छठ · Chhath Parva
Chhath is one of the most important festivals of Nepal's Terai and of the Madhesi and Bhojpuri-speaking communities. It is dedicated to Surya, the sun god, and to Chhathi Maiya, and is marked by strict fasting and elaborate offerings at the water's edge.
The festival is quieter and more austere than many others. Women in bright saris stand in rivers and ponds at sunset and sunrise, offering fruit, sugarcane, and ritual food to the sun, while families wait on the banks.
The origins and observances of Chhath, plus practical advice for experiencing it respectfully.
Chhath has ancient roots in sun worship, which was widespread across the Indian subcontinent. In Nepal it is closely associated with the Maithili and Bhojpuri cultures of the Terai and with the city of Janakpur.
The festival honours Chhathi Maiya, a form of the goddess associated with children and family welfare. Its strictness and its focus on the sun give it a distinct character within Nepal's festival calendar.
The festival begins with Nahay Khay, when devotees purify themselves and eat a simple meal. The next day is Kharna, a day of fasting that ends with a shared meal of jaggery and rice pudding.
On the third day, families carry offerings to a riverbank or pond and stand in the water as the sun sets. The final morning repeats the offering at sunrise, after which the fast is broken and prasad is shared with neighbours.
Janakpur's temples and tanks are the most atmospheric setting, but the festival is celebrated across the Terai. Expect crowds at the main ghats and restricted access to the water's edge, which is reserved for devotees and their families.
Dress modestly, remove shoes near the ghats, and never step into a ritual area to take a photograph. The offerings are sacred, so do not touch the prasad or the decorated baskets without an invitation.
Chhath (छठ) is a terai festival observed mainly in Terai and Janakpur. It falls around October–November, in the Nepali month of Kartik, and typically lasts 4 days.
The main day is Sandhya Arghya and Usha Arghya, when riverbank offerings at sunset and sunrise takes centre stage. It is a national public holiday, so offices, schools, and many businesses close.
Festival dates follow the lunar Bikram Sambat calendar, so the English month range (October–November) is approximate and can shift by a couple of weeks from year to year. Confirm the current year's date with a local calendar or your hotel before booking transport.
Expect Terai and Janakpur to be busier than usual in the days around Sandhya Arghya and Usha Arghya. Book accommodation and long-distance travel early, carry cash, and allow extra time for crowds and road closures.
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