Rising Number of Men Observe Chhath Puja Without Women, Sindur Ritual Sparks Debate

Chhath Puja, a solar festival revered across Bihar and neighboring states, traditionally sees women playing a central role in rituals such as the offering of sindur to the sun god. In recent years, however, a noticeable increase in male devotees performing the entire observance on their own has been reported.

The most conspicuous challenge for these male-only groups is the sindur ceremony, wherein married women traditionally apply vermilion to the sun’s idol as a symbol of marital bliss and devotion. Without women present, men are improvising the rite, either by foregoing the sindur altogether or by having a male family member apply it in a symbolic manner.

Cultural observers note that while the core prayers and fasting remain unchanged, the shift in gender participation reflects broader social changes in rural Bihar. They stress that the essence of Chhath—gratitude to the sun and the pursuit of well‑being—remains intact, even as the community negotiates new ways to uphold age‑old customs.

The phenomenon underscores a growing flexibility within the festival’s practice, suggesting that devotion can transcend traditional gender boundaries while still honoring the ritual’s spiritual core.