Introduction:
Chhath festival is celebrated every year from Kartik Shukla Chaturthi for four days. It is a tradition to give Argha to the setting sun on Shashti day and to the rising sun on Saptami day. It is believed that offering Argha to Surya with a pure mind will bring family welfare, happiness of children and fulfillment of wishes.
This festival is a sacred and important cultural festival celebrated by the Hindus of the Terai region of Nepal and the northern region of India. Looking at this festival linguistically, it is found in Bhojpuri and Maithali culture.
Earlier Chhath was celebrated only in Terai region of Nepal. But now, in the hilly areas of Nepal and in different parts of the world, wherever Hindus live, this festival is celebrated with reverence and devotion. In this, by worshiping the sun and worshiping the Shashti Bhagwati, the welfare of the son, husband and family is wished.
First day (Nahay-Khay)
On the day of Kattik Shukla Chauthi, which is considered to be the beginning of the festival, Bratalu will take a holy bath and fast and eat pure veg food . This method is called 'Nahay-Khay' in Mithila.
On the day of Kartik Shukla Chaturthi Chhat Puja Start . The day on which the first day formally begins is called 'Nahay-Khay'. On the first day, the fasting people sincerely bathe in the holy river or reservoir and cook milk, rice and sugar pudding in the evening.
Second Dday ( Kharna )
On Panchami Tithi, the second day of Chhath Puja, on the day of Kharna, the devotees fast the whole day without eating breakfast.
On the night of Kharna, khir prasad made of 'Rice and jaggery' is offered to Chhathi Mai in Kharna Puja.
Prasad, incense, sesame seeds, barley, etc. are performed in the Havan of mango wood and Goitha fire. Prasad is cooked in a new oven made of clay, in the fire of Goitha and mango wood.It is believed that people should not eat salt on this day.
The Devotee stay hungry throughout the days of Kharna and at night they only eat kheer made of 'rice and jaggery' as the prasad of Kharna Puja. After Kharna, the Chhath brats observe a 36-hour waterless fast till 'Parna'.
Third Day ( Argha is given to the setting sun as 'Sajhuka Arakh' or 'Sajhuka Ghat'
On the 3rd or 6th day, the Devotee take the offerings to Sun and Chhathimaiya to the bank of the Triveni or the big river or the river , pond and decorate the river or pond. Many kinds of fruit offerings are prepared during this festival. Along with this, rice flour pudding is prepared. The devotees enter the water and worship the rising sun. The following items are placed in Sajhuka Ghat'
Day Four ( Vorka Ghat or Paran is called )
The devotees, who are engrossed in the worship of the sun throughout the night, worship the rising sun again on the next day or on Saptami day, and give the remaining Argha and Sajhuka Argha when the fasting people gave Argha yesterday. Also, Sajhuka Argha is offered by filling the fingers with water. Offerings such as food, seasonal and dry fruits, Bhusuwa, fruits and sweets are offered alternately.
Sugarcane, banana, coconut, sweets, gram, Tthakuwa, kasar, lemon and ginger are kept in prasad. Special offerings of Thakuwa made from wheat flour and kasar made from rice are offered in pure ghee.
In this way, after offering Argha to the rising sun, Chhathi Mata is worshipped. There is a religious belief that all the wishes of those who take a vow will be fulfilled. It is also believed that skin diseases can be cured quickly by observing this fast .
It is believed that the Chhath festival of that year was dissolved after the worship of Chhathi Maiya. After breaking the fast, the prasad offered to Surya and Chhathimaiya is distributed to relatives and neighbors. Decorated items are also thrown into rivers and ponds. Relatives who have come to Guest are also given a proper meal and farewell.
History of Chhath Puja
People have been worshiping the sun since the beginning of creation. Agni Purana also mentions the fast of Shashti Devi. It is described in the Mahabharata that the Pandavas along with Draupadi performed this fast during their fourteen years of exile and one year of exile.
It is said that Kaushalya, the queen of King Dasharatha, also performed this fast during Treta Yuga. Chhath celebrated in the month of Kattik is called Sharadiya or Big Chhath. This festival is also celebrated in some places on Chaitra Shukla Shashti Tithi.
Connection with Nature: Chhath Puja is deeply rooted in nature and environmental sustainability.
River Conservation: The rituals involve cleaning and purifying oneself in natural water bodies. This emphasizes the importance of preserving and respecting rivers and their ecosystems.
Solar Energy: Worship of the Sun, the primary source of energy, highlights the significance of sustainable and renewable energy.
Harmony with Nature: The festival encourages a harmonious relationship between humans and the environment, promoting ecological balance and well-being.
Community Spirit: Chhath Puja is a community celebration that fosters a sense of togetherness and unity:
Shared Festivities: Families and communities come together to celebrate Chhath Puja, creating a strong sense of camaraderie.
Cultural Heritage: The festival plays a vital role in preserving cultural traditions and passing them down through generations.
FAQ
Why is Chhath Puja celebrated?
On the sixth day of Kartika, Surya was born as a son to Mata Aditi. Since Surya is Aditi's son, he is also referred to as Aditya. For this reason, Kartika is regarded as a holy month all year round, and Chhath Puja is observed as the anniversary of Surya's birth.
What are the 4 days of Chhath?
Day 1: Nahay Khay
Day 2: Kharna
Day 3: Sandhya Arghya
Day 4: Usha Arghya
What is Chhath Puja prasad?
Chhath Puja should not be performed while a woman is menstruating because it requires total cleanliness, and the Puranas state that a woman is not considered clean for seven days during her menstrual cycle before she is allowed to recite worship.
Conclusion:
Chhath Puja, with its rich cultural heritage and emphasis on nature, serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness between humans and the environment. As devotees gather to express gratitude to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya, the festival becomes a symbol of reverence, spirituality, and communal harmony. Chhath Puja stands as a testament to the enduring traditions that bridge the past and the present, uniting communities in the celebration of life and nature.
