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By rohit.pandey1
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Updated on 23 Oct 2025, 15:29 IST
Chhath Pooja is one of the oldest and most sacred Vedic festivals in India, celebrated to honour the Sun God (Surya) and Chhathi Maiya, the Goddess of the Dawn. Deeply rooted in the cultural traditions of Bihar, Jharkhand, and Eastern Uttar Pradesh (Purvanchal), this festival represents devotion, discipline, and gratitude toward nature.
Over four holy days, devotees perform rituals like Nahay Khay, Kharna, Sandhya Arghya, and Usha Arghya, fasting and praying for prosperity and family well-being. This article presents 25+ Chhath Pooja GK questions and answers, offering complete Chhath Pooja information for students and quiz enthusiasts who want to understand the significance, rituals, and history of this ancient festival.
Chhath Pooja holds deep mythological and cultural importance in Indian tradition. Dedicated to the Sun God (Surya Dev) and Chhathi Maiya, the festival symbolises purity, gratitude, and harmony with nature. Below are some of the most important GK questions on Chhath Pooja that help students understand the essence of this ancient Vedic celebration.
Q1. Which god is worshipped during Chhath Pooja?
Ans: Chhath Pooja is dedicated to Lord Surya (the Sun God) and his sister, Chhathi Maiya—the goddess of the dawn who blesses devotees with good health and prosperity.
Q2. Who is Chhathi Maiya?
Ans: Chhathi Maiya, also known as Usha, is the consort or sister of the Sun God. She is revered as the protector of children and the giver of life and health.
Q3. In which states is Chhath Pooja mainly celebrated?

Ans: Chhath Pooja is the primary festival of Bihar, Jharkhand, and Eastern Uttar Pradesh (Purvanchal). It is also observed in Nepal’s Terai region and among the Indian diaspora worldwide.
Q4. What is the meaning of the word ‘Chhath’?

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Ans: The word ‘Chhath’ means ‘sixth’ in Hindi and Bhojpuri. The main puja takes place on the sixth day (Shashthi) of the Kartika month, six days after Diwali.
Q5. When is Chhath Pooja celebrated?
Ans: Chhath Pooja is celebrated six days after Diwali, during the Kartika month (October–November). A smaller version called ‘Chaiti Chhath’ is observed in March–April.
Do Check: GK Quiz on Indian Mythology

The four days of Chhath Pooja mark a journey of purity, devotion, and discipline. Each day has a distinct ritual, purpose, and spiritual meaning. Below are detailed GK questions and answers on the four days of Chhath Pooja, helping students understand the festival’s complete significance.
Q6. What is the first day of Chhath Pooja called?
Ans: The first day is known as Nahay Khay, meaning bathe and eat. Devotees take a holy dip in a river or pond and eat a simple, pure meal to begin the purification process.
Q7. What do devotees eat on Nahay Khay?
Ans: On this day, the 'Vrati' (devotee) eats Kaddu-Bhat (gourd and rice) with Chana Dal, a meal cooked in a sanctified kitchen after offering prayers to the Sun God.
Q8. What is the second day of Chhath Pooja called?
Ans: The second day is called Kharna or Lohanda, when devotees observe a day-long fast that ends in the evening after sunset.
Q9. How long does the Chhath Pooja fast last?
Ans: After Kharna, devotees begin a 36-hour 'nirjala' fast, where they abstain from both food and water until the next morning after Usha Arghya.
Q10. What is the main prasad of Kharna?
Ans: The prasad of Kharna is Rasiyaw-Roti, a sweet porridge made of jaggery (gud) and rice, served with chapati and offered to the deity before consumption.
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Q11. What is the main puja day of Chhath called?
Ans: The third day is the main puja day, known as Sandhya Arghya, when devotees offer prayers to the setting sun for gratitude and blessings.
Q12. Why is Chhath Pooja unique among Indian festivals?
Ans: It is the only major Hindu festival where devotees worship both the setting sun and the rising sun, symbolising the balance of life and renewal.
Q13. Where is the Sandhya Arghya offered?
Ans: The Arghya is offered standing in water—usually a river, pond, or specially prepared ghat—with the offerings placed in a bamboo soop filled with fruits, Thekua, and other prasad items.
Q14. What is the final day of Chhath Pooja called?
Ans: The last day is Usha Arghya, dedicated to the rising sun, marking the completion of the four-day ritual.
Q15. To whom is the Usha Arghya offered?
Ans: Devotees gather at the riverbank before sunrise to offer Arghya to the rising Sun God (Surya) and pray for the family’s peace, health, and prosperity.
Q16. How do devotees break the fast?
Ans: After the morning offering, the Vrati breaks their 36-hour fast by eating a prasad made of ginger, jaggery, and fruits, symbolising the return to normal life with divine blessings.
The offerings of Chhath Pooja, known as Prasad, are deeply symbolic and reflect purity, simplicity, and devotion. Each item used during the rituals holds a spiritual meaning and is prepared with utmost cleanliness. Below are 10 important GK questions on Chhath Pooja prasad and key items, useful for students and quiz competitions.
