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Accidentally broke your Chhath Puja nirjala fast? Don’t worry. Traditions and scriptures reveal how sincerity, punah sankalp, and renewed devotion keep blessings from Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya intact. Learn what to do next.
Chhath Puja is a spiritual journey.
Patna: Chhath Puja, one of India’s most revered festivals is a four-day celebration dedicated to Surya Dev (Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya. For devotees, it represents discipline, devotion, and physical endurance.
Central to the festival is the nirjala fast 'a 36-hour fast without water' symbolizing surrender, purity, and unwavering faith. But what if the fast breaks accidentally? Traditions and scriptures provide guidance.
Chhath Puja is more than a ritual as it is a spiritual journey. Devotees believe that worshipping Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya brings health, prosperity, and family harmony.
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Each day of the four-day festival has a specific purpose:
Nahay Khay: The first day involves bathing and purifying the body.
Lohanda and Kharna: On the second day, devotees prepare prasad and observe a day-long fast that ends with kheer and fruits at sunset.
Sandhya Arghya: On the third day, devotees stand in water to offer Arghya to the setting sun while maintaining the nirjala fast.
Usha Arghya: The final day concludes the fast with offerings to the rising sun.
The nirjala fast, especially observed by women, is a demonstration of endurance, focus, and spiritual commitment. Breaking it can cause anxiety about divine displeasure.
Traditional texts and local customs emphasize that accidentally breaking the fast is not a sin if it occurs due to illness, weakness, or unforeseen circumstances. The focus of Chhath Puja is sincerity and devotion, not punishment for human frailty.
Religious scholars note that the gods value intention and heartfelt devotion over ritual perfection. Even if the fast is broken, one’s spiritual connection with Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya remains intact, as long as the person approaches the situation with honesty and humility.
Experts explain that Chhathi Maiya values sincerity over perfection.
Devotees who break the fast accidentally can resume it the next day through a practice called punah sankalp (fresh vow). This involves renewing one’s commitment to the fast with sincere devotion and completing the remaining rituals.
Experts explain that Chhathi Maiya values sincerity over perfection. The intention to go back to the fast with renewed belief and devotion is considered spiritually meritorious. This allows devotees to maintain the sanctity of the festival while respecting human limitations.
In addition to punah sankalp, devotees are encouraged to:
Offer prayers and Arghya to Surya Dev, expressing regret and devotion.
Perform small charitable acts or give offerings to priests or the needy.
Focus on rituals in the remaining days, ensuring sincere participation in the festival.
Sharing prasad with neighbors and family further reinforces the spirit of devotion, emphasizing intention and purity of heart over strict ritualistic adherence.
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Chhath Puja is ultimately about discipline, gratitude, and inner purity. Even if the fast is accidentally broken, the divine presence of Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya continues to bless devotees who return to their vows with sincerity. The festival teaches that faith, devotion, and genuine intent matter more than rigid perfection.
