Actor Rajesh Kumar, widely known for his role in 'Sarabhai Vs Sarabhai', has shared his heartfelt emotional bond with Bihar and the festival of Chhath Puja, recalling childhood memories and the deep significance the occasion holds for him. With Chhath Puja arriving on 15 November 2026, Kumar has also revealed he will miss the celebrations this year due to a packed shooting schedule.

Memories With His Mother in Patna

Among the many memories the actor holds dear, one moment stands out above the rest. 'One of my fondest memories is when my mother observed Chhath Puja in Patna, and somehow, the administration got to know about it,' he said. 'They put up large hoardings and banners across the city wishing her on the occasion. Over the years, I have made countless memories associated with Chhath, but celebrating the festival with my mother has always been particularly special.'

Kumar, who has also earned recognition for his work in 'Kota Factory', described how each passing year has added a new layer of meaning to the festival, even as the rituals themselves remain unchanged.

What Makes Chhath One of the Most Disciplined Festivals

Going beyond the surface of tradition, Rajesh explained the rigorous discipline the festival demands. 'For nearly 36 hours, the person observing the fast has to go without even a drop of water. There are strict rules about purity and cleanliness. Everything around you has to be new and pure. Essentially, it is about purifying yourself through fasting, the food you consume and the discipline you practise,' he said.

He further noted that Chhath is also a festival of deep ecological awareness. 'You connect with all the elements of nature. You worship the Sun God, offering prayers to both the setting and rising sun. In a way, all of us are solar-powered, so the festival is also about expressing gratitude to the Sun, which sustains life,' he added.

A Festival of Equality and Togetherness

What distinguishes Chhath from other major Indian festivals, according to Kumar, is its ethos of social levelling. 'It is essentially a festival of purity, equality and togetherness. One of the most beautiful aspects of Chhath is that social and economic differences cease to matter. The distinctions of status, age or social standing disappear, and everyone comes together as one community. People pray not just for themselves but for everyone. That sense of unity and shared devotion makes Chhath truly special,' he explained.

This sentiment resonates with millions of Bihari communities spread across India and abroad, for whom Chhath represents not just religious observance but a cultural identity — often celebrated with equal fervour on the banks of rivers, lakes and even makeshift ghats in cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Varanasi.

Missing Chhath This Year

Despite his deep connection to the festival, Kumar confirmed he will not be part of the celebrations this year. 'Fortunately, I am shooting every day, including the first day of the festival. So, I will be missing Chhath Puja quite a bit this year. I will definitely miss being a part of the celebrations and experiencing the festive atmosphere,' he said.

The actor's candid reflection underlines how Chhath remains a deeply personal and community-rooted occasion — one whose absence, even for a busy professional, leaves a noticeable void. As millions of devotees head to waterfronts across India this week, Kumar's words capture the universal pull of a festival that bridges geography and generation.