Q17. What is the main prasad of Chhath Pooja?
Ans: The main prasad is Thekua, a traditional sweet made from wheat flour, jaggery (gud), and ghee. It is deep-fried and offered to the Sun God during Sandhya Arghya and Usha Arghya.
Q18. What ingredients are used to make Thekua?
Ans: Thekua is prepared using whole wheat flour, jaggery, ghee, and grated coconut. Sometimes, fennel seeds and cardamom are added for flavour.
Q19. What is a ‘Soop’ in Chhath Pooja?
Ans: A Soop is a traditional bamboo winnowing basket used to hold offerings such as fruits, Thekua, and earthen lamps while giving Arghya to the Sun God.
Q20. What is a ‘Daura’ (or Dagra) used for?
Ans: The Daura is a large bamboo basket used to carry the Soop and all puja materials to the riverbank (ghat) for performing rituals.
Q21. Which fruits are essential in Chhath offerings?
Ans: The key fruits are sugarcane (Eekh), green bananas (Kela), coconut (Nariyal), and grapefruit (Daabh Nimbu), symbolising fertility and abundance.
Q22. What is the significance of sugarcane in Chhath Pooja?
Ans: Sugarcane represents purity and growth, and is often used as a natural pole to decorate the ghat area during the rituals.
Q23. What is the importance of earthen diyas (lamps) in Chhath Pooja?
Ans: Earthen diyas are lit and placed in the soop and near water bodies to honour the Sun God and signify the removal of darkness and ignorance.
Q24. What type of clothes do devotees wear during Chhath Pooja?
Ans: Devotees wear new, unstitched cotton clothes. Women usually wear sarees in yellow or orange shades, symbolising purity and energy, while men wear dhoti-kurta.
Q25. What is the significance of bamboo in Chhath rituals?
Ans: Bamboo items like soop and daura are used because bamboo is considered pure and eco-friendly, aligning with the festival’s emphasis on natural and biodegradable materials.
Q26. What is the ‘Ghat’ in Chhath Pooja?
Ans: The Ghat is the sacred riverbank or pond area where devotees gather to offer Sandhya Arghya and Usha Arghya. It is cleaned, decorated, and illuminated before the rituals.
The history of Chhath Pooja is deeply rooted in Vedic traditions and Hindu mythology. The festival is believed to be one of the oldest forms of Sun worship and represents the connection between nature, humanity, and cosmic energy. Below are the most important GK questions on the history and importance of Chhath Pooja, ideal for students and competitive exams.
Q27. What is the historical origin of Chhath Pooja?
Ans: The festival dates back to the Vedic period, when sages performed sun worship rituals to absorb solar energy directly for healing and strength. It is one of the oldest nature-worship traditions in India.
Q28. Which mythological character first performed Chhath Pooja?
Ans: According to the Mahabharata, Karna, the son of Surya (the Sun God) and Kunti, was the first to perform the Chhath rituals. He was a devout worshipper of the Sun and received divine blessings through this puja.
Q29. Is Chhath Pooja mentioned in the Ramayana?
Ans: Yes. In the Ramayana, it is believed that Goddess Sita observed Chhath Pooja after returning to Ayodhya with Lord Rama, to express gratitude to the Sun God for their wellbeing.
Q30. Why is Chhath Pooja celebrated?
Ans: Chhath Pooja is celebrated to thank the Sun God (Surya) for sustaining life on Earth and to pray for prosperity, longevity, and happiness of family members, especially children.
Q31. What is the spiritual meaning of Chhath Pooja?
Ans: The festival symbolizes purity, self-discipline, and gratitude. The fasting and rituals help devotees purify their body and mind, aligning them with natural and cosmic energy.
Q32. Why is Chhath Pooja considered an eco-friendly festival?
Ans: All the materials used in the puja—like bamboo baskets, clay lamps, earthen pots, and natural fruits—are biodegradable. The rituals are performed near natural water bodies, promoting cleanliness and environmental respect.
Do Check: GK Questions on Mahabharat
Q33. What is the significance of worshipping both the setting and rising sun?
Ans: Offering prayers to the setting sun (Sandhya Arghya) and the rising sun (Usha Arghya) represents the eternal cycle of life, death, and rebirth, highlighting balance and continuity in nature.
Q34. Who is called a ‘Vrati’ in Chhath Pooja?
Ans: A Vrati is the devotee—male or female—who observes the 36-hour nirjala fast and performs all the Chhath rituals with devotion and purity.
Q35. What moral lessons does Chhath Pooja teach?
Ans: Chhath teaches discipline, patience, gratitude, and devotion. It emphasizes living in harmony with nature and respecting the natural elements that sustain life.
Q36. How has Chhath Pooja evolved over time?
Ans: While traditionally observed in rural areas, Chhath Pooja has become a global festival, celebrated across India and abroad by the Bihari, Purvanchali, and Nepali communities, reflecting the unifying power of Indian culture.
