted in the belief that Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya bless devotees with health, prosperity and protection.

The vrat is often observed by mothers and other family members who pray for the well-being and longevity of their children. It is also undertaken by devotees seeking happiness, family harmony and fulfilment of their wishes.

The emotional significance of the fast is reflected in the care with which devotees prepare offerings, maintain ritual cleanliness and participate in prayers.

For many families, Chhath Puja is a tradition passed down through generations, bringing together family members and communities. The 36-hour fast represents the devotion and discipline associated with this tradition.

Is the 36-Hour Chhath Puja Fast Safe for Everyone?

Although the Nirjala Vrat has deep religious significance, fasting without food or water for approximately 36 hours can pose health risks.

Prolonged water deprivation can lead to dehydration, dizziness, weakness, headaches and a drop in blood pressure. The risk may increase when devotees perform physically demanding rituals or spend extended periods outdoors.

People with diabetes, kidney disease, heart conditions or other chronic illnesses should seek medical advice before undertaking a prolonged fast without water.

Pregnant or breastfeeding women, older adults and people taking medicines that require food or regular hydration should also consult a healthcare professional.

If someone experiences severe dizziness, confusion, fainting, a rapid heartbeat or other concerning symptoms during the fast, they should seek medical attention promptly rather than continuing the vrat at the expense of their health.

Religious devotion and personal health need not be viewed as opposing priorities. Devotees can discuss appropriate alternatives with their family and religious elders when a strict Nirjala fast may not be suitable for them.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is Chhath Puja considered one of the strictest Hindu fasts?
   Chhath Puja is considered one of the strictest Hindu fasts because devotees traditionally observe a Nirjala Vrat for approximately 36 hours, abstaining from both food and water. The fast also involves preparing offerings, maintaining ritual discipline and performing prayers during sunset and sunrise.
2. How many hours do devotees go without water during Chhath Puja?
   Devotees traditionally observe a Nirjala fast for approximately 36 hours, beginning after Kharna prasad on the second day and ending after the morning Arghya on the fourth day.
3. Can devotees drink water during Chhath Puja’s 36-hour fast?
   During the main Nirjala Vrat, devotees traditionally do not consume water or food. However, the fast may not be medically suitable for everyone, and health concerns should be addressed rather than ignored.
4. When is the Chhath Puja fast broken?
   The fast is broken after Usha Arghya, the morning offering to the rising Sun, on the fourth day of Chhath Puja. Devotees then consume prasad and other traditional foods.
5. Why do devotees observe the Chhath Puja fast?
   Devotees observe Chhath Puja to worship Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya and seek blessings for health, prosperity, family well-being and the longevity of children.