Chhath

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Chhat Puja at Inaruwa 06

Chhath Puja at Basuki Bihari North

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Chat Puja

Chhath is an ancient Hindu festival dedicated to the Sun God, Surya, and his wife, Usha. It is a significant festival celebrated primarily in the Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and the Madhesh region of Nepal. The festival is also observed in other parts of India and the world where there is a significant population of people from these regions. Chhath Puja, as it is often called, is unique among Hindu festivals for its eco-friendly practices, rigorous rituals, and its emphasis on the well-being of family, friends, and society.

Rituals and Practices

The rituals of Chhath Puja span four days. These include holy bathing, fasting, standing in water for long periods, and offering prasad (prayer offerings) and arghya (offerings of water) to the setting and rising sun. The most significant and arduous task is the preparation of the prasad, which includes Thekua, a traditional biscuit-like sweet made from wheat flour, ghee, and jaggery.

Day 1: Nahay Khay

The first day, known as Nahay Khay, involves participants taking a holy bath in a river or pond, cleaning their surroundings, and consuming a single meal.

Day 2: Kharna

On the second day, called Kharna, devotees observe a fast for the whole day, which ends in the evening after sunset. After performing a puja, the devotees break their fast by eating prasad prepared from rice, gur (jaggery), and fruits. This is the only time they eat or drink anything from the start of the day until the end of the festival.

Day 3: Sandhya Arghya

The third day involves the offering of the Sandhya Arghya to the setting sun. Devotees prepare a makeshift altar on the banks of a river or pond and offer prasad, fruits, and Thekua to the Sun God and his consort, Usha.

Day 4: Usha Arghya

The final day sees the offering of Usha Arghya to the rising sun. The devotees and their families visit the riverbank before dawn and make the same offerings as the previous day. This day marks the conclusion of the festival, and the devotees break their fast by consuming the prasad.

Significance

Chhath Puja holds immense cultural and religious significance. It is a testament to the human spirit's endurance and dedication, embodying the virtues of cleanliness, discipline, and devotion. The festival is also an eco-friendly celebration that promotes the well-being of the earth and its inhabitants. It underscores the importance of the Sun in sustaining life on earth and is a time for thanksgiving and seeking blessings for prosperity and health.

Cultural Impact

Chhath Puja has a profound impact on the cultural and social fabric of the regions where it is celebrated. It brings together people from various social strata, promoting unity and harmony. The festival has also been instrumental in preserving ancient rituals and traditions, passing them down through generations.