Chhath Puja: Celebrating Devotion and Gratitude to the Sun God!

Chhath Puja/छठ पूजा, an ancient Hindu festival dedicated to the Sun God (Surya/सूर्य) and Chhathi Maiya/छठी मैया (Maa Usha), is a revered celebration that mainly takes place in the Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Nepal. It honors the sun, the life-giving force, for bestowing health, prosperity, and well-being. Celebrated six days after Diwali, this festival spans four days and is marked by rigorous rituals, fasting, and reverence towards nature.

Origins and Significance of Chhath Puja!

The tradition of Chhath Puja/छठ पूजा is said to date back to ancient times, with mentions in the Rigveda/ऋग्वेद, where worship of the Sun is highlighted. This puja is also believed to have mythological connections with characters like Karna/कर्ण, the son of Surya/सूर्य in the Mahabharata/महाभारत, who is considered a steadfast worshiper of the Sun God. Another story links it to the Pandavas/पांडवों and Draupadi/द्रौपदी, who observed it to reclaim their lost kingdom and prosperity.

Chhath Puja/छठ पूजा symbolizes gratitude to the Sun for sustaining life on Earth, and the belief is that by honoring Surya, devotees invite happiness, health, and success into their lives.

The Four Days of Chhath Puja: Rituals and Practices!?

Each day of Chhath Puja/छठ पूजा has its own unique significance, and all are filled with deep-rooted rituals observed strictly by devotees.

Day 1: Nahay Khay/नहाय खाय (Bath and Eat)

• The festival begins with a purification ritual known as Nahay Khay/नहाय खाय. Devotees bathe in the holy river, preferably in the Ganges/गंगा, to cleanse their bodies and souls. They prepare a simple, vegetarian meal, often consisting of rice, chana dal, and pumpkin, and strictly avoid onion, garlic, and any form of impurity. This day marks the beginning of their journey toward purity and devotion.

Day 2: Kharna/खरना (Fasting)

• On the second day, devotees observe Kharna/खरना, a day-long fast without water, breaking it only in the evening. They prepare prasad (holy offerings) made from jaggery kheer/गुड़ की खीर (sweet rice pudding), chapati/चपाती (Indian flatbread), and bananas, and offer it to the deity. After the evening prayer, the prasad is shared among family and neighbors, symbolizing communal harmony.

Day 3: Sandhya Arghya/संध्या अर्घ्य (Evening Offerings)

• The third day, Sandhya Arghya/संध्या अर्घ्य, is the most significant of the four days. Devotees gather by a riverbank or water body, often joined by family and friends. They offer the first ‘arghya’ (offering) to the setting sun. Women stand in knee-deep water, holding baskets filled with offerings like fruits, sweets, sugarcane, and thekua/ठेकुआ (a wheat-based dessert), dedicating their prayers to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya/छठी मैया for blessings. Songs and prayers fill the air, creating an atmosphere of devotion and hope.

Day 4: Usha Arghya/उषा अर्घ्य (Morning Offerings) and Breaking the Fast!

• The final day of Chhath Puja is Usha Arghya/उषा अर्घ्य, where devotees offer prayers to the rising sun. The significance of worshiping the sun at dawn and dusk symbolizes gratitude for both the light and darkness that balance life. After performing the ritual, devotees break their fast and share the prasad with family and the community, marking the end of Chhath Puja.

Traditional Offerings in Chhath Puja!

The offerings, or prasad, play an essential role in Chhath Puja/छठ पूजा. Each item in the prasad, often homegrown or sourced locally, symbolizes purity and dedication. Common offerings include:

• Thekua: A traditional, crispy wheat flour sweetened with jaggery.

• Sugarcane: Represents growth and prosperity.

• Fruits: bananas, coconuts, and other seasonal fruits.

• Rice Laddus: Made with rice flour and jaggery, symbolizing nourishment.

• Puja Samagri: Earthen lamps, turmeric, sandalwood, and flowers for decoration.

• These offerings are placed in bamboo baskets, showcasing the eco-friendly nature of the festival.

Environmental and Spiritual Significance of Chhath Puja!

Chhath Puja is closely tied to nature and environmental harmony. Observing this festival near rivers and using biodegradable materials reinforces the idea of living in sync with the environment. The offerings made to the Sun God symbolize a humble acknowledgment of the essential elements of life: air, water, fire, and earth. Chhath Puja/छठ पूजा also has spiritual benefits, as devotees believe the rituals help cleanse their inner and outer worlds, promoting positivity and good health.

Chhath Puja in Modern Times

While the core traditions of Chhath Puja/छठ पूजा remain unchanged, its observance has evolved over the years. Due to migration, people from Bihar, Jharkhand, and UP now celebrate Chhath Puja in cities across India and even abroad. In places like Mumbai, Delhi, and Kolkata, authorities set up special ghats (temporary water bodies) and make arrangements for the devotees.

However, modernization has also introduced challenges, especially environmental ones. In large urban areas, pollution and waste disposal have become significant concerns. Local governments and communities encourage eco-friendly practices, urging devotees to use biodegradable materials, avoid plastic, and keep the surroundings clean to preserve the sanctity of the festival.

Why Chhath Puja is Relevant Today

Chhath Puja/छठ पूजा is more than a ritual—it’s a reminder of the symbiotic relationship between humanity and nature. In today’s age, where environmental awareness is crucial, Chhath Puja encourages sustainable practices, communal harmony, and respect for natural resources. Its emphasis on purity, gratitude, and simplicity offers a refreshing break from the fast-paced, materialistic world, reminding us of the age-old values that bind us to the Earth and each other.

Chhath Puja/छठ पूजा holds a special place in the hearts of millions, representing devotion, discipline, and a deep respect for the Earth. The festival is not just a celebration but a soulful journey of self-purification and gratitude to the sun for life’s sustenance. By honoring the natural elements, Chhath Puja brings people together in a shared sense of reverence, making it a truly unique festival that transcends time and boundaries.

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