The origins of Chhath Puja can be traced back to the early Vedic period. Ancient texts such as the Rigveda reference sun worship, and hymns dedicated to Surya, the sun, are abundant. These hymns, known as Surya Suktas, highlight the significance of the sun as a source of life and energy. Several legends and stories from Hindu mythology are associated with the origins of and history of Chhath Puja.

One of the most well-known legends associated with Chhath Puja is found in the Mahabharata. During their exile, the Pandavas and Draupadi faced many hardships, including food and water scarcity. While seeking a solution, Sage Dhaumya advised Draupadi to observe the rituals of Chhath Puja and worship the sun. Draupadi’s devotion and adherence to the rituals alleviated their immediate problems and helped them regain their lost kingdom. Another significant legend related to Chhath Puja is that of Karna, the son of Lord Surya and Kunti and a central figure in the Mahabharata. He was known for his unwavering devotion to his father, Lord Surya. Every day, he would stand in the river and pray to God. His dedication and generosity made him a revered figure, and his practice of sun worship is believed to have been the foundation for the rituals of Chhath Puja.

According to another legend, Sita, the wife of Lord Ram, performed Chhath Puja. After returning to Ayodhya from their exile, Rama and Sita observed a fast and worshipped the sun God to atone for their sins and seek blessings. The people of Ayodhya later adopted this practice, which has continued to be an integral part of the festival. This legend is particularly significant in regions like Bihar.

Chhath Puja is rooted in mythology and is mentioned in several religious texts. The Brahma Vaivarta Purana, one of the 18 major Puranas of Hinduism, mentions the worship of Chaathi Maiya, the goddess associated with the sixth day of the month of Karthik. According to the Purana, she is also known as Devasena, the protector of children and the giver of offspring.

Chhath Puja transcends social and economic barriers, bringing together people from all walks of life. The festival emphasises community spirit, as families and communities come together to prepare for the rituals, share food, and support each other. The communal aspect of the festival is particularly evident in the preparation of ‘prasad’.

The rituals of Chhath Puja are elaborately observed over a period of four days. They begin with the Nahay Khay, which involves cleansing oneself and one's home. Devotees take a holy dip in the river, preferably the Ganga, and bring home sacred water to prepare prasad. This day symbolises purification and the preparation for the upcoming rituals. The second day, also known as Kharna or Lohanda, sees the devotees observe a fast from sunrise to sunset without consuming even a drop of water. In the evening, they prepare prasad using kheer and fruits, which are then shared with family and friends. This day signifies self-discipline and devotion. The third day, or Sandhya Arghya, is the most important and involves offering arghya to the setting sun. Devotees gather at riverbanks, hold prasad-filled baskets called Dauri, and perform rituals as the sun sets. This day represents gratitude and reverence for the sun God. The last day of celebration, also known as Usha Arghy, involves offering arghya to the rising sun. Devotees return to the river banks before dawn and perform rituals as the sun rises. This day symbolises renewal and the blessings of a new beginning. 

A custom unique to Bihar is the Chhath Puja Kosi ritual performed on the evening of the third day. During this ritual, devotees place earthen lamps or diyas under a canopy made from sugarcane sticks, symbolising the Vedic age tradition of maintaining a sacred fire. Jharkhand sees notable practices like preparing unique dishes like Chhath ka Thekua and Kasar offered to the Sun God. Additionally, the tribal communities incorporate traditional songs and dances into the celebration, adding a local flavour to the festival.

A vital aspect of this festival is the traditional clothing worn by women and men, rich in cultural significance, intricate craftsmanship, and vibrant colours. The attire not only reflects the cultural heritage but also embodies the spiritual essence of the festival. It is not just a piece of fabric but is woven with cultural narratives, traditional motifs, and artificial craftsmanship passed down through generations.

The quintessential choice for women is the saree. It is the most traditional and popular attire worn by women during the celebrations of Chhath Puja. It is a garment that epitomises grace and tradition in Indian culture. The saree is a long piece of cloth, usually 5 to 9 yards long, draped around the body in various tiles. During Chhath Puja, women often choose sarees made from specific types of fabrics and decorated with traditional motifs and colours that hold cultural significance.

