Chhath Puja: A Festival of Sun, Nature, and Gratitude
Chhath Puja is a four-day festival that celebrates the sun god, Surya, and his sister, Chhathi Maiya, as the sources of life and energy. It is one of the oldest and most eco-friendly festivals in India, observed mainly in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Nepal. In this article, we will explore the date, history, significance, celebrations, and important facts of Chhath Puja.
Date of Chhath Puja
Chhath Puja is celebrated twice a year, in the months of Chaitra (March-April) and Kartik (October-November). The festival begins six days after Diwali, the festival of lights, or on the sixth day of the lunar month of Kartik. In 2023, Chhath Puja will commence on Friday, November 17, and conclude on Monday, November 20.
History of Chhath Puja
The history of Chhath Puja can be traced back to the Vedic era, more than 2,000 years ago. The festival is mentioned in ancient texts such as the Rig Veda, where the sun god is praised for his power and glory. There are several legends associated with Chhath Puja, such as:
- Karna, the son of Surya and the king of Anga (present-day Bhagalpur in Bihar), was the first to perform Chhath Puja as a tribute to his father.
- Draupadi, the wife of the Pandavas, observed Chhath Puja to overcome the difficulties and challenges faced by her and her husbands during their exile.
- Sita, the wife of Lord Rama, performed Chhath Puja after returning from Lanka, and was blessed with her sons, Luv and Kush.
Significance of Chhath Puja
Chhath Puja is a festival of gratitude, devotion, and purification. It has various aspects of significance, such as:
- Worshipping the Sun God: Chhath Puja is dedicated to the worship of Surya, the sun god, who is considered the source of life and energy on earth. Devotees offer prayers and offerings to Surya at sunrise and sunset, seeking his blessings for the well-being, prosperity, and happiness of their families and society.
- Harvest Festival: Chhath Puja also coincides with the post-harvest season, when farmers express their gratitude to Surya for a bountiful crop and pray for the fertility of their land. The festival also marks the transition from autumn to winter, and the onset of longer nights and shorter days.
- Spiritual Significance: Chhath Puja is regarded as a spiritually purifying festival, as devotees observe rigorous fasts and abstain from water for 36 hours. They also follow strict rules of cleanliness, purity, and discipline during the festival. This is believed to cleanse the mind and body of impurities and negative energies, and bring peace and harmony.
- Community Bonding: Chhath Puja is a community-driven festival, that emphasizes unity and social harmony. Families and neighborhoods come together to perform the rituals and offer collective prayers. The festival also promotes the values of sharing, caring, and generosity, as devotees distribute the prasad (offering) among each other and the needy.
Celebrations of Chhath Puja
Chhath Puja is celebrated over four days, with each day having its own rituals and customs. The main worshippers of the festival are women, who are called parvaitins. They observe fasts and offer prayers to Surya and Chhathi Maiya. The four days of Chhath Puja are:
- Nahay Khay: The first day involves taking a holy bath in a river or pond, and cleaning the house and surroundings. The parvaitins cook a pure vegetarian meal of rice, pumpkin, and lentils, and offer it to Surya as prasad. They also eat the same meal and begin their fast.
- Lohanda and Kharna: The second day is also a day of fasting, and the parvaitins do not consume water or food until the evening. They prepare a special prasad of jaggery, thekua (a sweet snack), and fruits, and offer it to Surya and Chhathi Maiya after sunset. They also break their fast by eating the prasad and drinking water or milk.
- Sandhya Arghya: The third day is the main day of Chhath Puja, when the parvaitins observe a nirjala (without water) fast for 36 hours. They dress up in new or clean clothes, and adorn themselves with jewelry and vermilion. They prepare a basket of fruits, flowers, sweets, and other offerings, and head to the river or pond with their families and friends. They offer arghya (water) to the setting sun, and sing folk songs and hymns in praise of Surya and Chhathi Maiya.
- Usha Arghya: The fourth and final day is also a day of nirjala fast, and the parvaitins wake up before dawn and go to the river or pond again. They offer arghya to the rising sun, and seek his blessings for a new day and a new life. They also touch the holy water and sprinkle it on their eyes and body. They then break their fast by eating the prasad and drinking water or milk. They also distribute the prasad among their family, friends, and the poor.
Important Facts of Chhath Puja
Chhath Puja is a festival that reflects the rich culture and heritage of India. Some of the important facts of Chhath Puja are:
- Chhath Puja is one of the most eco-friendly festivals, as it does not involve any idol worship, animal sacrifice, or use of plastic or synthetic materials. The offerings are made of natural and biodegradable items, such as fruits, flowers, leaves, and earthen pots.
- Chhath Puja is also a festival of science and health, as it is based on the principles of solar energy and its benefits for the human body. The exposure to the sun rays at sunrise and sunset is believed to enhance the immunity, vitality, and longevity of the devotees. The fasting and detoxification also help in improving the metabolism and digestion of the devotees.
- Chhath Puja is also a festival of women empowerment, as it celebrates the role and contribution of women in the family and society. The parvaitins are respected and revered by their husbands, children, and relatives, and are considered as the embodiment of Chhathi Maiya. The festival also honors the mother-child bond, as Chhathi Maiya is the sister of Surya, and the protector of children.
Chhath Puja is a festival that showcases the diversity and unity of India, as it is celebrated by people of different regions, religions, castes, and communities. It is a festival that connects the human beings with the nature, the sun, and the divine. It is a festival that teaches us the values of gratitude, devotion, and purity. It is a festival that fills our lives with joy, hope, and blessings.
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