Chhath Puja is an ancient Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of the Sun God (Surya) and his wife Usha (Chhathi Maiya). It is majorly celebrated Indian states like Bihar, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh and some parts of the country Nepal. This festival of chhath is marked by its unique rituals and significant spiritual importance. It typically falls on the sixth day after Diwali, during the month of Kartika (October-November).
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE
Chhath Puja is one of the oldest festivals, with roots dating back to the Vedic period. The rituals performed during this festival find mention in ancient Hindu texts and scriptures. The worship of the Sun God along with his wife(Chhathi maiya) is believed to help in curing diseases and ensuring the longevity and prosperity of one’s family.It is said that the Chhath Puja was started in the holy city of Varanasi by Gahadavala dynasty. According to the Kashi Khanda, after Banaras the trend of Chhath Puja started increasing in the country.
RITUALS AND PRACTICES
Chhath Puja is a folk festival that lasts four days. It starts with Kartik Shukla Chaturthi and ends with Kartik Shukla Saptami. Chhath is celebrated twice in a year.
- CHAITI CHHATH : It is celebrated in Chaitra month of Vikram Samvat.
- KARTHIK CHHATH : It is celebrated at a very large scale in the month of Karthik in Vikram Samvat.
It is a four day festival where each day has its own set of rituals:
- DAY 1 : NAHAYE KHAYE: On this day, devotees take a holy dip in a river or a water body. They clean their houses and prepare vegetarian meals. The meal, usually consisting of rice, lentils, and gourd, is consumed after offering it to the Sun God.
- DAY 2 : KHARNA: From this day, fasting begins on this day and lasts for 36 hours.
- Devotees prepare a special offering called ‘Kheer’ (a rice pudding made with jaggery) and consume it after offering prayers in the evening.
- From this point, the devotees abstain from drinking water until the final day.
- DAY 3: SANDHYA ARGHYA: On this day, devotees gather at riverbanks or water bodies to offer ‘Arghya’ (offerings) to the setting sun. They sing devotional songs and perform rituals with a bamboo basket filled with fruits, sweets, and thekua(a special sweet made of whole wheat flour).
- DAY 4 : USHA ARGHYA: This is the on which devotees are involved with offering prayers to the rising sun. Devotees break their fast by consuming the Prasad and sharing it with family and friends.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, Chhath Puja is a beautiful blend of devotion, culture, and environmental consciousness. It is a time when people come together to express their reverence for the Sun God, seek blessings, and celebrate the harmony between humans and nature.
