Chhath Puja, one of Bihar’s most revered and culturally significant festivals, is a celebration that highlights the deep connection between the people and nature. Celebrated primarily in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Nepal, Chhath Puja honors the Sun God (Surya) and the Earth, recognizing their importance in sustaining life and bringing prosperity. This festival, known for its simplicity, discipline, and devotion, is a beautiful reminder of the spiritual connection we share with the forces of nature.
What is Chhath Puja?
Chhath Puja is a unique festival that spans four days, during which devotees express their gratitude to the Sun God for his blessings of health, wealth, and the abundance of life. The worship is done with the belief that offering prayers to the Sun will bring prosperity, happiness, and the well-being of families. This ancient tradition is celebrated with immense faith, fasting, and rituals, particularly by the people of Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh.
The Four Days of Chhath Puja
The festival lasts for four days, each marked by specific rituals, fasting, and prayers. Here’s a brief overview of the key days:
Day 1: Nahay Khay (Bath and Food Day)
The first day of Chhath Puja begins with Nahay Khay, which is a ritual cleansing process. Devotees take a dip in a river, lake, or any clean water body to purify themselves. This day marks the beginning of the fasting period. After the bath, devotees prepare a simple vegetarian meal, which usually consists of rice, lentils, and vegetables. This meal is eaten on this day to mark the start of the fast, which continues for the next three days.
Day 2: Lohanda and Kharna (Evening Worship and Fasting)
On the second day, devotees perform the Kharna ritual, which involves a day-long fast without water, followed by the preparation of Prasad (a sacred offering). The fast ends at sunset when a special sweet dish called Thekua, along with rice kheer and fruits, is prepared and offered to the Sun God. The devotees break their fast after sunset, eating only the Prasad.
Day 3: Sandhya Arghya (Evening Offerings to the Sun)
On the third day, the fasting devotees prepare for the evening ritual, known as Sandhya Arghya. In the evening, devotees gather near a water body like a river, pond, or lake, and offer prayers to the setting Sun. They hold Arghya (a mixture of water, milk, and sugar) in a Kahla (a bamboo basket) and offer it to the Sun while singing traditional Chhath songs. The atmosphere becomes spiritually charged, and the sight of the devotees standing in the water, with the glowing Sun sinking in the horizon, is both solemn and awe-inspiring.
Day 4: Usha Arghya (Morning Offerings to the Rising Sun)
The final and most important day of Chhath Puja is Usha Arghya, when devotees pay homage to the rising Sun at dawn. The rituals are similar to the evening offerings, but this time, they offer Arghya to the Sun while it is still rising. After the prayers and offerings, the devotees break their fast and enjoy the fruits of their devotion, which often includes delicacies like Thekua, fruits, and sweets.
The Key Rituals of Chhath Puja
- Fasting (Vrat): Chhath Puja is known for its strict fast. Devotees often refrain from eating or drinking water for up to 36 hours. This fasting symbolizes purity and devotion. The fast is broken only after the Kharna on Day 2 and after offering prayers to the Sun God on Day 3 and 4.
- Offering Prayers at Water Bodies: One of the most distinctive features of Chhath Puja is the offering of prayers at rivers or lakes. The setting sun on Day 3 and the rising sun on Day 4 both receive offerings of Arghya. Water is symbolic in this worship as it is considered a purifier, and standing in it during the rituals is believed to cleanse the soul.
- Thekua and Prasad: Thekua, a traditional sweet made of wheat flour, jaggery, and ghee, is a major part of the Prasad. Thekua is prepared and offered to the Sun God and later distributed among the family and community.
- Traditional Songs: The festival is accompanied by beautiful folk songs called Chhath Geet. These songs express the devotees’ devotion and love for the Sun God, and they are sung throughout the festival by both men and women.
The Spiritual Significance of Chhath Puja
Chhath Puja is not just about physical offerings; it’s a celebration of spiritual purity, discipline, and gratitude. The fasting and rigorous rituals symbolize the devotees’ devotion, self-control, and their desire for the well-being of their family and community. It teaches humility, respect for nature, and an understanding of the vital role the Sun plays in sustaining life on Earth.
The observance of Chhath Puja helps devotees connect with their inner selves, renew their faith in the divine, and purify their thoughts and actions. It also fosters a sense of community as families and neighbors come together to support each other during the fasting and celebrations.
Chhath Puja Beyond Bihar
While Chhath Puja is most prominently celebrated in Bihar, it has spread to many parts of India and even to countries with a large Indian diaspora, such as the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. In these places, the festival is celebrated with the same fervor, with families gathering near water bodies to offer prayers to the Sun and share in the joy of the occasion.
Conclusion
Chhath Puja is much more than a festival; it is an expression of deep-rooted faith, a celebration of nature, and a reminder of the importance of gratitude and discipline in our lives. The devotion of the devotees, the simplicity of the rituals, and the connection to nature make this festival a powerful experience, one that transcends just religious observance and becomes a way of life.
This festival, with its deep significance and rich traditions, continues to bring people together, fostering unity and harmony among families and communities. As the Sun rises and sets on Chhath Puja, it not only blesses the devotees with prosperity and well-being but also lights the way for a brighter, more harmonious world.
Wishing you a joyous and spiritually fulfilling Chhath Puja!
