Although Bihar celebrates Chhath most elaborately it is also followed in some parts of West Bengal, Jharkhand, Orissa, Assam, and also Mauritius, mainly among the Bhojpuri and Maithali-speaking people. Chhath is also important for Nepalese worshipers of god as well as in eastern Uttar Pradesh. The best place to witness Chhath would be around Northern Bihar where it is celebrated in great grandeur. The festival is observed since time immemorial with the constant faith that the Sun God fulfills wishes if araghya is offered with complete dedication and devotion. Along with the Sun God people worship Chhathi Maiya on this day.
Chhath puja auspicious time
7 November (Sandhya Arghya) Sunset time: 17:31:29
8 November (Usha Arghya) Sunrise time: 06:38:38
Chhath is not just a physical attachment to the people of Bihar, it is also present in their hearts, and this is why the people bring wherever they have migrated. Nowadays it can be easily seen at the ghats of Yamuna in Delhi and other parts of India indicating its presence across the country. Chhath Puja is significant as it is believed to be a way to thank the Sun God for sustaining life on earth and to seek blessings for prosperity and well-being.
It is a festival connected with purity, devotion to the Sun God who is considered as the source of life on this earth and is regarded as the deity who fulfills all our wishes.The festival is with an aims to express thanks to Sun God for offering energy to earth continuously enabling the environment suitable for the people to live.
The festival involves rigorous fasting by women, known as "Vratis," who observe strict rituals and customs. They take a holy dip in rivers, especially the Ganges, and prepare traditional offerings (prasad) using natural products like fruits, sugarcane, and rice.
The celebration of Chhath Puja is a vibrant and deeply spiritual event that involves several distinctive rituals and customs. Here's a closer look at how the festival is celebrated:
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Preparation: The preparations for Chhath Puja typically begin several days in advance. Homes and surroundings are cleaned thoroughly, and devotees start preparing for the rigorous fasting and rituals.
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Nahay Khay: On the first day of Chhath Puja, devotees take a holy dip in a river or a pond before sunrise. They then bring back water from these sources to clean their homes and start preparing for the fast. They consume a single meal on this day, without using any salt.
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Lohanda and Kharna: The second day involves fasting throughout the day without water. In the evening, after performing various rituals, including making offerings to the Sun God, devotees break their fast with the Prasad, which typically includes fruits, sweets, and other traditional items.
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Sandhya Arghya: On the third day, devotees go to the riverbank or a water body in the evening to make offerings (Arghya) to the setting sun. This ritual is performed standing in water, facing towards the sun, and chanting hymns and prayers.
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Usha Arghya: The fourth and final day of Chhath Puja is dedicated to making offerings to the rising sun in the morning. Devotees gather at the riverbank or water bodies before sunrise to offer prayers and Arghya to the Sun God, seeking blessings for prosperity and well-being.
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Music and Devotional Songs: Throughout the four days, devotees sing traditional Chhath songs (Chhath Geet) dedicated to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya. These songs are an integral part of the celebration, reflecting the cultural richness and devotion of the participants.
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Community Participation: Chhath Puja is often celebrated collectively, with families and communities coming together to observe the rituals. It fosters a sense of unity and shared cultural identity among participants.
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Decorations: Homes and surroundings are decorated with traditional motifs, rangoli (patterns made with colored powders), and diyas (oil lamps) during the festival, adding to the festive atmosphere.
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Prayers and Offerings: Central to Chhath Puja are the prayers and offerings made to the Sun God, symbolizing gratitude for life-sustaining energy and seeking blessings for health, happiness, and prosperity.
Traditional practices associated with Chhath Puja are integral to its observance and highlight its cultural significance. Here are some key traditional practices:
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Fasting (Vrata): One of the central aspects of Chhath Puja is fasting, particularly by women (Vratis). They observe strict fasting without consuming even water for up to 36 hours during the festival. This fasting period spans across two days, known as Kharna and Sanjhiya Ghat.
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Holy Bath: Devotees take a dip in holy rivers or other natural water bodies early in the morning, especially during Nahay Khay, the first day of the festival. This ritual is considered purifying and symbolizes the cleansing of sins.
