One of India’s most important festivals is Chhath Puja. Most of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and even certain regions of Nepal observe this festival. During the four-day celebration, Lord Sun is worshipped to obtain his favor and to make requests for the family’s continued prosperity and health.
People celebrate this auspicious day by praying to the Lord Sun and bathing in Ganga’s sacred waters. The Hindu Vedic festival of Chhath Puja is observed throughout the Indian Subcontinent, particularly in the Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and certain sections of Madhya Pradesh, as well as in some parts of Nepal.
It is held twice a year, in the Indian months of Chaitra (March–April) and Kartika. It is devoted to Surya Dev, the Sun God, and Chhathi Devi, also known as Maiya (Mother) (October-November). The six days are marked by music, cheerful celebrations, and many colors in people’s life, surroundings, clothing, and cuisine.
History of Chhath Puja
This particular ceremony then developed into Chhath Puja. It is held twice a year, in the Indian months of Chaitra (March–April) and Kartika. It is devoted to Surya Dev, the Sun God, and Chhathi Devi, also known as Maiya (Mother) (October-November).
The latter, which takes place six days after Diwali, is the one that is revered and famous in Bihar. According to Rama of Samoolam Crafts India in Gaya, “It falls on Suklapaskh of Kartika Maasa (month).”
Facts About Chhath Puja
- Chhath Puja is designed to allow the body’s maximum absorption of calcium and vitamin D, which is extremely advantageous for women.
- Only Chhath Puja, a Vedic festival, is observed throughout India.
- More than one Mahabharata figure is linked to Chhath Puja, which is related to Hindu epics such as the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. Chhath Puja is the only Hindu holiday where each ceremony has a scientific basis and represents a rigorous scientific cleansing procedure when taken as a whole.
- Increasing the body’s immunity is another benefit of Chhath Puja.
- Chhath Puja removes bad energies like hatred, fear, and anger in the devotees’ minds.
Traditions of Chhath Puja
The Chhath puja is unparalleled in terms of epic-level festivities and ceremonies since it is deeply rooted in old Vedic beliefs. Chhath puja is widely observed in Bihar and has recently gained popularity in Delhi, which is home to many Bihari migrants.
On the banks of the Ganges, Yamuna, or any other clean river, participants in the rites often fast and say prayers. The first day is marked by a cleansing morning swim in the sacred Ganga or Yamuna before preparing “Prasad,” or a sacrifice. The day after that is dedicated to keeping a rigorous fast till dusk.
On this special day, known as “kharna,” worshippers make the delicious treat “kheer.” The devotee restarts the fast, which lasts for 36 hours, or until the sunset of the third day, after breaking it at night with the “prasad.”
On the third day’s evening, a traditional puja is held, during which worshippers make little earthen “diyas” and floral offerings along the banks of the river. After this procedure, the followers break their fast. It is an experience in and of itself to join the sea of people that swarm the banks of rivers to see this rite and sing chhath songs.
According to custom, after performing the “arghya” at dusk, devotees and their family members chant “geet” and hymns to Lord Surya. By presenting rice, sugarcane, homemade “thekua” or wheat cakes, as well as a variety of fruits in bamboo baskets or “soop,” devotees pay homage to the Sun God.
The last and ceremonial “arghya” occurs on the fourth day along the riverbanks. Relatives and friends visit the devotees’ homes on this extraordinarily auspicious occasion for “prasad” and blessings.
Celebrations during the Chhath festival
The festivities surrounding Chhath puja include a lot of devotional music. The festival atmosphere is enhanced by the ubiquitous sound of “Chhath geet.” To see the “arghya,” people swarm the banks before dawn while dressed in traditional attire.
Gaya and Patna, for example, have excellent lighting. Everyone adheres to the principles of keeping cleanliness and mental purity. Therefore, the festival’s sacredness is undeniable. It is highly valued as a request for favors when devotees go through the hardships of fasting and renunciation.
Chhath Puja Recipes
Ingredients:
- RICE BASMATI (shorter variety) 200gm\sMilk Quantity is 2.5 liters. Elachi, according to your taste, 1/2 teaspoon of sugar
- Saffron powder, one pinch (optional)
- 2 teaspoons of cashew nuts and raisins (dried grapes) (Anacardium occidentale)
Method
- Rice should be water-soaked and washed. Now, simmer the washed rice in milk for a few minutes. Rice must be constantly stirred to prevent sticking to the pot’s bottom.
- Add sugar to the cooked rice and combine thoroughly. Add saffron if necessary, or leave it out.
- Remove it from the stove after the rice and milk have reached a consistently sticky consistency, and let it cool.
- Serve the kheer garnished with cashews and raisins.
Lal Saag
Ingredients
- One or two full Lal Saag Red chilies, one-third teaspoon of turmeric, and one-half inch of finely sliced ginger
- To taste, add salt.
- Oil for cooking: 1 teaspoon
Method
- Cleanse the leaves, cut the saag into rough pieces, and remove the tough stalks.
- Ginger and red chili are added to a pan of heated oil. For a few minutes, saute the ingredients over medium heat.
- Add the chopped lal saag and continue to cook for a few minutes.
- Turmeric should be added while the heat is on a low flame. Cook the food for at least 10 minutes while covering the lid.
- Continue checking occasionally; if sticky and dry, add a little water.
- Add salt now to taste, and sauté for one minute.
- After a few minutes, take the saag and serve it hot with parathas and chapattis.
FAQS
Q: Can unmarried girls do Chhath Puja?
Single girls do not do Chhath Puja. Married ladies should only observe this fast.
Q: What should we do in Chatt puja?
Nahay-Khay welcomes Chhath. On this day, fasting people wash their clothing and put on fresh ones before eating gram dal, rice, and pumpkin as prasad after worship. Those who are fasting on this day eat first.
Q: Is Chhath Puja for her husband?
With Chhath Puja messages for your husband on this important day, spend time with your better half. Send your spouse Chhath Puja wishes woven with words of love and devotion for his success and happiness.
Q: Can we wear black in Chhath Puja?
Women dress up for Chhath Puja in traditional attire, primarily sarees, in addition to fasting. And today’s ladies dress in a range of fashionable dresses in various hues to seem stunning. As a result, although some colors, like black and white, are revered on this occasion, others, like auspicious red, are not.
Q: What is the reason behind celebrating Chhath Puja?
People celebrate Chhath Puja to show their gratitude to the Sun God. The Sun God’s sister, Chhathi Maiya, is likewise revered. What practices are practiced during Chhath Puja? Four days are dedicated to Chhath Puja.
Conclusion
Chhath Puja, a festival worshipping and praising the Sun God, is thought to have originated during the early Vedic era. The name Chhath is derived from Chah, which means “six steps,” and Hath, which refers to the Hath Yog science (austerity).
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