One of Chhath Puja's most preferred fabrics is silk. Silk sarees are cherished for their lustre, durability, and the richness that they bring to the occasion. Banarasi silk, named after the city of Varanasi, previously known as Banaras, is particularly favoured. The weaving of Banarasi silk sarees involves using a special pit loom. Artisans, known as Karigars, weave the sarees with meticulous detail, often taking months to complete a single piece. The motifs are created using Zari, handwoven into the fabric to create elaborate patterns. These sarees are known for their intricate designs and opulence. Another significant silk fabric is Tussar silk, known for its rich texture and natural gold colour. They are often woven with traditional motifs and are appreciated for their breathable quality while giving a luxurious feel.

Because of India's geography, cotton sarees are a popular choice, especially among those who prefer lighter fabrics. Chanderi cotton, originating from Chanderi in Madhya Pradesh, is highly valued for its lightweight texture and glossy transparency. The production of the Chanderi saree involves a blend of traditional and modern techniques. The motifs are handwoven, and silk or cotton threads give the saree a distinctive sheen and lightness. They often feature traditional motifs and are ideal for the daytime rituals of the festival.

The motifs and designs on the sarees are profoundly symbolic and often reflect the region's cultural heritage. Common motifs are paisley or Kairi, a teardrop-shaped motif widely used in Indian textiles. It is believed to represent fertility and the tree of life. Flowers symbolise beauty and purity, and floral patterns are commonly seen in the saree worn during Chhath Puja. These motifs are often intricately woven or embroidered, adding to the saree’s aesthetic appeal. A lot of the time, geometric patterns are seen manifested on the sarees and are symbolic of the infinite nature of the universe. Scenes from nature, such as birds, animals, and rivers, are also common motifs that reflect the agrarian roots of the regions where puja is celebrated and the people's deep connection with their natural surroundings.

The colour palette preferred during Chhath Puja is chosen carefully as each colour holds specific meanings and is believed to bring certain blessings. Red is considered an auspicious colour in Hindu culture. It symbolises purity, prosperity and fertility. Many women wear red sarees during Chhath Puja to invoke these blessings. Yellow is another favoured colour, symbolising brightness, happiness, and energy. It is also a colour that is associated with the sun, making it particularly relevant for Chhath Puja. Green represents life, renewal, and nature. It is a colour often worn to invoke blessings of hope and new beginnings. Orange, or saffron, is a sacred colour in Hinduism that represents spirituality and sacrifice. Thus, devotees commonly wear it during religious ceremonies and festivals like Chhath Puja.

Men’s traditional attire for Chhath Puja typically includes the Dhoti, Kurta, and sometimes an angavastram. These garments are a part of the ceremonial practises and represent the cultural ethos of where they are celebrated. The Dhoti is a long piece of cloth, usually around 5 yards long, wrapped around the waist and legs. It is an ancient form of dress for men in India and is especially significant during religious ceremonies and festivities. The Dhoti can be draped in various styles depending on the region. In Bihar and Jharkhand, the traditional style involves wrapping the Dhoti around the waist, with the ends pleated and tucked at the back. The most common fabric used for Dhoti is cotton. They are often plain white, symbolising purity and simplicity. For more festive occasions and nighttime rituals, silk dhotis are preferred. These are usually adorned with borders, adding a touch of elegance and splendour. Tussar silk, known for its texture and natural gold hue, is widespread. 

The Kurta is a long tunic worn over the Dhoti. It is a versatile garment ranging from a simple cotton Kurta to elaborate silk, depending on the ritual. Many men opt for plain kurtas, which align with the festival's emphasis on purity for daytime functions. Borders often feature motifs such as paisleys, floral patterns, or geometric designs, adding a decorative element for an exquisite look. The angavastram is an optional but traditionally ancient piece of clothing that men drape over their shoulders. Like the Dhoti and Kurta, Angavastrams are made from cotton and silk. The traditional attire is not merely a ceremonial practice but a way of honouring and preserving cultural heritage. They symbolise a connection to ancestral traditions and a respect for the simplicity and purity of the festival and bodies.