Chhath Puja is more than just a festival for the people of Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh. It’s a heartfelt tribute to nature, a time to express gratitude to Surya Dev (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya, and an opportunity to renew family and community bonds. This festival, rooted in deep traditions, is celebrated with rigorous rituals and complete devotion, marking it as one of the purest forms of worship in Hindu culture.
Let’s dive into the rich details of this cherished festival, exploring everything from its origins and meaning to the unique rituals and spiritual significance.
What is Chhath Puja?
Chhath Puja is a Vedic festival celebrated to honor Surya, the Sun God, who is considered the source of life, light, and energy. Unlike other festivals, Chhath Puja doesn’t involve grand decorations or idol worship. Instead, it’s a nature-centric celebration, where devotees offer their prayers to the Sun in the purest form. The four-day festival is a unique blend of self-discipline, simplicity, and spirituality, and it connects devotees deeply with their environment.
People believe that Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya bless their devotees with good health, success, and prosperity. Chhath is also one of the oldest Hindu festivals, with references found in ancient texts like the Rig Veda, where Surya is praised for granting life and energy to the universe.
When is Chhath Puja in 2024?
In 2024, Chhath Puja will be celebrated from Wednesday, November 6 to Saturday, November 9. The festival follows the lunar calendar and is celebrated right after Diwali, during the Kartika month of the Hindu calendar. The timing usually coincides with the end of October or early November, which adds a unique ambiance to the festival as it welcomes the winter season.
Understanding the Four-Day Chhath Puja Rituals
Each day of Chhath Puja has a special meaning, and every ritual has its significance. Here’s a closer look at what each day represents and how devotees observe these traditions.
Day 1: Nahay Khay (Wednesday, November 6, 2024)
The festival begins with Nahay Khay, a day of purification. Devotees take a holy dip, usually in rivers like the Ganga, and bring home a bit of the sacred water. This water is used to prepare a meal in a clean, pure environment. The first day’s meal is simple and usually includes rice, pumpkin, and a special lentil dish known as chana dal. The food is cooked with utmost purity, marking the beginning of the devotee's commitment to cleanse both their body and mind.
For devotees, this ritual isn’t just about physical cleansing. It’s a spiritual practice, a reminder to let go of past mistakes and impurities, preparing them to receive divine blessings. This is why the atmosphere around Nahay Khay is serene, with family members often gathering to share in the meal as a gesture of unity and love.
Day 2: Kharna (Thursday, November 7, 2024)
The second day, Kharna, is all about devotion and self-discipline. On this day, devotees observe a rigorous fast, refraining from food and even water throughout the day. The fast is broken only after sunset, when they prepare a simple, traditional meal of jaggery kheer (a rice pudding made with rice, milk, and jaggery) and chapatis (Indian flatbreads).
After eating this meal, devotees begin another 36-hour fast, refraining from both food and water, until the final rituals on the fourth day. This fast symbolizes total dedication and sacrifice, with a deep belief that such devotion will bring blessings not just for themselves but for their families and loved ones.
Day 3: Sandhya Arghya (Friday, November 8, 2024)
On the third day, the evening prayers or Sandhya Arghya are held. Devotees gather near rivers, ponds, or any water body to offer prayers to the setting sun. This evening ritual is the most important part of Chhath Puja, as it signifies respect for the sun’s cycle and gratitude for its warmth and light.
The devotees stand knee-deep in the water, holding bamboo baskets filled with offerings like thekua (a sweet made with wheat flour and jaggery), fresh fruits, and other sweets. The sight of hundreds of devotees standing in the water at sunset, with earthen lamps and songs dedicated to Surya Dev, is a mesmerizing experience. The atmosphere is filled with devotion, with families gathered around, praying together, and sharing this deeply spiritual moment.
Day 4: Usha Arghya (Saturday, November 9, 2024)
The fourth and final day of Chhath Puja is Usha Arghya, the morning prayer. Before sunrise, devotees return to the water body to offer their final prayers to the rising sun. This morning ritual, known as Usha Arghya, is a tribute to the new beginnings that come with each day and a hopeful start for the year ahead.
After completing the prayers, devotees end their fast by sharing prasad (sacred food offerings) with family, friends, and neighbors. This food, blessed by the Sun God, is believed to bring peace and prosperity to everyone who consumes it. The distribution of prasad is a joyous moment, with people exchanging warm greetings and enjoying the conclusion of the festival together.
Unique Aspects of Chhath Puja
Chhath Puja stands out for its natural, community-oriented, and eco-friendly approach to worship. Here are some distinctive aspects:
- Purely Natural Rituals: Unlike many Hindu festivals, Chhath Puja doesn’t involve idol worship. Devotees use bamboo baskets, earthen lamps, and other natural materials, highlighting a harmonious connection with nature.
- Self-Discipline and Spiritual Strength: Fasting for 36 hours without food or water requires immense self-discipline. This fasting is a way to purify the body and mind, teaching self-control and patience, and enabling a closer connection with the divine.
- Community Bonding: Chhath Puja strengthens social and family ties. Family members, relatives, and neighbors all join together to celebrate, with many traveling back to their hometowns just to be with their families for this special occasion.
- Respect for the Environment: All Chhath Puja rituals focus on preserving and respecting the environment. Devotees are mindful of cleanliness around water bodies and avoid using harmful materials, making this one of the most eco-friendly festivals.
- Special Folk Songs: Chhath Puja is incomplete without its traditional folk songs, which are often sung during rituals. These songs, passed down through generations, are dedicated to Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya, adding a nostalgic and emotional touch to the celebrations.
Significance of Chhath Puja in Bihar
For the people of Bihar, Chhath Puja is a matter of pride and cultural heritage. The state comes alive with vibrant celebrations, and everyone, from children to elders, actively participates in the rituals. The riverbanks of the Ganga in Patna, Gaya, and other cities become gathering spots for thousands of devotees, and the air is filled with the sound of devotional songs. It’s a time of joy, family reunion, and remembrance of traditions.
In urban areas, people create makeshift water ponds and celebrate with the same devotion. Even those who have moved away for work or studies often return to Bihar to participate, as the festival holds a special place in their hearts.
Join the Chhath Puja Celebrations!
Chhath Puja is more than a festival; it’s a reminder of the importance of family, nature, and tradition. Whether you're a part of the Bihari community or just learning about this unique celebration, the warmth and devotion of Chhath Puja will surely touch your heart.
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