Chhath Puja Maithili Geet (Folk Songs)
Significance & Importance
Chhath Puja is the most spiritually intense and physically demanding Hindu vrat — observed for four days with 36 hours of waterless fasting (nirjala). Unique to Mithila and Bhojpur, it is the only major Hindu festival without temple, priest, or idol — devotees commune directly with the Sun. Maithili Chhath geet form the soul of the festival: sung antiphonally by women returning from the ghat with the bahangi (bamboo yoke) of offerings, they describe the Sun rising on banana leaves, Chhathi Maiya's grace, and family well-being. The famous song 'Kelva ke paat par' has been recorded by Sharda Sinha and Anuradha Paudwal, but its true home remains the village ghats of Darbhanga, Madhubani, Saharsa, and Janakpur. UNESCO has recognised Chhath as part of India's living heritage.
English Transliteration
Kelva ke paat par ugelan Surajdev,
Jhaak jhaak kiranva.
He Chhathi Maiya, baras-baras
aabe ho hum sevak baalak.
Kaanche-kaanche baans ke baahangi,
Baahangi lachakat jaay.
Baat ke baatohiya bhaiya,
Baahangi ghaate pahuncha day.
Ghaat par baith jaayab Maiya,
Arghya divaayab tohaar.
Bhar din nirjal niraahaar,
Chhathi Maiya hum tohaar.