Chhath Puja, one of India’s most sacred and visually striking festivals, is dedicated to expressing gratitude to Surya Dev (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya for sustaining life on Earth. Marked by rigorous fasting, holy river dips, and offerings made at sunrise and sunset, the festival brings communities together in deep devotion and reverence for nature. As millions across the country observe the auspicious occasion, actress Simaran Kaur, who is currently winning hearts as the lead in Anmol TV’s Humari Radha, shared her personal reflections on experiencing the festival’s warmth and spiritual energy firsthand.
Opening up about her memories of witnessing the festivities up close during her travels, Simaran shares, “While I haven’t had many opportunities to celebrate Chhath Puja myself, I’ve had the chance to witness its celebrations whenever I visited North India, and they have always left me mesmerised.”
Recalling the moments that left the deepest impression on her, the actress highlights the collective faith and vibrant camaraderie among devotees. “One sight that has particularly stayed with me is seeing so many women come together, observing the rituals and offering their prayers with such devotion. The entire atmosphere is incredibly vibrant and beautiful. I think that’s the beauty of our culture — we have so many festivals coexisting, each with its own significance, and there’s so much to learn from every tradition.”
Reflecting on the deeper environmental and spiritual essence of the festival, Simaran emphasises how its core message extends far beyond a few days of celebration. “I strongly believe that respecting and expressing gratitude towards Mother Nature, the Sun and the natural forces that sustain us should be a part of our everyday lives. At the same time, I am glad that we have festivals like Chhath Puja that give us a special occasion to come together and celebrate these forces with so much devotion and gratitude.”
