Chhath Puja, one of the most significant Hindu festivals, is a testament to the deep-rooted traditions and spiritual practices of India. This ancient festival, primarily celebrated in the states of Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh, as well as parts of Nepal, is dedicated to the worship of Surya Dev (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya. As we delve into the intricacies of this four-day celebration, we’ll explore its rich history, profound significance, and the elaborate rituals that make Chhath Puja a unique and cherished festival.
What is Chhath Puja and Why is it Celebrated?
Chhath Puja is an ancient Hindu festival that pays homage to Surya Dev, the Sun God, and Chhathi Maiya, believed to be the sister of Surya and daughter of Lord Brahma. This festival is a beautiful expression of gratitude towards the sun, acknowledging its life-sustaining power and seeking blessings for prosperity, well-being, and longevity.
The festival’s origins are steeped in mythology and history. One popular belief connects Chhath Puja to the epic Mahabharata. It is said that Draupadi, wife of the Pandavas, observed a similar vrat (fasting ritual) for the well-being and prosperity of her husbands. Another association comes from the Ramayana, where Sita is believed to have performed these rituals for the welfare of her husband, Lord Rama.
Chhath Puja is celebrated six days after Deepavali, on the sixth day of the lunar month of Kartika in the Hindu calendar. The word ‘Chhath’ itself means ‘six’ in languages like Bhojpuri, Maithili, and Nepali, derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Shashthi’.
The Significance of Chhath Puja
The spiritual and cultural significance of Chhath Puja runs deep in the hearts of its devotees. Here’s why this festival holds such importance:
- Gratitude to Nature: Chhath Puja is a way of expressing thankfulness to the sun for sustaining life on Earth. It acknowledges the sun’s role in providing energy, light, and enabling the growth of crops.
- Spiritual Purification: The rigorous fasting and devotion involved in Chhath Puja are believed to purify the body and soul, bringing the devotees closer to the divine.
- Family and Community Bonding: The festival brings families and communities together, fostering a sense of unity and shared cultural heritage.
- Eco-Friendly Celebration: Environmentalists have noted that Chhath Puja is one of the most eco-friendly religious festivals in the world, emphasizing the harmony between humans and nature.
- Women Empowerment: Chhath Puja is primarily observed by women, highlighting their spiritual strength and devotion.
How is Chhath Puja Observed?
Chhath Puja is a four-day festival involving elaborate rituals and strict fasting. Let’s explore the day-by-day observances:
Day 1: Nahay Khay
The first day, known as Nahay Khay, marks the beginning of Chhath Puja. On this day:
- Devotees take a holy bath, usually in a river or pond.
- The house and surroundings are thoroughly cleaned.
- A special meal called Kaddu-Bhaat, consisting of bottle gourd and Bengal gram lentil with rice, is prepared and offered to the deity.
- This meal is the last one for the Parvaitin (devotee) before the fasting begins.
Day 2: Kharna or Lohanda
The second day is known as Kharna or Lohanda. The rituals on this day include:
- Devotees observe a full-day fast without water.
- In the evening, they prepare kheer (a sweet dish made with jaggery) and roti.
- These items are offered to Chhathi Maiya during the evening worship.
- The devotees break their fast with this prasad after the puja.
Day 3: Sandhya Arghya (Evening Offerings)
The third day is the main day of Chhath Puja. The rituals include:
- Devotees prepare prasad and offerings for the evening Arghya.
- They gather at a riverbank or other water body in the afternoon.
- Devotees offer Arghya (water) to the setting sun while standing in the water.
- The offerings are carried in a bamboo basket called gildan.
- After the sunset offerings, the baskets are brought back home and then returned to the ghat in the morning for the sunrise offering.
Day 4: Usha Arghya (Morning Offerings)
The final day of Chhath Puja involves:
- Devotees return to the riverbank before sunrise.
- They offer Arghya to the rising sun.
- After this ritual, the 36-hour long fast is broken.
- Prasad is distributed among family members and the community.
How to Perform Chhath Puja: A Step-by-Step Guide
For those wishing to observe Chhath Puja, here’s a detailed guide to the rituals:
- Preparation:
- Clean your house thoroughly.
- Take a holy bath early in the morning.
- Wear clean, preferably new clothes.
- Setting Up:
- Decorate one or two cane or bamboo baskets and a winnow, often using red color.
- Wash all offerings (fruits and vegetables) in running water.
- Arranging Offerings:
- Cover the decorated baskets with red cloth.
- Arrange offerings like coconut, ginger, turmeric shoots, cucumber, bananas, groundnuts, yam, and pumpkin in the baskets.
- Preparing Prasad:
- Make Thekua using wheat flour, sugar or jaggery, and ghee.
- Prepare the bhog (food offerings).
- Evening Puja (Sandhya Arghya):
- Go to the nearest river, lake, or pond.
- Create a Mandap with four whole sugarcanes.
- Make a mud/clay mold within the sugarcane Mandap and invoke Chhathi Mata.
- Offer seven ghee/oil lamps, incense sticks, raw rice mixed with turmeric paste, sindoor, flowers, bhog, Thekua, and a new saree.
- Morning Puja (Usha Arghya):
- Return to the water body before sunrise.
- Offer Arghya to the rising sun.
- Distribute prasad among family and community members.
Chhath Puja Traditions and Cultural Aspects
Chhath Puja is more than just a religious observance; it’s a cultural phenomenon that brings communities together. Here are some unique aspects of the festival:
- Community Participation: While only some observe the fast, the entire community gets involved in preparations, such as cleaning riverbanks and preparing prasad.
- Inclusivity: People from any caste can observe the festival, making it a unifying celebration.
- Direct Worship: There are no priests involved; devotees directly fast and pray to the Sun God.
- Local Produce: The offerings made to the deity are of seasonal, locally produced fruits and vegetables, emphasizing the connection with nature.
- Gender Equality: Both women and men can observe the fast, unlike some other Hindu festivals.
- Folk Songs: The festival is accompanied by traditional folk songs that depict the culture and history of the region.
Why is the Sun God Worshipped During Chhath?
The worship of the Sun God during Chhath Puja is rooted in both spiritual beliefs and scientific understanding:
- Life Source: The sun is recognized as the primary source of energy that sustains all life on Earth.
- Vedic Tradition: Sun worship dates back to the Vedic period, with the Rig Veda containing hymns dedicated to Surya Dev.
- Health Benefits: The early morning sun rays are believed to have healing properties, promoting physical and mental well-being.
- Agricultural Significance: The festival coincides with the end of the monsoon season and the beginning of the winter crop cycle, emphasizing the sun’s role in agriculture.
- Spiritual Illumination: The sun is seen as a symbol of knowledge and spiritual enlightenment.
Conclusion
Chhath Puja stands as a testament to the enduring spiritual traditions of India, blending devotion, nature worship, and community spirit. This four-day festival not only honors the life-giving power of the sun but also strengthens family bonds and cultural ties. As devotees stand in water, offering prayers to the rising and setting sun, they participate in a ritual that has been passed down through generations, connecting them to their roots and to the cosmic forces that sustain life.
Whether you’re a devout practitioner or a curious observer, Chhath Puja offers a unique glimpse into the rich tapestry of Hindu traditions. It reminds us of the importance of gratitude, the power of devotion, and our intrinsic connection to nature. As this beautiful festival continues to spread beyond its traditional boundaries, it carries with it a message of unity, perseverance, and spiritual awakening.
We invite you to share your own Chhath Puja experiences or ask any questions you may have about this fascinating festival in the comments below. Your stories and queries will help enrich our understanding and appreciation of this significant cultural celebration.