Chhath Puja - Significance of this hindu festival & how celebrated

 

Chhath Puja is a Hindu festival primarily celebrated in the Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and the neighboring country of Nepal. It is dedicated to worshipping the Sun God (Surya) and Chhathi Maiya, who represents the sun’s divine energy, prosperity, and well-being. This festival holds immense significance for devotees, symbolizing gratitude, reverence for nature, and spiritual purification.

Significance of Chhath Puja

1. Thanksgiving to the Sun God: The Sun is worshipped as a vital source of life and energy. Devotees thank Surya for sustaining life and for his blessings on health, wealth, and prosperity.

2. Request for Well-being and Prosperity: Devotees pray to Chhathi Maiya, seeking her blessings for family welfare, health, and success in life.

3. Spiritual and Physical Purification: The rituals involve fasting, bathing in sacred rivers, and maintaining purity, which is seen as a way to cleanse both the body and mind.

4. Environmental Connection: The festival reinforces the relationship between humans and nature, promoting respect and gratitude toward the environment and natural resources.

Rituals and Celebration of Chhath Puja

Chhath Puja spans four days, each with specific rituals that are meticulously observed by devotees:

1. Day 1 (Nahay Khay): Devotees begin by bathing in a river or other water body, symbolizing purification. They prepare a meal that is purely vegetarian and free from onions and garlic to maintain sanctity.

2. Day 2 (Kharna): Devotees observe a fast for the whole day and break it after sunset with a simple meal of rice, puris, and kheer (rice pudding). After this, they continue a 36-hour nirjala vrat (fast without water).

3. Day 3 (Sandhya Arghya): On this day, devotees visit rivers or ponds during sunset to offer arghya (offerings) to the setting sun. They use bamboo baskets filled with fruits, sweets, and other offerings, and this is accompanied by folk songs and prayers.

4. Day 4 (Usha Arghya): The final ritual is performed at sunrise, where devotees offer arghya to the rising sun, completing the cycle of the Sun’s journey. After this, they break their fast and partake in prasad (blessed food) with family and friends.

Celebratory Elements

Decorations and Songs: Homes and riversides are decorated with lights and diyas. Devotional folk songs celebrating the Sun God are sung, adding to the festival’s joyous ambiance.

Community Gathering: Chhath Puja is often celebrated with large gatherings at riverbanks, where families and neighbors come together to worship. This fosters a strong sense of community and cultural bonding.

Chhath Puja’s significance lies in its expression of humility, gratitude, and a deep connection to the natural elements. The meticulous rituals, extended fasting, and devout observances underscore the dedication of devotees, making it one of the most unique and revered Hindu festivals.