Chhath Puja is one of the most significant festivals celebrated in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and even in some regions of Nepal. This four-day festival is dedicated to worshipping the Sun God, Surya, and his sister Chhathi Maiya, who is regarded as the goddess of well-being, prosperity, and children. Celebrated primarily by people of the Mithila and Bhojpuri regions, Chhath Puja is marked by its unique customs, rigorous rituals, and unwavering devotion to the Sun, the source of all energy.
In recent years, the festival has gained popularity and is celebrated by people across India and abroad. Let’s take a closer look at the significance, rituals, and the spiritual essence of Chhath Puja.
Significance of Chhath Puja
Chhath Puja is a Vedic festival, and its rituals find mention in ancient Hindu scriptures. It is believed that the festival has been observed since the time of Mahabharata. Legend has it that Draupadi and the Pandavas performed Chhath Puja to gain blessings from the Sun God to reclaim their lost kingdom.
The festival centers around the belief that the Sun God sustains life on Earth and promotes well-being, prosperity, and happiness. Through the rituals of Chhath, devotees express their gratitude to the Sun God and pray for the longevity and well-being of their family members. The festival is also unique as it involves no idols, relying entirely on the natural elements – water, sun, and earth – for the ceremonies.
The Four-Day Ritual of Chhath Puja
The rituals of Chhath Puja are rigorous and span four days. Each day has its significance, and devotees observe fasts, perform elaborate rituals, and offer prayers.
1. Nahay Khay
The first day of Chhath Puja, known as Nahay Khay, is marked by the devotees taking a holy dip in a river or pond, often in the Ganges, to purify their minds and souls. After the ritual bath, they prepare a simple meal, typically consisting of rice, dal, and pumpkin curry, which is considered the only food of the day. This meal is prepared in a sanctified environment, with strict hygiene standards.
2. Kharna
The second day, Kharna, involves devotees fasting from sunrise to sunset without even a sip of water. In the evening, after offering prayers to the Sun God, devotees prepare a prasad (offering) of kheer (rice pudding), puris (fried bread), and bananas. This is shared with family and neighbors. Following the evening prayers, the rigorous 36-hour fast begins, where the devotees abstain from food and water.
3. Sandhya Arghya
On the third day, known as Sandhya Arghya, devotees gather at riverbanks or water bodies with their family members and friends to perform the main Chhath Puja rituals. As the sun begins to set, devotees offer arghya (an offering of water, milk, and flowers) to the setting sun, thanking the Sun God for life and energy. The sight of devotees standing in water, holding baskets filled with fruits, vegetables, and other offerings, is both a moving and spiritual spectacle.
The entire setting is adorned with traditional clay lamps, which add to the beauty of the evening. After offering prayers to the setting sun, devotees return home, where they continue their fast and prepare for the next morning’s ritual.
4. Usha Arghya
The final day of Chhath Puja is known as Usha Arghya, or the morning offering. Before sunrise, devotees once again gather at riverbanks or ponds to offer prayers to the rising sun. This ritual symbolizes new beginnings, rejuvenation, and the power of light over darkness. After completing the ritual, devotees break their fast and share the prasad with everyone.
Customs and Traditions
Chhath Puja is unique in its simplicity and dedication. The offerings are prepared without the use of onions, garlic, or any modern-day packaged products. Traditional earthen lamps, bamboo baskets, and clay pots are used, emphasizing an eco-friendly and natural approach to the festival.
Additionally, during the festival, devotees are expected to maintain utmost purity and hygiene, and the entire household is involved in making the preparations. The participation of family members, especially women, is prominent, and the festival becomes a community gathering, bringing people together to celebrate life and thank the Sun God.
Spiritual and Cultural Significance of Chhath Puja
Chhath Puja is more than just a religious celebration. It’s a time for introspection, gratitude, and discipline. Observing Chhath Puja requires mental and physical endurance, especially because devotees undertake a strict fast without water for 36 hours. This fast is a testament to the deep-rooted faith of devotees in the power of the Sun God to bestow blessings and fulfill their wishes.
Chhath Puja also holds great cultural value as it promotes family unity, social harmony, and community bonding. Friends, family, and even strangers come together to help each other during the preparations, creating a spirit of mutual respect and cooperation.
Environmental and Health Benefits
While Chhath Puja is deeply spiritual, it also has significant environmental and health benefits. The festival promotes eco-friendly practices by discouraging plastic and other non-biodegradable materials. Only biodegradable items like bamboo baskets, earthen lamps, and clay pots are used.
From a health perspective, fasting and taking a dip in rivers are beneficial for physical health. The 36-hour fast is said to help in detoxification, and the practice of worshipping in natural water bodies emphasizes the need for clean and unpolluted rivers.
Growing Popularity of Chhath Puja
In recent years, Chhath Puja has gained prominence beyond Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, especially among the migrant communities in metropolitan cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata. Various state governments and local authorities now make special arrangements at public water bodies to facilitate the observance of Chhath Puja.
The festival has also gained international recognition, with celebrations held by Indian communities abroad, particularly in countries with a significant Indian diaspora, such as Nepal, Mauritius, Fiji, and the United States.
Conclusion
Chhath Puja stands as a testament to the enduring faith, devotion, and reverence for nature among people of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. The festival beautifully blends spirituality with environmental consciousness, promoting a sustainable approach to celebrating life.
In today’s fast-paced world, Chhath Puja reminds us to pause, give thanks, and recognize the importance of nature in our lives. By celebrating the Sun God, devotees not only seek blessings but also express their gratitude for life itself.
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