What is Chhath Puja?
Chhath Puja is an ancient Hindu festival dedicated to the Sun God, celebrated six days after Diwali, particularly in Bihar, eastern Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Nepal. The festival spans four days, featuring strict rituals like fasting without water, standing in water to make offerings, and a focus on Usha (the first light) and Pratyusha (the setting light) of the Sun. Chhath is celebrated on the sixth day, or shashthi, of the waxing-moon fortnight in the Hindu month of Kartik, marking it as a unique seasonal observance.
Origins and Significance
Chhath is steeped in mythological and cultural significance:
- Vedic Origins: The Rig Veda includes rituals honoring the Sun.
- Ramayana and Mahabharata: After returning to Ayodhya, Lord Ram and Sita reportedly observed a fast for the Sun God, as did Draupadi in the Mahabharata to seek divine assistance during exile.
Chhathi Maiya is revered as the sister of the Sun and a compassionate, though stern, deity who grants blessings to her devotees.
Rituals of Chhath
- Day 1 – Naha Kha: Observers bathe in a river and eat a simple meal prepared using this water.
- Day 2 – Kharna: Observers fast all day, taking a simple meal in the evening. Friends and family gather to prepare thekuas, sweet cakes offered to the deity.
- Day 3 – Sandhya Arghya (Evening Offering): Observers stand in water to offer the setting Sun seasonal fruits in soops (cane baskets). The ritual represents gratitude for the Sun’s energy and life-giving force.
- Day 4 – Bhor Arghya (Morning Offering): The ritual repeats at dawn for the rising Sun, concluding the fast.
The Uniqueness of Chhath
Chhath Puja emphasizes equality and devotion:
- Community Spirit: All devotees participate equally, regardless of caste or wealth.
- Direct Devotion: No priests are needed; worship is direct and personal.
- Simplicity and Accessibility: Offerings are seasonal fruits, underscoring the festival’s focus on nature’s gifts and sustainability.
Why Chhath is Special to Biharis
Chhath embodies the unity of Bihari culture, bringing together families and communities. Migrants often return home for Chhath, celebrating both their roots and shared faith. The festival’s core message highlights the equalizing power of nature and the cyclic journey of life — a reminder that dusk is followed by dawn, symbolizing hope and renewal.
