Chhath Puja, a revered festival primarily celebrated in the Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh, honors the Sun God (Surya) and the Chhathi Maiya (Goddess Usha) for blessings, prosperity, and health. Known for its rigorous rituals and community spirit, this ancient festival is a way of expressing gratitude towards nature and seeking blessings for family welfare and prosperity.
The four-day celebration typically takes place six days after Diwali and follows a sequence of elaborate rituals that devotees adhere to with great devotion. It begins with a phase called Nahay Khay, where participants purify themselves with a ritualistic bath and prepare a simple meal. The next day, Lohanda and Kharna, involves fasting from sunrise to sunset, culminating in a meal after sunset made of rice pudding (kheer) and chapatis, symbolizing purity and simplicity. The third day, known as Sandhya Argha or evening offering, is central to the festival, where devotees stand in rivers or water bodies to offer prasad (offerings) to the setting sun amidst folk songs and prayers.
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The final morning, Usha Arghya, sees devotees making a final offering to the rising sun, marking the end of the festival and lifting their fast. Women in the family primarily lead these rituals, but the entire family often participates, reflecting a communal harmony that Chhath Puja emphasizes.
The significance of Chhath Puja lies in its devotion to Surya, considered the source of life and energy. The festival is not only about spiritual upliftment but also has a scientific and health-oriented purpose. Standing in the water and fasting is believed to detoxify the body, purify the soul, and create a deep connection with nature. These rituals underscore a sense of resilience, dedication, and reverence for life-giving forces, making Chhath Puja one of the most spiritually intense and ecologically mindful festivals celebrated in India.
During Chhath Puja celebrations, communities come together to sing traditional songs and share stories of devotion, creating an atmosphere of communal love, resilience, and respect for nature.
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