Chhath Puja, also known as Dala Chhath or Surya Shashti, is a unique and ancient Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of the Sun God. It holds immense significance for the people of Bihar, Jharkhand, and parts of Uttar Pradesh in India, as well as for the Indian diaspora worldwide. Chhath Puja is not just a religious observance but a celebration of nature, life, and the harmonious coexistence of man and the environment.
Chhath Puja is celebrated with great fervor and devotion, typically in the months of October or November, depending on the Hindu lunar calendar. The festival spans over four days and involves a series of rituals performed primarily by women, known as 'Vratinis.' It is a period of strict fasting and spiritual cleansing.
Day 1: Nahay Khay (First Day of Chhath Puja) The festival begins with a ritual bath in a holy river or pond by the Vratinis. After the bath, they prepare special food, including rice and pulses, which is offered to the Sun God as part of their devotion.
Day 2: Lohanda and Kharna (Second Day) On the second day, the fasting Vratinis go without water for the entire day. In the evening, they worship the setting sun and break their fast by consuming a special prasad (offering), usually comprising of jaggery, bananas, and thekua (a traditional sweet dish).
Day 3: Sanjhiya Arghya (Third Day) The third day involves a rigorous 36-hour fast, during which the Vratinis prepare for the evening's worship. Devotees assemble at the riverbank or a water body to offer 'Arghya' to the setting sun, expressing their gratitude for the life-sustaining energy of the Sun God. This is a magnificent spectacle, with devotees singing folk songs and hymns, lighting diyas (lamps), and performing aarti (prayer) with deep reverence.
Day 4: Usha Arghya (Fourth Day) The final day of Chhath Puja, known as 'Usha Arghya,' is the grand culmination of the festival. Devotees wake up before sunrise and gather at the riverbanks to offer their prayers to the rising sun. This marks the conclusion of the four-day festival.
Solar Worship: Chhath Puja is a unique occasion of worshipping the Sun God, considered as the ultimate source of energy, life, and power. It symbolizes the connection between humans and nature, acknowledging the vital role of the Sun in sustaining life.
Environmental Harmony: Chhath Puja celebrates a harmonious relationship between humans and the environment. The rituals involve a deep sense of cleanliness, austerity, and eco-friendliness, as devotees perform them in natural surroundings, without the use of idols or temples.
Family and Community Bonding: Chhath Puja brings together families and communities, as they collectively participate in the rituals, cook traditional dishes, and sing songs. It promotes unity and a sense of belonging.
Spiritual Discipline: The strict fasting and rigorous rituals associated with Chhath Puja help individuals in practicing self-discipline, cultivating devotion, and purifying the body and mind.
Chhath Puja is not just a religious festival but a celebration of nature's magnificence, human determination, and the cultural heritage of a region. It signifies the eternal bond between mankind and the environment. As this ancient tradition gains popularity beyond its place of origin, the world is introduced to the beauty of a festival that honors the very source of life itself – the Sun God. Chhath Puja stands as a testament to the profound connection between human beings and their natural surroundings.
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