Chhath Puja, one of the most significant Hindu festivals, is a four-day celebration dedicated to the Sun God and Chhath Devi. This ancient festival is known for its rigorous rituals and strict fasting practices. Whether you’re preparing to observe Chhath Puja or simply curious about its traditions, this comprehensive guide will walk you through each day’s rituals and fasting requirements.
What are the Four Days of Chhath Puja?
The four days of Chhath Puja are:
- Nahay Khay
- Kharna or Lohanda
- Sandhya Arghya (Evening Offerings)
- Usha Arghya (Morning Offerings)
Each day has its own set of rituals and fasting rules. Let’s explore them in detail.
Day 1: Nahay Khay
Nahay Khay is the first day of Chhath Puja, marking the beginning of this sacred festival. In Bhojpuri, the term “Nahay Khay” literally translates to “bathe and eat.”
Rituals for Nahay Khay:
- Morning Bath: The day begins with devotees taking a holy bath, preferably in a river or pond. If that’s not possible, a clean bath at home is acceptable. This bath symbolizes the purification of the body and mind.
- House Cleaning: The entire house, especially the kitchen, is thoroughly cleaned. This cleansing represents the purification of the living space.
- Preparing the Offering: A special meal called Kaddu-Bhaat is prepared. This consists of bottle gourd (lauki) and Bengal gram lentil (chana dal) with rice.
- Offering to the Deity: The prepared meal is first offered to the deity before being consumed by the family.
- The Last Meal: This meal is the last for the Parvaitin (the main worshipper, usually a woman) before fasting.
Fasting Rules for Nahay Khay:
- There is no fasting on this day.
- The Parvaitin eats only one meal, which is the Kaddu-Bhaat.
- After this meal, the Parvaitin begins to observe purity rituals, such as sleeping on the floor and using only wooden or bronze utensils.
Day 2: Kharna or Lohanda
The second day of Chhath Puja is known as Kharna or Lohanda. This day marks the beginning of the main fasting period.
Rituals for Kharna:
- Fasting: The Parvaitin observes a full-day fast without water from sunrise to sunset.
- Evening Preparation: A special sweet dish called kheer (made with jaggery) and roti (flatbread) are prepared in the evening.
- Offering to Chhathi Maiya: These items are first offered to Chhathi Maiya during the evening worship.
- Breaking the Fast: After the puja, the Parvaitin breaks their fast by eating the kheer and roti.
- Sharing the Prasad: The prasad is then shared with family members and relatives.
Fasting Rules for Kharna:
- The Parvaitin observes a nirjala vrat (fast without water) from sunrise to sunset.
- The fast is broken only after the evening puja with the kheer and roti.
- After breaking the fast, the Parvaitin begins a 36-hour long fast that will last until the morning of the fourth day.
Day 3: Sandhya Arghya (Evening Offerings)
The third day is considered the main day of Chhath Puja. It involves offering arghya (water) to the setting sun.
Rituals for Sandhya Arghya:
- Preparation of Offerings: Devotees prepare various offerings including fruits, thekua (a sweet dish), and other traditional items.
- Decorating the Soop: A bamboo basket called soop or daala is decorated and filled with the offerings.
- Procession to the Ghat: In the afternoon, devotees, led by the Parvaitin, proceed to a riverbank or other water body.
- Standing in Water: The Parvaitin stands in waist-deep water, facing the setting sun.
- Offering Arghya: As the sun sets, arghya is offered to the Sun God along with the other prepared offerings.
- Singing Folk Songs: Throughout the ritual, devotees sing traditional Chhath songs.
Fasting Rules for Sandhya Arghya:
- The 36-hour fast continues throughout this day.
- No food or water is consumed.
- The Parvaitin often stands in the water for long periods, showcasing immense devotion and endurance.
Day 4: Usha Arghya (Morning Offerings)
The final day of Chhath Puja involves offering arghya to the rising sun, marking the conclusion of the festival.
Rituals for Usha Arghya:
- Early Morning Preparation: Devotees wake up before sunrise and prepare for the final ritual.
- Procession to the Ghat: The Parvaitin, along with family members, returns to the same spot as the previous evening.
- Offering Arghya: As the sun rises, arghya is offered to the Sun God along with other offerings.
- Prayers for Blessings: Prayers are offered seeking blessings for the family’s well-being and prosperity.
- Breaking the Fast: After the ritual, the Parvaitin breaks their 36-hour fast.
- Distributing Prasad: The prasad is distributed among family members and the community.
Fasting Rules for Usha Arghya:
- The 36-hour fast is broken after the morning arghya.
- The first meal is usually light and easily digestible.
- Some devotees continue to observe certain dietary restrictions for a few more days.
What are the Key Elements of Chhath Puja Rituals?
Throughout the four days of Chhath Puja, several key elements are consistently present:
- Water: Water plays a crucial role in all rituals, symbolizing purity and life.
- Sun: The Sun God is the central deity, representing energy, life, and cosmic order.
- Natural Ingredients: All offerings are made from natural, often home-made ingredients.
- Community Participation: While the Parvaitin leads the rituals, the entire family and community often participate.
- Folk Songs: Traditional songs are an integral part of the celebrations, passed down through generations.
- Fasting: The rigorous fasting demonstrates devotion and self-discipline.
Tips for Observing Chhath Puja Rituals and Fasting
If you’re planning to observe Chhath Puja, here are some helpful tips:
- Prepare in Advance: Stock up on all necessary items for offerings and rituals beforehand.
- Stay Hydrated: Before beginning the fast, ensure you’re well-hydrated.
- Mind Your Health: If you have any health conditions, consult a doctor before undertaking the fast.
- Maintain Hygiene: Keep the puja area and offerings clean and hygienic.
- Involve Family: Make it a family affair to share the responsibilities and blessings.
- Respect Nature: Use eco-friendly materials for decorations and offerings.
- Learn the Songs: Familiarize yourself with traditional Chhath songs to fully participate in the celebrations.
Conclusion
Chhath Puja’s four-day rituals and fasting practices are a testament to the devotion and discipline of its observers. From the purification rituals of Nahay Khay to the final offerings of Usha Arghya, each step is steeped in symbolism and tradition.
Whether you’re a devoted practitioner or a curious learner, understanding these rituals can deepen your appreciation for this ancient festival. Remember, while the rituals are important, the true essence of Chhath Puja lies in expressing gratitude to the Sun God and nature for sustaining life on Earth.
As you prepare for or learn about Chhath Puja, may you find inspiration in the dedication of the devotees and the timeless wisdom embedded in these age-old practices.