Chhathi Maiya

Chhathi Maiya, also known as Chhath Mata, is a maternal and protective Hindu goddess. She is revered for safeguarding children, promoting fertility and prosperity, and granting long life. Devotees consider her a manifestation of Ushas, the Vedic goddess of dawn, and feel a deep emotional connection with her, particularly during the Chhath Puja festival.1

Chhath Puja is a four-day Hindu festival primarily celebrated in northern India, Nepal, and by the Indian diaspora worldwide. It honors the Sun god, Surya, and involves rigorous fasting, especially by women. The festival's origins are rooted in ancient Vedic traditions of sun worship, with mentions in epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata. The worship is unique as it often occurs without idols, temples, or priests, focusing instead on direct offerings to the Sun and Chhathi Maiya.2