Sandhya Arghya marks the third and most sacred day of Chhath Puja. Devotees gather at rivers, ponds, or ghats to offer the first Arghya (evening offering) to the setting sun. It symbolizes gratitude, purity, and family unity under divine blessings.
Preparation for the Evening Arghya
- A bamboo soop (daura) is prepared to hold the offerings.
- It is filled with bananas, coconut, sugarcane, lamps, Thekua, rice, sindoor, turmeric, and fruits.
- Devotees wear clean, often new clothes, and reach the ghat before sunset to prepare for the offering.
Thekua — The Sacred Prasad
Thekua is the signature prasad of Chhath Puja — a symbol of love, simplicity, and devotion.
- Ingredients: Whole wheat flour, jaggery, ghee, fennel seeds, grated coconut, and water.
- Method: Dissolve jaggery in water, knead a stiff dough with ghee and wheat flour, shape with molds, and deep fry slowly till golden.
How to Offer the Evening Arghya
- Stand at the riverbank or ghat, facing the setting sun.
- Arrange the soop (daura) with fruits, lamps, and Thekua. Light diyas.
- As the sun sets, hold a lota or kalash of water, and slowly pour the water offering while chanting “Om Suryaya Namah” or “Om Adityaya Namah.”
- Pray for prosperity, health, and the well-being of all family members.
- After the offering, distribute the prasad among family and fellow devotees.
🌞 Spiritual Significance
The Sandhya Arghya represents harmony between nature and the soul. It teaches humility and gratitude as devotees offer thanks to the Sun God for sustaining life. Standing in water symbolizes surrender, while the lighted diyas reflect inner illumination and purity.
Sandhya Arghya
Thekua Prasad
Surya Vandana
