The great festival of Chhath is not only a celebration of faith and worship but also a symbol of sacrifice, dedication, and unwavering love.
The story of 34-year-old Satyakam Sahay—a resident of Saidpura in Khagaul—and his wife, Vibha Sinha, serves as a poignant example of this. Ten years ago, both of Satyakam’s kidneys failed.
To save his life, Vibha donated one of her own kidneys. During that difficult period, she made a vow (*mannat*) to Chhathi Maiya, praying for her husband’s well-being and the longevity of their marriage. Today, her husband is healthy, and every year, Vibha observes the Chhath fast with complete devotion, strict adherence to rituals, and great joy.
Deciding to Donate a Kidney After Seeing Her Husband’s Condition
Satyakam Sahay was living a happy life with his wife and daughter when his health suddenly began to deteriorate. After failing to find relief through local medical treatment, he underwent further examinations at a larger hospital, where it was discovered that both his kidneys had ceased to function. Doctors advised that a kidney transplant was essential to save his life. The family faced the daunting challenge of securing a kidney and navigating a long, complex medical process.
While her husband was undergoing treatment at a hospital in Lucknow, Vibha was deeply distressed by his condition. Sitting by his bedside, she prayed to Chhathi Maiya to save his life.
Vibha made a solemn vow: if her husband recovered, she would observe the Chhath fast with full devotion every year for the rest of her life. She recalls that, that very night, she received a sign in a dream to donate her kidney to her husband. The next morning, she expressed her desire to the doctors to undergo testing and donate her kidney.
Medical tests confirmed that their blood types were compatible. Subsequently, Vibha donated one of her kidneys to her husband, and the transplant was successful.
For the couple—admitted to the same hospital in adjacent beds—this was an incredibly difficult and emotionally charged period in their lives. Gradually, Satyakam’s health improved, and happiness returned to the family.
Observing Chhath every year in fulfillment of a vow
Ten years have passed since that event. Satyakam is now healthy and living a normal life with his family. To this day, Vibha observes the great festival of Chhath with the same devotion and resolve.
For this occasion, she invites her relatives—including those living abroad—as well as her own family members and kin. Together, the entire family worships the Sun God (Bhagwan Bhaskar) and Chhathi Maiya.
For Vibha, Chhath is not merely a festival; it is a reminder of that difficult period when faith provided her with hope and courage. Ever since her husband was granted a new lease on life, her annual observance of the festival has become a testament to that same resolve and her deep sense of gratitude.
