Chhath Puja Day 1: Nahaye Khaye in Muzaffarpur (Bihar) | With a Local Family

Introduction

We begin our Bihar Chhath Puja Series with Day 1 – Nahaye Khaye from Muzaffarpur, Bihar. Hosted by a loving local family, we experienced the authentic start of this four-day vrat—where purity, cleanliness, and satvik food set the tone for devotion to Surya Dev.

What is Nahaye Khaye?

Nahaye Khaye literally means “bathe and eat.” Devotees take a ritual bath, thoroughly clean the home, and prepare a pure vegetarian (satvik) meal—traditionally including kaddu-bhath (pumpkin with rice) and chana dal—to commence the fast with sanctity and discipline.

Our Day in Muzaffarpur

• 🛁 Ritual Bath & Clean-Up: starting the vrata with shuddhi (purification).
• 🍲 Satvik Meal Prep: no onion/garlic; clean utensils; aarti before meals.
• 🏠 Family Traditions: learning nuances from elders; observances unique to the household.
• 🪔 Sankalp: intention for the coming days—Kharna, Sandhya Arghya, Usha Arghya.

Cultural Notes & Significance

• Discipline & Gratitude: Chhath is about tapasya, gratitude to the Sun God, and ecological reverence (clean ghats, pollution-free offerings).
• Community Spirit: neighbors join in cleaning ghats and supporting each other—Bihar’s collective devotion on full display.

Coming Up Next

• Day 2 – Kharna (evening kheer-roti prasad)
• Day 3 – Sandhya Arghya (sunset offering)
• Day 4 – Usha Arghya (sunrise offering & uthi vraat)