Chhath for Climate & Culture – Surya Aradhana, Prakriti Sanrakshan “From Rivers to the Rising Sun – Culture for Climate Action” Author: Sandeep Kumar Dubey Advocate, Supreme Court of India Chairman, Chhathi Maiya Foundation
Chhath for Climate & Culture – Surya Aradhana, Prakriti Sanrakshan
“From Rivers to the Rising Sun – Culture for Climate Action”
Author: Sandeep Kumar Dubey
Advocate, Supreme Court of India
Chairman, Chhathi Maiya Foundation
Chapter 1 : Introduction – Chhath as a Shared Heritage of Culture and Nature
The Chhath festival presents an extraordinary synthesis of faith, environmental awareness and community participation.
Through the worship of the rising and setting Sun, it honours the rhythm of nature and emphasises human coexistence with natural forces.
Activities like cleaning of the river banks, the use of natural materials and public participation make Chhath a living form of Nature-based cultural practice.
In the era of climate crisis, Chhath can inspire a global movement of Culture for Climate Action, and its inclusion in UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) will reinforce this message at the international level.
Chapter 2 : Historical and Vedic Roots of Chhath
Chhath has deep roots in the Vedic tradition. In the Rigveda and Yajurveda, the Sun is praised as the supreme source of life and knowledge.
Ancient scriptures also mention Lord Rama performing Sun worship after returning to Ayodhya; and Karna standing in river water to offer Arghya to the Sun every day.
Historians believe that the festival emerged in the Ganga valley (Magadha–Mithila–Kashi region) and spread across the Indian subcontinent and to the global diaspora.
Thus, Chhath represents the synthesis of Vedic philosophy and folk tradition.
Chapter 3 : Cultural Significance and Socio–Spiritual Values
Chhath promotes social equality, cultural harmony and spiritual discipline.
People from all castes and classes collectively clean the riverbanks and celebrate the festival together.
Women usually perform the fast, symbolising the cultural recognition of Shakti (women as embodiment of nature).
Traditional songs (Chhath Geet) transmit ecological wisdom from generation to generation.
The environment is considered sacred, not merely a resource — a perspective that reflects a sustainable cultural worldview.
Chapter 4 : Chhath and Environmental Protection – Traditional Practices
Practice Environmental Value
Cleaning of ghats Restoration of water bodies
Use of bamboo and clay material Zero plastic approach
Organic fruits and offerings Responsible consumption & local sourcing
Community participation People-led climate action
Chhath is, therefore, a living example of culture-based environmental stewardship.
Chapter 5 : Purification of Rivers, Lakes and Water Bodies
The core space of Chhath worship is a natural water body.
Communities engage in collective cleaning and restoration of riverbanks prior to the festival.
Performing Arghya while standing in water expresses deep reverence for the water element and creates a practical model of Community-led water restoration.
Chapter 6 : Eco-Friendly Lifestyle – Zero Plastic and Natural Resources
All offerings used in Chhath are purely organic and locally sourced.
Bamboo baskets, clay lamps and leaf plates demonstrate a Zero-Waste lifestyle.
No plastics or chemical materials are used.
There is no electricity-based decoration — natural sunlight and earthen lamps illuminate the celebration.
➡️ The festival is a real-life example of a Low Carbon Footprint Cultural Event.
Chapter 7 : Global Diaspora and Expansion of Chhath
Chhath is celebrated with great devotion in Mauritius, Suriname, Fiji, Trinidad, USA, UK, UAE and other countries.
Local authorities often cooperate in cleaning rivers and lakes.
The festival is rapidly emerging as a Global Cultural Movement for Climate Action.
Chapter 8 : Chhath and Climate Resilience
Climate Aspect Contribution of Chhath
Mitigation Low carbon and Zero plastic activities
Adaptation Community-led revival of water bodies
SDG linkages SDG 6,11,12,13,15 – responsible consumption & sustainable lifestyles
Chhath exemplifies the Faith for Future model — integrating spirituality with environmental responsibility.
Chapter 9 : International Relevance and Global Initiative
UNESCO and UNEP recognise the role of traditional knowledge in climate action.
Chhath, as an Eco-Cultural Practice, embodies these principles.
Diaspora communities conduct River Cleaning Drives and Eco-Festival Workshops, making Chhath a Cross-Cultural Climate Learning Platform at the global level.
Chapter 10 : Justification for UNESCO ICH (Criteria A–E)
A – Identification:
Chhath is a living tradition continuously passed down within communities.
B – Visibility:
It enhances awareness of cultural diversity and promotes sustainable values worldwide.
C – Safeguarding Measures:
Documentation of songs & rituals; curriculum integration; zero-plastic campaigns; community-led restoration of riverbanks.
D – Community Participation:
The practice is entirely community-driven; diaspora communities actively participate.
E – Inclusion in Inventory:
The process of national inventory inclusion is already underway in India and Nepal.
Chapter 11 : Partner Institutions, Community Participation and Future Plan
Potential Partners — UNESCO, UNEP, Ministry of Environment (India), ICCR, National Mission for Clean Ganga, WWF, etc.
Community Participation — local committees, youth volunteers, artisans, diaspora organisations.
Future Plan —
“Plastic Free Chhath 2030”
Global Chhath Conference
Eco-restoration replicable models across countries.
Chapter 12 : Conclusion and Global Climate Pledge
Chhath festival symbolises the harmonious relationship between human society and nature. It inspires eco-friendly lifestyles rooted in cultural tradition.
Inclusion of Chhath in the UNESCO ICH list will not only preserve this cultural heritage but also promote Culture for Climate Action at the international level.
🌍 Global Climate Pledge:
“Plastic Free Chhath 2030 – From Rivers to the Rising Sun”
We pledge to observe Chhath festival as an Eco-Friendly and Community-led Climate Action festival and take responsibility for the protection of rivers and all natural water bodies.
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