Raghav Sachar's santoor rendition of 'Uga Suraj Dev' captures Chhath Pooja's spiritual heart
Synopsis
Composer Raghav Sachar has brought an unexpected classical twist to Chhath Pooja, releasing a santoor rendition of 'Uga Suraj Dev' — a festival staple rarely reinterpreted through a Kashmiri classical instrument. The release, shared on his X handle during the four-day observance, invites listeners to experience the Sun God's invocation in a meditative, cross-cultural register.
Key Takeaways
Raghav Sachar released a santoor rendition of devotional song 'Uga Suraj Dev' during Chhath Pooja .
The music video was shared on his official X handle on Sunday, 15 November 2026 .
Sachar described the rendition as reflecting the ‘faith, devotion and spiritual essence’ of the festival.
Chhath Pooja is a four-day Hindu festival dedicated to Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya , widely observed in Bihar , Jharkhand , eastern Uttar Pradesh , and Nepal .
The festival's core rituals include offering Arghya to both the setting and rising sun, with traditional offerings of thekua , fruits, and sugarcane.
Music composer Raghav Sachar has released a santoor rendition of the beloved devotional song 'Uga Suraj Dev', timed to coincide with the celebrations of Chhath Pooja. The music video, shared on Sunday via his official X handle, presents the traditional Chhath anthem through the meditative textures of the santoor — an instrument rarely paired with this festival's repertoire.
What Raghav Sachar Said
Sharing the rendition, Sachar wrote, “As we celebrate the auspicious festival of Chhath Puja, dedicated to the worship of Surya Dev, let’s embrace the spirit of devotion, gratitude and positivity.” He added, “Presenting my Santoor rendition of the beautiful devotional song ‘Uga Suraj Dev’, a melody that beautifully reflects the faith, devotion and spiritual essence of this sacred festival. Share this soulful rendition with your friends and family and spread the festive spirit.”
The Song and Its Significance
'Uga Suraj Dev' is one of the most widely recognised devotional songs associated with Chhath Pooja, invoking the rising of the Sun God. Sachar's choice of the santoor — a Kashmiri string instrument known for its ethereal resonance — brings a contemplative, classical dimension to a song traditionally rooted in folk idiom. The pairing underscores the cross-regional universality of the festival's spiritual message.
About Chhath Pooja
Chhath Pooja is an ancient Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of Surya, the Sun God, and Chhathi Maiya, revered as the protector of children and the bestower of prosperity. Observed predominantly in Bihar, Jharkhand, eastern Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Nepal, it is a four-day observance marked by rigorous fasting, elaborate rituals, and communal gatherings at riverbanks and water bodies.
The festival begins with Nahay Khay, followed by Kharna, when devotees break their day-long fast after sunset. The defining rituals involve offering Arghya — a water oblation — to the setting sun on the third day and to the rising sun on the fourth morning. Traditional offerings include thekua, fruits, and sugarcane. Notably, Chhath Pooja is among the very few Hindu festivals that pay homage to both the setting and the rising sun, symbolising gratitude, renewal, and the continuity of nature.
Raghav Sachar's Musical Catalogue
Sachar is an established name in Indian film and independent music, known for blending classical and contemporary influences. His foray into devotional territory with this release reflects a broader trend of trained musicians reinterpreting festival music for wider, digitally connected audiences. The timing of the release — coinciding with the peak Chhath Pooja observance — is likely to maximise reach across diaspora and domestic audiences alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Raghav Sachar's 'Uga Suraj Dev' santoor rendition?
It is a classical santoor-based reinterpretation of the popular Chhath Pooja devotional song 'Uga Suraj Dev', released by music composer Raghav Sachar during the festival in November 2026. The music video was shared on his official X handle on Sunday.
Why did Raghav Sachar release this song during Chhath Pooja?
Sachar released the rendition to coincide with the Chhath Pooja observance, stating it reflects the festival's spirit of devotion, gratitude, and positivity. He called the melody a reflection of the faith and spiritual essence of the sacred festival.
What is Chhath Pooja and when is it celebrated?
Chhath Pooja is an ancient four-day Hindu festival dedicated to Surya, the Sun God, and Chhathi Maiya. It is observed predominantly in Bihar, Jharkhand, eastern Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Nepal, with rituals involving fasting and offering Arghya to the setting and rising sun.
What makes Chhath Pooja unique among Hindu festivals?
Chhath Pooja is one of the very few Hindu festivals that involves worshipping both the setting and the rising sun, symbolising gratitude, renewal, and the continuity of nature. Its rituals — including rigorous fasting and communal gatherings at water bodies — are notably austere compared to other major festivals.
Who is Raghav Sachar?
Raghav Sachar is an Indian music composer and multi-instrumentalist known for his work in Bollywood and independent music, often blending classical and contemporary influences. His santoor rendition of 'Uga Suraj Dev' marks a notable entry into the devotional music space.
