Chhath Puja in West Bengal
Chhath Puja in West Bengal is a divine festival honoring the Sun God, where devotees gather on riverbanks at dawn and dusk, celebrating faith, nature, and spiritual devotion.
Explore NowABOUT CHHATH PUJA
Chhath Puja is one of India’s oldest Vedic festivals dedicated to the Sun God (Surya Dev) and his sister Chhathi Maiya, the goddess of fertility and well-being. The festival is celebrated over four days, typically in late October or early November, after Diwali.
In West Bengal, it holds immense importance among communities living along the rivers — especially the Ganges, Hooghly, and Damodar. The rituals involve fasting, holy baths, and offerings to the setting and rising sun. Women, known as vratin, observe strict discipline, often standing in water for hours as they offer fruits, sugarcane, and thekua (a traditional sweet) to the deities.
The celebration is a symbol of purity, gratitude, and balance with nature. Every act — from lighting the diya (lamp) to making the bamboo baskets — reflects devotion and sustainability. Over time, Chhath Puja in West Bengal has become not just a religious observance but also a major cultural and community event, uniting people across faiths and regions.
As part of West Bengal’s tourism calendar, Chhath Puja attracts photographers, culture enthusiasts, and travelers eager to capture the magnificent visuals of devotion by the riverside. The festival’s atmosphere — the chants, the lights, and the reflections on the water — makes it an unforgettable experience.
WHY TO VISIT CHHATH PUJA
TOP TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN CHHATH PUJA
Kolkata – Devotion on the Hooghly
In Kolkata, Chhath Puja transforms the banks of the Hooghly River into a sea of lights and devotion. Major ghats such as Prinsep Ghat, Babughat, Outram Ghat, and Millennium Park Ghat become centers of activity where thousands gather to perform rituals. The setting sun reflected on the Hooghly creates an enchanting view, perfect for photography and spiritual reflection.
Evenings are filled with devotional songs, conch sounds, and the sight of flickering lamps floating on the river. Travelers can take part by observing the rituals, helping distribute prasad, or simply soaking in the tranquil yet powerful atmosphere. The Prinsep Ghat area, with its colonial backdrop and majestic riverfront, offers one of the most scenic views during Chhath Puja.
Asansol and Durgapur – Industrial Towns with Spiritual Souls
In Asansol and Durgapur, Chhath Puja is celebrated with immense enthusiasm along the Damodar River. These industrial cities, known for their hardworking communities, come alive with faith as people build temporary ghats, decorate them with banana trees, and prepare for the four-day rituals.
Visitors can witness local cultural programs, devotional songs known as Chhath Geet, and community kitchens preparing offerings. For those looking to experience authentic Chhath Puja traditions in Bengal’s heartland, these towns provide a deeply grounded and inclusive atmosphere.
Howrah and Barrackpore – Twin Celebrations Across the River
Across the river from Kolkata, Howrah’s Ramkrishnapur Ghat and Bally Ghat host grand Chhath Puja events. Barrackpore, Serampore, and Chandannagar also celebrate with unique fervor, combining old colonial architecture with devotional festivities.
The reflections of thousands of diyas on the river at night create a stunning visual spectacle. Travelers can explore nearby heritage structures during the day and enjoy the spiritual serenity of the ghats at sunset.
Siliguri – Chhath in the Foothills of the Himalayas
In Siliguri, Chhath Puja is celebrated along the Mahananda River, where the rituals take place amidst misty mountain views and crisp autumn air. The setting is truly magical — devotees clad in traditional attire offering prayers with the majestic Himalayas in the backdrop.
CULTURAL HERITAGE AND FAMILY VALUES
Beyond its rituals and meals, ভাই ফোঁটা reflects the emotional depth of Bengali culture. It’s a celebration of gratitude, love, and respect that transcends material exchanges.
The day emphasizes family unity, forgiveness, and affection — values that have defined Bengal’s social ethos for centuries. Even in modern urban settings, where families live apart, siblings reunite for this occasion, reviving traditions and emotions that time cannot fade.
For visitors, witnessing ভাই ফোঁটা is witnessing the soul of Bengal — a land where relationships are celebrated with sincerity and joy.
LOCAL CUISINE AND FESTIVE FOOD EXPERIENCES
Food plays a deeply symbolic role in Chhath Puja. The offerings, known as prasad, are prepared with utmost purity and simplicity. Every ingredient — from the rice to the ghee — is carefully selected, symbolizing cleanliness and devotion.
Some must-try traditional foods during Chhath Puja include:
Thekua: A sweet made of wheat flour, jaggery, and ghee, deep-fried until golden and crispy, known as the iconic Chhath prasad.
Kasar and Rice Laddus: Sacred sweets made from powdered rice or wheat flour with jaggery, symbolizing purity.
Fruits and Sugarcane: Important offerings representing fertility and prosperity.
