Chhath Puja is a prominent festival celebrated mainly in the Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Nepal. This festival is dedicated to the worship of the Sun God and his consort, Chhathi Maiya, in gratitude for sustaining life on Earth. Known for its intense rituals and deep spirituality, Chhath Puja spans four days and is marked by fasting, holy baths, and prayers offered to the setting and rising sun. Let’s dive into the history, rituals, and significance of this vibrant festival.
1. Historical Background of Chhath Puja
The origins of Chhath Puja can be traced back to ancient India. This festival has been referenced in ancient Hindu scriptures, including the Rigveda, where hymns praise the Sun God. Mythologically, Chhath Puja is also linked to characters from the Mahabharata. It is said that Draupadi and the Pandavas performed the rituals to regain their lost kingdom. The festival’s rituals have changed little over centuries, making it one of India’s oldest and most unique celebrations of nature’s forces.
2. The Significance of the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya
In Hinduism, the Sun God, or Surya, is considered the giver of life, energy, and vitality. Worshiping Surya during Chhath Puja is believed to bring health, prosperity, and happiness. Chhathi Maiya, often regarded as the protective goddess of children, is worshiped to bless families with health and longevity. The combination of fasting, meditation, and ritual offerings is said to cleanse devotees’ bodies and souls, connecting them deeply to the natural world.
3. Rituals of Chhath Puja: The Four-Day Celebration
Each of the four days of Chhath Puja has its own unique rituals and practices:
Day 1: Nahay Khay
The festival begins with Nahay Khay, meaning “bathe and eat.” Devotees take a holy bath, usually in the Ganges or another river, and then prepare simple, vegetarian meals. This day focuses on purification of the body, with devotees eating rice, lentils, and pumpkin-based dishes prepared without onions or garlic.
Day 2: Lohanda and Kharna
On the second day, known as Lohanda or Kharna, devotees observe a day-long fast, breaking it only in the evening with a special meal, which includes kheer (sweet rice pudding), puris, and bananas. This meal is made without salt or any external spices, reflecting simplicity and devotion. After this meal, the devotee begins a 36-hour period of fasting without water.
Day 3: Sandhya Arghya
The third day is the most significant. Devotees visit a river or pond to offer arghya (offering) to the setting sun. They stand in knee-deep water, holding baskets of fruits, sweets, and wheat-based offerings to pay homage to Surya. The sight of thousands of devotees gathered by riversides, dressed in vibrant traditional attire, creates a magical atmosphere. This evening ritual symbolizes gratitude for the blessings of the day.
Day 4: Usha Arghya
The festival concludes with Usha Arghya, the offering to the rising sun. Devotees gather by the river early in the morning to perform the final arghya. The ritual concludes with breaking the fast and sharing prasad, which includes fruits, sweets, and the traditional Thekua (a wheat-based sweet) with family, friends, and neighbors.
4. Eco-Friendly Aspects of Chhath Puja
One of the most admirable aspects of Chhath Puja is its emphasis on environmental consciousness. Devotees use biodegradable items such as bamboo baskets, clay diyas, and fresh fruits for the rituals. There is minimal use of plastic, and many communities encourage keeping riverbanks clean. This focus on environmental care aligns with the festival’s core values of honoring nature and respecting its resources.
5. Chhath Puja Celebrations Across India
Though predominantly celebrated in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, Chhath Puja has gained popularity across India, especially in metropolitan areas like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata. Due to the migration of communities, the festival is now celebrated in different regions, with local authorities often making arrangements for riverside rituals. The communal nature of the festival fosters a sense of unity, as people from all backgrounds join in to support and celebrate with Chhath Puja observers.
6. Chhath Puja in the Modern Era
In recent years, Chhath Puja has also been celebrated virtually, with devotees joining online prayer sessions, especially during times when gatherings are restricted. Social media has helped bring greater awareness to the cultural richness of Chhath Puja, and today, people worldwide share and learn about this festival. Despite modernization, the festival remains deeply traditional, with devotees strictly adhering to the rituals passed down through generations.
Conclusion
Chhath Puja is more than just a festival; it’s a testament to India’s ancient traditions, the bond between humanity and nature, and the deep spiritual connection that guides so many Indian celebrations. For those observing Chhath Puja, it is a time of personal reflection, gratitude, and prayer for well-being and prosperity. For others, it serves as a beautiful reminder of the cultural diversity that enriches the Indian subcontinent.
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