Chhath Puja, one of the most significant Hindu festivals, is dedicated to worshiping the Sun God (Surya) and Chhathi Maiya (Usha, the Sun’s sister). This ancient festival embodies profound spiritual significance and showcases the rich cultural heritage of India & Nepal. The four-day Chhath festival, which is celebrated in Madhes including Mithilanchal, has started religiously from today.
Terai’s Mahottari, Dhanusha, Sirha, Saptari, Sunsari, Morang, Sarlahi, Rautahat, Bara, Parsa, etc. are celebrated with great fanfare throughout Mithilanchal. In india particularly in states like Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh.
Historical Significance
Dating back to the Vedic era, Chhath Puja’s origins are deeply rooted in ancient Hindu traditions. The ritual is mentioned in the Rigveda, which contains hymns worshiping the Sun God. Legend has it that Draupadi and the Pandavas of Mahabharata performed these rituals to solve their problems and regain their lost kingdom.
Cultural Importance
This festival stands out for its unique emphasis on cleanliness, purity, and devotion. Unlike many other festivals, Chhath Puja focuses on thanking the sun for sustaining life on Earth and seeking blessings for prosperity and well-being.
When is Chhath Puja Celebrated?
Festival Timing
Chhath Puja is celebrated twice a year:
- Chaiti Chhath – During spring (March-April)
- Kartik Chhath – During autumn (October-November)
| Date | Day | Event | Tithi Name |
| 05 November 2024 | Tuesday | Nahay Khay | Chaturthi |
| 06 November 2024 | Wednesday | Lohanda and Kharna | Panchami |
| 07 November 2024 | Thuresday | Sandhya Arghya | Shashthi |
| 08 November 2024 | Friday | Usha Arghya, Parana Day | Saptami |
The most widely celebrated is the Kartik Chhath, which falls six days after Diwali, on the sixth day of the Hindu month of Kartik.
Auspicious Dates and Times
The morning and evening arghya (offering) timings are considered most crucial during Chhath Puja. The evening arghya is offered during sunset, while the morning arghya is presented at sunrise. These specific times are calculated according to the Hindu panchang (calendar).
Four Days of Celebration
The festival spans four consecutive days, each with its own significance and rituals.
Essential Chhath Puja Samagri (Materials)
Worship Items
- Bamboo basket (soops)
- Banana leaves
- Clay diyas
- Incense sticks
- Coconut
- Holy water from the Ganga
- Earthen lamps
- Yellow or red cloth
- Kalash (copper or brass vessel)
Food Items
- Raw rice
- Sugar
- Seasonal fruits
- Thekua ingredients (wheat flour, jaggery)
- Milk and milk products
- Pure ghee
- Ginger
- Rice flour
Decorative Items
- Fresh flowers
- Banana saplings
- Sugarcane stalks
- Mango wood
- Red vermillion
- Traditional items for aarti
The Four-Day Chhath Puja Process
Day 1 – Nahay Khay
On this day, devotees (known as vratis) take a holy bath, preferably in the Ganga River. They clean their houses and prepare a satvik meal of rice and dal with pumpkin. The main purpose is to purify body and mind before beginning the strict fast.
Day 2 – Kharna
Devotees observe a strict fast from sunrise to sunset. In the evening, they prepare special prasad including kheer, puris, and fruits. After offering these to the Sun God, they break their fast and take only one meal during the night.
Day 3 – Sandhya Arghya
This is one of the most important days when devotees:
- Observe a nirjala fast (without water)
- Prepare traditional offerings
- Stand in water during sunset
- Offer arghya to the setting sun
- Continue fasting through the night
Day 4 – Usha Arghya
The final day involves:
- Standing in water before sunrise
- Offering arghya to the rising sun
- Concluding prayers and rituals
- Breaking the fast with family blessings
Traditional Chhath Puja Recipes
Thekua
Thekua, the most important prasad of Chhath Puja, is prepared with:
- Wheat flour
- Jaggery
- Ghee
- Fennel seeds
- Cardamom powder
Other Prasad Items
Additional traditional offerings include:
- Rice laddoos
- Sweet puri
- Kheer
- Fresh fruits
- Sugar cane
- Coconut
Conclusion
Chhath Puja exemplifies the beautiful relationship between humans and nature, particularly our dependence on the sun. This ancient festival not only preserves important cultural traditions but also promotes environmental consciousness and family bonding. The rigorous rituals and fasting demonstrate the extraordinary devotion of the worshippers and their commitment to spiritual purification.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can pregnant women observe Chhath Puja fast?
It’s generally not recommended for pregnant women to observe the strict Chhath fast due to health concerns. They can participate in other rituals without fasting. - Why is Chhath Puja celebrated for four days?
Each day represents a different aspect of purification and devotion, creating a complete cycle of thanksgiving to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya. - Is Chhath Puja celebrated only in Bihar?
While Bihar is the epicenter, Chhath Puja is also celebrated in Jharkhand, UP, Nepal, and wherever people from these regions have settled globally. - Can someone break the fast during Chhath Puja?
The nirjala fast is considered extremely sacred, and devotees are expected to maintain it strictly. However, in case of medical emergencies, health takes priority. - Why is standing in water necessary during Chhath Puja?
Standing in water symbolizes direct communion with the Sun God and represents purification. It’s believed to enhance the spiritual connection during the offering of arghya.
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