Chhath Puja, one of the most celebrated festivals in Bihar, holds a special place in the hearts of millions. Observed with unmatched devotion and reverence, this four-day festival, celebrated shortly after Diwali,
brings communities together in a shared expression of faith, gratitude, and reverence for the sun. Far more than just a set of rituals, Chhath Puja is a vibrant celebration of nature, life,
and the values that bind people across regions. Let’s dive into the significance, rituals, and global spread of Chhath Puja.
What is Chhath Puja?
At its core, Chhath Puja is a Hindu festival dedicate to the Sun God (Surya) and his sister, Chhathi Maiya. It is a way for devotees to express gratitude for the life-giving energy of the Sun and seek blessings for health, prosperity, and happiness. Primarily celebrated in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Nepal,
Chhath Puja has grown in global recognition,
with communities now celebrating it across continents, including London, California, and beyond.
The festival holds great spiritual and cultural significance. It is a time when people come together to pay homage to the Sun, whose warmth and light are seen as symbols of life and vitality. Chhath Puja transcends religious boundaries,
as it encourages a collective spirit of gratitude toward nature’s immense power.
Why Chhath is Celebrate After Diwali
Chhath Puja takes place shortly after Diwali, during the lunar month of Kartik (October or November), making it a perfect follow-up to the festival of lights. While Diwali is all about light, prosperity, and the triumph of good over evil, Chhath Puja focuses on the natural world and its elements. It is a time of deep introspection, purification, and spiritual renewal.
In contrast to Diwali’s celebratory mood, Chhath brings devotees closer to nature through fasting, bathing in rivers, and worshiping the Sun at dawn and dusk. This timing adds a reflective, meditative dimension to the festive season, as people pause to give thanks to the Sun for the sustenance it provides.Chhathi Maiya: The Sun’s Sister and Protector
A key figure in Chhath Puja is Chhathi Maiya, often referred to as the sister of Surya (the Sun God). She holds a revered position in the hearts of the devotees, symbolizing protection, health, and fertility. According to legend, Chhathi Maiya is the daughter of Rishi Kashyap and Aditi and the wife of Lord Kartikeya, the son of Lord Shiva. Her nurturing and protective nature makes her a central figure during the festival.
The mythological importance of Chhathi Maiya is rooted in the idea that she blesses those who observe the strict rituals of Chhath with good fortune. Her divine connection to the Sun underscores the significance of this celestial body in the lives of the devotees.
The Ancient Origins of Chhath Puja
The origins of Chhath Puja can trace back to ancient Hindu epics. In the Ramayana, it is believe that Lord Ram and Goddess Sita perform a Sun worship ceremony upon their return to Ayodhya after exile. This act of devotion became a ritual that continues to practice during Chhath Puja.
Similarly, in the Mahabharata, the Pandava queen Draupadi is said to have fast and pray to the Sun for divine assistance during the exile,
symbolizing the enduring importance of Sun worship in Hindu tradition. Karna, a hero of the Mahabharata and the son of Surya, is also depicted performing Sun worship,
which further highlights the long-standing spiritual and mythological connections to the Sun.
The Rigorous Rituals and Fasting of Chhath Puja
What sets Chhath Puja apart from many other Hindu festivals is its strict fasting and discipline. Devotees undertake an intense fast that spans several days,
abstaining from both food and water. This rigorous fasting tradition is seen as a test of faith and a way to purify the body and soul.
The fast is observe in honor of the Sun, with devotees standing in rivers or other water bodies, offering prayers to both Usha (the rising Sun) and Pratyusha (the setting Sun). These offerings, known as Arghya,
symbolize the cycles of life and the eternal nature of the Sun.
The Day-by-Day Rituals of Chhath Puja
Chhath Puja unfolds over four days, each with its own set of rituals and ceremonies that highlight different aspects of devotion.
First Day – Naha Kha (Bath and Meal Preparation): The festival begins with a cleansing bath in a river, symbolizing purification of the body and mind. After the bath, devotees prepare food on a special chulha (stove) to ensure the meals are free from impurities. This marks the beginning of the fast and the celebration.
Second Day – Kharna (Breaking the Fast): On the second day, devotees break their fast with a simple meal of roti (flatbread) and kheer (sweet rice pudding). They also prepare thekua, a sweet made from flour, jaggery, and ghee, which is considere the primary prasad (offering) during the festival.
Third Day – Sanjhka Arghya (Evening Offering): On the third day, devotees gather at riverbanks to offer prayers to the setting Sun. The evening is mark the lighting of diyas (lamps) and creating rangolis, adding a vibrant and festive atmosphere to the rituals. Offerings of fruits, sweets, and other items are made to honor the Sun.
Fourth Day – Bhorka Arghya (Morning Offering): The final ritual takes place at dawn, when devotees return to the riverbanks to offer prayers to the rising Sun. This is a moment of immense joy, fulfillment, and gratitude, as the fast concludes and families come together to celebrate the renewal of life.
The Spirit of Community in Chhath Puja
Chhath Puja is more than just an individual celebration; it’s a community-wide event that brings people together in a spirit of unity and equality. Unlike many other festivals that require priests or elaborate rituals,
Chhath is observe collectively, with everyone – regardless of caste, class, or background – participating in the ceremonies.
This inclusiveness is one of the most beautiful aspects of Chhath Puja. It breaks down social barriers and encourages a sense of belonging among all who observe the festival. It is a true expression of the unity and community spirit that is at the heart of Bihar’s cultural heritage.
The Iconic Prasad: Thekua and Seasonal Offerings
No celebration of Chhath Puja is complete without the iconic prasad – thekua. This sweet, biscuit-like delicacy is made from flour, jaggery, ghee, and other simple ingredients,
making it a symbol of the festival purity and simplicity. Thekua is lovingly prepare devotees and is often share with family and friends as part of the celebration.
In addition to thekua, seasonal fruits such as bananas, water chestnuts, and sugarcane are offere during the rituals. These offerings not only reflect nature bounty but also highlight the festival’s deep connection to the local harvest and the changing seasons.
Chhath Puja’s Spiritual Significance
Chhath Puja is a celebration of the Sun’s life-giving energy and a reminder of our connection to nature. Worshiping the Sun represents our recognition of the powerful forces that sustain life. The rituals performed at dawn and dusk symbolize the eternal cycles of life – each sunset followed by a new sunrise, offering hope, renewal,
and the promise of a fresh start.
At its essence, Chhath is a celebration of humility, gratitude, and reverence for the natural world. It teaches us to appreciate the simple things in life and reminds us of the importance of environmental respect and preservation.
Chhath Puja Goes Global
Originally rooted in the heart of Bihar, Chhath Puja has grown beyond India’s borders. Thanks to the migration of Bihari communities around the world, Chhath is now celebrate on international shores,
from the United States to the United Kingdom. This global spread of the festival has not only brought attention to Bihar’s rich cultural traditions but also strengthened the bond between diaspora communities and their roots.
Today, Chhath Puja continues to inspire a sense of pride, cultural identity, and resilience,
regardless of where it is celebrate. The festival serves as a reminder that no matter where we are, our spiritual and cultural connections remain strong.
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Conclusion
Chhath Puja is a festival of deep significance, filled with spiritual meaning, communal unity, and reverence for nature. It’s a time to reflect on the cycles of life and express gratitude for the Sun, whose light sustains us all. Whether in Bihar or across the world,
Chhath continues to be a living tradition that binds people together, celebrates cultural heritage, and honors the natural world. As the festival grows in global reach,
it remains a testament to the enduring power of faith, community, and the connection between humans and nature.
