Common questions about IAS, our mission, and how you can be part of this spiritual movement.
Chhath Puja is primarily a Hindu festival. It is not traditionally celebrated as a religious festival by other major religions, although people from different communities may participate in its cultural celebrations.
- Mithila: Chhathi Gosain or Chhathi Maiya
- Bhojpuri: Chhathi Maiya or Chhathi Mata
- Bengali: Maa Shashthi or Shashthi Thakur
Note: Maa Shashthi is a Bengali goddess associated with protecting children and fertility; she is related to, but not necessarily identical with, Chhathi Maiya.
Other names of Chhath Puja are:
1. Chhath Parva
2. Chhaith
3. Dala Chhath
4. Dala Puja
5. Surya Shashthi
6. Chhath Mahaparva
The seven types of semi-divine beings associated with Surya Dev in the Bhagavata Purana are:
1. Rishis – Sages
2. Gandharvas – Celestial musicians
3. Apsaras – Celestial dancers
4. Nagas – Serpent beings
5. Yakshas – Nature-associated beings
6. Rakshasas – Supernatural beings
7. Devas – Gods or divine beings
The three worlds illuminated by Surya Dev are:
1. Bhur Loka – Earth
2. Bhuvar Loka – The intermediate world
3. Svar Loka (Swarga) – The heavenly world
According to the Bhagavata Purana, Surya Dev illuminates the three worlds from his position in the middle of the planetary system, as he travels along his celestial chariot’s orbit.