Chhath Puja — Worship of the Sun God

Chhath Puja is one of the oldest and most rigorous Vedic festivals, dedicated to Surya Dev (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya (the sixth form of Goddess Shakti). Observed primarily in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh — and now celebrated by communities worldwide — Chhath is a four-day festival of fasting, holy bathing, standing in water at sunrise and sunset, and offering arghya (water offerings) to the rising and setting sun. The festival carries deep ecological significance as a reverence for the sun as the source of all life and energy. It is considered one of the most purifying of all Hindu observances.

The Hindu Temple Society of New Mexico observes Chhath Puja in honor of our North Indian devotee community, celebrating this ancient and sacred tradition together.

This date is noted on our temple calendar as an observance for devotees’ reference. There is no scheduled program or gathering at the temple for this occasion. Devotees are welcome to make offerings at home or during regular temple hours.