Chhath Puja is a revered Hindu festival primarily celebrated in the Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Nepal. Known for its rigorous rituals and deep spiritual significance, Chhath Puja is dedicated to worshipping the Sun God, Surya, and his sister, Chhathi Maiya. Observed with intense devotion, this festival is unique in its environmental and spiritual appeal, emphasizing gratitude, purification, and the worship of natural elements.
What is Chhath Puja?
Chhath Puja is a four-day festival where devotees, known as “Vrati,” pray to Surya (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya, a goddess associated with health, prosperity, and longevity. Celebrated mostly by people of North India, the festival holds particular significance for communities in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh, as well as in some parts of Nepal’s Terai region. The term “Chhath” refers to the number six in Hindi, symbolizing the sixth day of the Hindu calendar month of Kartika when the festival begins.
The festival is considered one of the most ancient Hindu celebrations and stands apart due to the strict fasting and stringent rituals followed by devotees. Unlike other Hindu festivals that involve idol worship, Chhath Puja is dedicated to the forces of nature and seeks blessings directly from the sun.
Why is Chhath Puja Celebrated?
Chhath Puja is rooted in gratitude and prayer. The Sun God, who is the source of all energy on Earth, is worshipped for sustaining life and granting health and prosperity. According to Hindu mythology, worshipping the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya brings blessings of well-being, prosperity, and longevity to the devotees and their families.
Mythological Significance
There are several legends associated with Chhath Puja. One popular belief is that Draupadi and the Pandavas from the Mahabharata observed this ritual to regain their lost kingdom. Another legend involves Lord Rama and Sita, who are said to have observed Chhath Puja to honor Surya after returning to Ayodhya post their exile. It is believed that observing this ritual brings prosperity, and hence, devotees celebrate Chhath Puja with utmost sincerity.
Rituals and Practices of Chhath Puja
Chhath Puja’s rituals are elaborate and are spread across four days, each day marked with specific practices:
- Nahay Khay (First Day): The first day involves bathing in holy rivers or ponds to cleanse oneself. Devotees then bring home holy water from the river to prepare prasad (sacred food) for the Sun God.
- Lohanda and Kharna (Second Day): On this day, Vratis maintain a complete fast without water throughout the day. In the evening, after offering food to the Sun God, they break their fast with prasad, which is often made of rice, jaggery, and ghee. This meal marks the only intake of food for the Vratis over the next 36 hours.
- Sandhya Arghya (Third Day): This is the main day of Chhath Puja, where devotees offer “arghya” (offerings) to the setting sun. Families gather on riverbanks, singing devotional songs and offering fruits, sweets, and other items on bamboo trays to the Sun God. This ritual is conducted to honor the day’s conclusion and to seek blessings from the setting sun.
- Usha Arghya (Fourth Day): The festival concludes with Usha Arghya, where Vratis break their fast by offering prayers to the rising sun. This marks the end of the Chhath Puja rituals, and devotees express gratitude and seek the Sun God’s blessings for a prosperous life ahead.
The Significance of Chhath Puja’s Rituals
The four-day rituals are seen as a purification process, both physically and spiritually. The festival is also known for its environmental significance, as it is celebrated on riverbanks with strict eco-friendly practices. Devotees avoid using harmful materials during the rituals, emphasizing the need to preserve and respect natural resources. Chhath Puja reinforces the importance of balancing human life with nature, making it one of the most environmentally-conscious Hindu festivals.
The Spiritual and Cultural Impact of Chhath Puja
Chhath Puja holds a unique place in Hindu culture because it focuses on the gratitude and energy that the Sun God provides. This festival transcends religious boundaries, with devotees from various communities participating to offer prayers and gratitude. It encourages people to connect with nature, emphasizing the role of the sun and water in sustaining life. This deep connection with nature, combined with the strict fasting and rigorous discipline, underscores the dedication of the Vratis during Chhath Puja.
In conclusion, Chhath Puja is not merely a festival; it is a celebration of faith, dedication, and a respectful acknowledgment of the natural world. For those observing the festival, it is a time to step back from the chaos of daily life and reconnect with spirituality and gratitude. Each aspect of Chhath Puja, from the cleansing rituals to the reverence for the sun, represents the essence of harmony and respect towards nature.