Shashthi

(षष्ठी)

Literal Meaning

The sixth

Etymology & Sanskrit Root

Sanskrit shashthi, the sixth.

Spiritual Insight & Context

The sixth tithi, or lunar day, of each fortnight. Shashthi of Kartika's bright fortnight is the main day of Chhath, and Shashthi is also the name of the goddess honoured then.

Where Shashthi Comes Up

Chhath Puja, the Festival of Surya Worship

The four-day festival of gratitude to Surya, the Sun God, observed with rigorous fasting and river-bank worship across Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Nepal.

Topics

Chhath Puja Arghya Vidhi: Four Days, Water and the Sun

Chhath in order: Nahay Khay, Kharna, then standing in water to offer arghya to the setting and rising Sun, with the fast, the offerings and Chhathi Maiya.

Puja Vidhi