Sabudana Khichdi and Kheer: Nutritious dishes consumed after fasting during rituals.
In Kolkata and other cities, street food vendors also offer festive delicacies and sweets during Chhath week. Travelers can enjoy local food in West Bengal — from Bengali mishti to North Indian festive flavors — as part of their cultural exploration.
The aroma of freshly prepared prasad, the sight of women carrying bamboo baskets filled with fruits, and the community meals shared after rituals make Chhath Puja’s food experience both spiritual and delicious.
NATURE AND OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Chhath Puja is deeply connected to nature. The entire festival revolves around the sun, water, and earth — elements that symbolize life and sustenance. For travelers, this is the perfect time to explore West Bengal’s natural landscapes while experiencing the harmony of faith and the environment.
The post-monsoon season brings clear skies and pleasant weather, ideal for river walks, sunrise photography, and outdoor excursions. Visitors can enjoy boat rides on the Hooghly, explore river islands near Diamond Harbour, or take heritage cruises that offer panoramic views of the city’s ghats during rituals.
In the northern parts, travelers can combine Chhath festivities in Siliguri or Malda with trips to Dooars forests, Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary, or the tea gardens of Darjeeling. The blend of devotion and nature makes Chhath Puja tourism in West Bengal an enriching and scenic experience.
SHOPPING AND LOCAL MARKETS
During Chhath Puja, markets across West Bengal bustle with energy and color. From Kolkata’s Burrabazar and Gariahat to Asansol’s Court More Market, vendors sell ritual items, sweets, fruits, sugarcane, bamboo baskets (soop), and clay diyas.
Travelers will find these markets alive with festive enthusiasm — women buying sarees, men choosing offerings, and children enjoying the fair-like atmosphere. Apart from ritual items, one can also buy handcrafted Bengali souvenirs, terracotta art, and traditional textiles as keepsakes.
Shopping during Chhath Puja is a cultural experience in itself. It allows visitors to mingle with locals, witness preparations, and understand how deeply the festival influences Bengal’s social and economic rhythm.
ACCOMMODATION AND HOTELS DURING CHHATH PUJA
Visitors traveling during Chhath Puja can find a wide range of hotels in West Bengal suited for every budget. In Kolkata, luxury hotels such as The Oberoi Grand, ITC Royal Bengal, and Taj Bengal offer premium stays with river views and proximity to ghats like Prinsep or Babughat. Mid-range options, including boutique hotels and serviced apartments, provide comfort and convenience for travelers attending riverside rituals.
Budget travelers can choose from numerous guesthouses and homestays near major ghats or in suburban towns. Staying with a local family during Chhath Puja offers the unique experience of joining household rituals and enjoying homemade prasad.
In Asansol, Durgapur, and Siliguri, several hotels and eco-stays provide easy access to rivers and community puja sites. Advance booking is strongly recommended since accommodation tends to fill quickly during the festival week.
Whether you prefer riverside luxury or the simplicity of a village homestay, Chhath Puja accommodation in West Bengal ensures comfort while keeping you close to the heart of the celebration.
TRAVEL TIPS FOR VISITORS
Book Early
Book hotels and trains in advance due to high demand.
Dress Traditionally
Wear light traditional clothing — cottons or linens are ideal in summer.
Try Bengali Cuisine
Try traditional home-cooked meals for the true flavor of the festival.
Respect Local Customs
Respect private family gatherings and local customs.
Shop Early
Explore Kolkata’s markets a day before the festival for festive shopping.
Visit Early
Visit cultural events early to avoid large crowds.
FAQS ABOUT CHHATH PUJA
1. What is Chhath Puja famous for?
2. When is Chhath Puja celebrated?
3. Where can I see Chhath Puja in West Bengal?
4. What are the main rituals of Chhath Puja?
5. What foods are prepared during Chhath Puja?
6. Is Chhath Puja open to visitors?
7. What is the best time to visit for Chhath Puja tourism?
8. Are hotels available near ghats?
9. What should travelers wear?
10. Can I take photos during the rituals?
11. Is Chhath Puja celebrated outside West Bengal too?
12. Why is Chhath Puja important in Bengal?
Experience Chhath Puja in West Bengal
Chhath Puja in West Bengal is more than a festival — it’s a celebration of light, water, and life itself. It brings people together in prayer, gratitude, and hope, creating scenes of breathtaking beauty along the state’s rivers and ghats. For travelers, it’s a rare chance to witness devotion in its most natural form — unadorned, peaceful, and profoundly spiritual. Whether you stand on the banks of the Hooghly in Kolkata or watch the rising sun over the Mahananda in Siliguri, the experience stays with you forever. So, come and explore Chhath Puja tourism in West Bengal — where faith meets the horizon, the river reflects the sun, and every offering carries the promise of renewal. It’s not just a sight to behold, but a story to feel — one that celebrates humanity’s eternal bond with nature and divinity.
