Chhath Puja is a significant Hindu festival dedicated to the Sun God, Surya, and his consort, Chhathi Maiya. It is celebrated primarily in the Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and some regions of Nepal. The festival usually takes place over four days and is known for its rigorous rituals and deep spiritual significance.
- Timing: The festival is observed in the month of Kartika (October-November) and culminates on the sixth day of the lunar fortnight, hence the name “Chhath” which means six.
- Rituals:
- Nahay Khay: The first day involves taking a holy dip in a river or any water body and preparing traditional food.
- Kharna: On the second day, devotees observe a fast from sunrise to sunset and prepare offerings such as kheer (rice pudding) and other sweets, which are then consumed after sunset.
- Sanjhya Arghya: The third day is dedicated to offering “Arghya” (a ceremonial offering of water) to the setting Sun. Devotees gather at riverbanks or ponds to perform this ritual.
- Usha Arghya: On the fourth day, early in the morning, devotees offer “Arghya” to the rising Sun. This concludes the fast, and participants break their fast with a special meal.
- Significance: Chhath Puja is believed to bring health, prosperity, and well-being to the family and community. The rituals involve a lot of cleanliness, both physically and spiritually.
- Offerings: Traditional offerings include “Thekua” (a type of cookie made from wheat flour and jaggery), fruits, and other sweets. The offerings are placed in a bamboo basket known as “Dala.”
- Community Aspect: The festival often brings people together, with communities coming together to prepare and perform the rituals. It’s a time for unity and collective devotion.
The rigorous nature of the rituals and the emphasis on purity and discipline make Chhath Puja a unique and deeply revered festival among its practitioners.
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