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Offerings (Arghya): The rituals involve making offerings to the Sun God, Surya, during sunrise and sunset. These offerings, known as Arghya, typically consist of water, milk, fruits, and traditional sweets like thekua (a type of wheat-based sweet). The offerings are made while standing in water, facing the sun, and chanting prayers and mantras.
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Chhath Vratis: Dedicated women (Vratis) who observe Chhath Puja follow specific guidelines and traditions strictly. They maintain cleanliness, purity, and a vegetarian diet throughout the festival. Their commitment and adherence to these practices are highly respected within the community.
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Bamboo Baskets (Soop): During Chhath Puja, devotees use bamboo baskets (Soop) to carry offerings and other essentials required for the rituals. These baskets are considered auspicious and are intricately decorated with flowers, fruits, and other adornments.
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Chhath Geet (Songs): Traditional songs, known as Chhath Geet, play a significant role in the celebrations. These songs are dedicated to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya (Usha, the consort of Surya) and are sung throughout the festival, especially during the rituals at sunrise and sunset.
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Community Participation: Chhath Puja is typically a community event where families and neighborhoods come together to perform the rituals collectively. This communal participation fosters a sense of unity and solidarity among participants. Offerings are preferably cooked on earthen Chulha (oven). Some traditions are exercised with little difference varying from region to region and across the families with basic similarity. During the offerings are contained in small, semicircular pans woven out of bamboo strips called soop.
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Cultural Decorations: Homes and surroundings are decorated with traditional motifs, rangoli designs, and diyas (oil lamps) during Chhath Puja. These decorations add to the festive atmosphere and reflect the cultural heritage associated with the festival.
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Observance by All Ages: Chhath Puja is observed by people of all ages, from children to elders, contributing to its widespread participation and cultural significance across generations.
Chhath Puja holds deep cultural significance, particularly in the regions of Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Nepal. Here are some key aspects of its cultural significance:
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Connection to Nature: Chhath Puja is deeply rooted in nature worship, specifically honoring the Sun God, Surya. The rituals performed during the festival reflect a reverence for the natural elements such as water, earth, and the sun, symbolizing the interconnectedness of humans with the environment.
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Historical and Mythological Roots: The origins of Chhath Puja can be traced back to ancient Vedic texts and scriptures, where the rituals associated with the worship of the sun are mentioned. The festival is also linked to various mythological narratives, particularly the Mahabharata and Ramayana, adding to its cultural depth and significance.
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Festival of Purity and Discipline: Chhath Puja is characterized by its emphasis on purity and discipline. Devotees observe rigorous fasting, cleanliness rituals, and adhere strictly to traditional practices, symbolizing devotion, austerity, and spiritual purity.
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Community Bonding: The celebration of Chhath Puja is often a community affair, bringing together families, neighbors, and communities. The collective observance of rituals, chanting of hymns, and singing of traditional songs (Chhath Geet) foster a sense of unity, solidarity, and shared cultural identity among participants.
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Promotion of Traditional Arts: The festival provides a platform for showcasing traditional arts and cultural expressions, including folk songs, dances, and crafts. Artists and performers play a significant role during Chhath Puja, contributing to the vibrancy and richness of the celebrations.
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Social Harmony: Chhath Puja transcends caste, creed, and socioeconomic barriers, bringing people from diverse backgrounds together in celebration. It promotes social harmony and mutual respect, reinforcing cultural values of tolerance and inclusivity.
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Role of Women: Women play a central role in Chhath Puja as Vratis (devotees who observe the rituals). Their dedication and commitment to fasting, performing rituals with devotion, and maintaining purity highlight their revered status in the community during the festival.
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Ecological Awareness: The rituals of Chhath Puja, such as offering prayers to the sun and purifying oneself in natural water bodies, underscore ecological awareness and the importance of environmental conservation. The festival encourages respect for natural resources and ecosystems.
छठ पूजा की विधि, भजन, कथा हिंदी में जानने के लिये यहां क्लिक करें