New Delhi: As the first rays of the sun filter through Delhi’s highrises, pockets of the city prepare for a centuries-old ritual carried out across time and thousands of kilometres from the riverbanks of Bihar, Jharkhand and eastern Uttar Pradesh.Chhath Puja, a four-day festival devoted to the Sun God, is more than a spiritual observance for these families; it is a living link to their heritage, culture and community. While traditionally celebrated along flowing rivers, Delhi-NCR has given the festival a distinctly urban character. For the city’s youth, particularly those born and raised in Delhi or second-generation migrants, Chhath evokes a complex mix of emotions. Some approach it with curiosity and pride, eager to explore their roots, while others perceive it as a distant echo of a homeland they have never truly known. Yet, each finds a way to observe it, blending traditions with modern city life.“We set up a small altar at home with fruits, diyas and sugarcane. My kids help decorate it and, then, we perform the puja together. It’s a way to teach them our roots even though we live far from our home in Bihar,” says Deepali Tiwari from Dwarka Sector-10, whose father first moved to Delhi in the 80s for better job opportunities.For Lokesh, a software professional whose family hails from Dhanbad in Jharkhand, Chhath is about continuity. “We usually meet our relatives as most of our immediate family members live in Noida, or they come home. There’s a puja at home and, then, a traditional feast. It’s simple, but it keeps the tradition alive.”Community gatherings have added a new dimension to the festival, turning it into a bridge between generations and neighbourhoods. “I think it is as culturally significant to us as to anyone else, even if we have been raised away from our homeland,” says Aman Kumar, a resident of Karol Bagh. “My younger brother and I perform all three days of rituals and, then, on the last day, gather at the makeshift pond in a nearby ground. It gives a sense of community and belonging.”Modern technology has also reshaped Chhath celebrations. “We didn’t use to celebrate Chhath at all. But once my sister got married and moved to the US, she started the tradition,” shares Pratima Singh. “Now, when she is here during the puja, we celebrate it, or we join her through video calls if she’s abroad.”Urban youth are reconnecting with Chhath through cultural groups, social media and the festival’s culinary delights. “I wasn’t aware of all the intricate details until a few years ago. Then, I joined a local youth group celebrating it in a park in south Delhi. I learned the rituals, helped with the decorations, and it felt truly special to be part of it all,” said Amitesh.Apart from social groups, many young Delhi-born children pick up the traditions from their older cousins and eagerly join in the celebrations, while countless young girls delight in dressing up in vibrant sarees and taking part in the rituals.From quiet home altars to community ponds in crowded neighbourhoods, Chhath in Delhi-NCR is evolving. It is a festival that transcends distance and generations as ancient traditions continue to find new life.