Here’s a set of 15 Chhath Pooja GK quiz questions with answers to help students and readers test their knowledge about the rituals, history, and significance of this ancient festival of the Sun.
Q1. The 36-hour ‘nirjala’ fast of Chhath Pooja begins after which ritual?
A) Nahay Khay
B) Kharna
C) Sandhya Arghya
D) Usha Arghya
Q2. What is the sweet dish specially prepared on Kharna?
A) Thekua
B) Rasgulla
C) Rasiyaw (jaggery kheer)
D) Malpua
Q3. Chhath Pooja is dedicated to which deity?
A) Lord Shiva
B) Lord Vishnu
C) Lord Surya & Chhathi Maiya
D) Lord Ganesha
Q4. The word “Chhath” literally means which number?
A) Fourth
B) Fifth
C) Sixth
D) Seventh
Q5. Who is linked with Chhath Pooja in the Mahabharata?
A) Arjuna
B) Karna
C) Bhishma
D) Krishna
Q6. The offering made to the setting sun is called:
A) Pratah Arghya
B) Usha Arghya
C) Sandhya Arghya
D) Madhyahna Arghya
Q7. The offering made to the rising sun is called:
A) Usha Arghya
B) Sandhya Arghya
C) Sayam Arghya
D) Pradosh Arghya
Q8. The main prasad of Chhath Pooja is:
A) Litti
B) Thekua
C) Pua
D) Khaja
Q9. Chhath Pooja is primarily celebrated in which regions?
A) Rajasthan & Gujarat
B) Bihar, Jharkhand & Purvanchal
C) Punjab & Haryana
D) Maharashtra & Goa
Q10. Arrange the four days of Chhath Pooja in order:
A) Kharna → Nahay Khay → Usha Arghya → Sandhya Arghya
B) Nahay Khay → Kharna → Sandhya Arghya → Usha Arghya
C) Nahay Khay → Sandhya Arghya → Kharna → Usha Arghya
D) Kharna → Sandhya Arghya → Usha Arghya → Nahay Khay
Q11. The devotee who observes the fast is called:
A) Sadhak
B) Sevak
C) Vrati
D) Upasak
Q12. Which fruit is considered essential in Chhath offerings?
A) Pomegranate
B) Apple
C) Sugarcane (Eekh)
D) Mango
Q13. Why do devotees stand in water while offering Arghya?
A) For cool weather
B) Symbol of purity & devotion
C) To collect fish
D) To avoid crowds
Q14. Which of the following best reflects Chhath’s eco-friendly nature?
A) Plastic baskets & LEDs
B) Bamboo soop, clay diyas, fruits
C) Loud DJs & fireworks
D) Thermocol décor
Q15. Chhath observed in the month of Chaitra is known as:
A) Kartik Chhath
B) Maha Chhath
C) Chaiti Chhath
D) Vasant Chhath
| Q. No. | Correct Option | Answer Text |
| 1 | B | Kharna |
| 2 | C | Rasiyaw (jaggery kheer) |
| 3 | C | Lord Surya & Chhathi Maiya |
| 4 | C | Sixth |
| 5 | B | Karna |
| 6 | C | Sandhya Arghya |
| 7 | A | Usha Arghya |
| 8 | B | Thekua |
| 9 | B | Bihar, Jharkhand & Purvanchal |
| 10 | B | Nahay Khay → Kharna → Sandhya Arghya → Usha Arghya |
| 11 | C | Vrati |
| 12 | C | Sugarcane (Eekh) |
| 13 | B | Symbol of purity & devotion |
| 14 | B | Bamboo soop, clay diyas, fruits |
| 15 | C | Chaiti Chhath |
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Sandhya Arghya is the offering to the setting sun on Day 3, while Usha Arghya is the offering to the rising sun on Day 4. Together, they symbolise balance, renewal, and gratitude.
Yes. The 36-hour nirjala fast can be observed by both men and women. The devotee performing the rituals is called a Vrati.
No. While rooted in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Purvanchal (Eastern UP), Chhath is also celebrated across India and by the diaspora in Nepal’s Terai region, the USA, UK, UAE, Australia, and more.
Standing in a river/pond or at a prepared ghat represents purity and surrender to nature. Water is a sacred medium to offer Arghya to Surya and Chhathi Maiya.
Nahay Khay, Kharna (Lohanda), Sandhya Arghya, Usha Arghya—covering purification, fasting, evening offering, and morning offering.
Thekua—a traditional sweet made with wheat flour, jaggery, and ghee. Other key offerings include Rasiyaw (jaggery kheer), bananas, coconut, and sugarcane (Eekh).
Chhathi Maiya (Usha) is revered as the goddess of dawn, associated with protection of children, health, and longevity.
The rituals use natural, biodegradable items—bamboo soop/daura, earthen diyas, clay pots, fruits—and are performed on cleaned riverbanks, encouraging environmental respect.