Why We Celebrate Chhath Pooja?

 Chhath Pooja a Great Festival of India.

CHHATH POOJA

Chhath Puja is one of the most ancient and widely celebrated festivals in India, particularly in the northern and eastern states like Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Nepal. Dedicated to the worship of the Sun God (Surya) and Chhathi Maiya (Mother Shashti), this festival signifies gratitude towards these deities for sustaining life on Earth. Chhath Puja is unique because of its rituals that involve strict discipline, fasting, and offerings to the setting and rising sun. Celebrated with deep devotion, this four-day festival is not only a religious event but also a time of social and cultural bonding.

Significance of Chhath Puja

The Sun is considered the source of all energy and life in Hinduism, and worshipping the Sun during Chhath is believed to bring prosperity, health, and happiness. Chhath Maiya, also known as Goddess Usha, represents the first light of the day, and people worship her for the well-being of their family and children. The observance of Chhath Puja is said to purify the mind, body, and soul while helping devotees attain spiritual fulfillment.

The festival also highlights the harmonious relationship between human beings and nature, emphasizing the importance of conserving natural resources like water bodies, which are central to Chhath rituals.

The Four Days of Chhath Puja

Chhath Puja spans over four days, each filled with specific rituals that must be followed strictly. These rituals often take place near a riverbank, pond, or any clean water body where the Sun can be worshipped.

1. Nahay Khay (Day 1)

The first day of Chhath Puja is called Nahay Khay, which translates to 'bath and eat.' On this day, devotees take a dip in the holy river or any clean water body early in the morning, as it is believed to purify the soul. After bathing, they prepare a simple, vegetarian meal, usually consisting of rice, chana dal (Bengal gram lentils), and pumpkin, which is consumed as 'prasad.' This marks the beginning of the fast that the devotees will observe throughout the festival.

2. Lohanda and Kharna (Day 2)

The second day is Lohanda and Kharna, where devotees fast throughout the day without even drinking water. In the evening, they prepare a meal that includes kheer (a rice pudding made with jaggery), roti, and fruits. This meal, called Prasad, is offered to the gods and later consumed to break the fast. After the evening prayer, the 36-hour nirjala vrat (fast without water) begins, which is considered the most rigorous part of the Chhath Puja.

3. Sandhya Arghya (Day 3)

The third day, known as Sandhya Arghya, is the most significant day of the Chhath Puja. Devotees, still fasting without water, gather at riverbanks or ponds to offer their prayers to the setting Sun (Sandhya). The evening Arghya involves standing in waist-deep water and making offerings, including fruits, flowers, and thekua (a traditional sweet). The entire family participates in this ritual, which is a sight of immense devotion and unity.

4. Usha Arghya (Day 4)

The final day of Chhath Puja is called Usha Arghya, where prayers are offered to the rising Sun. Devotees gather at the riverbank before dawn and offer the morning Arghya to the Sun as it rises. This marks the end of the 36-hour long fast. After offering prayers, they break their fast by consuming the prasad and sharing it with others. This concludes the festival on a joyful note, with blessings for prosperity, peace, and health.

Rituals and Offerings

The rituals of Chhath Puja are highly symbolic and represent devotion, purity, and discipline. Here are the primary offerings made during the festival:

1. Arghya (Offering): A key part of the ritual involves making offerings to the Sun. These include water, milk, fruits, and sweets placed in a bamboo basket. Thekua, a traditional sweet made of wheat flour, jaggery, and ghee, is the main prasad of Chhath Puja.

2. Soop and Daura: During the Arghya, a Soop (a bamboo tray) and Daura (a bamboo basket) are used to hold the offerings. These are intricately woven by hand and symbolize humility and devotion.

3. Kosi Ritual: On the night before the final morning Arghya, the Kosi ritual is performed by lighting five oil lamps under a canopy made of sugarcane sticks. This represents the five elements (earth, water, fire, air, and ether) and is believed to please Chhathi Maiya.

Importance of Environmental Awareness

One of the unique aspects of Chhath Puja is its emphasis on cleanliness and environmental sustainability. Devotees ensure that the surroundings of the water bodies remain clean throughout the rituals. Many environmentalists view this practice as a way to raise awareness about the conservation of rivers, ponds, and other natural resources. In modern times, there has been a growing push towards eco-friendly celebrations, encouraging the use of biodegradable materials like bamboo and clay instead of plastic.

Mythological Background of Chhath Puja

There are several mythological stories associated with the origins of Chhath Puja:

1. Ramayana: According to the Ramayana, Lord Rama and Sita performed the Chhath Puja after their return to Ayodhya following 14 years of exile. They observed fast and offered prayers to the Sun God during the time of Kartik Shukla Paksha (the time when Chhath is celebrated).

2. Mahabharata: Another legend traces the origins of Chhath Puja to the Mahabharata. It is said that Draupadi, the wife of the Pandavas, performed Chhath Puja to seek blessings for the restoration of their kingdom and the well-being of her family. With her deep devotion, she pleased the Sun God, who granted her wishes.

3. Karna: One of the most famous myths associated with Chhath is the story of Karna, the son of the Sun God and Kunti. Karna was known for his valor and generosity and would offer daily prayers to his father, the Sun. It is believed that the Chhath Puja rituals were originally performed by Karna, setting the tradition of Sun worship in Hindu culture.

Conclusion

Chhath Puja is more than just a religious observance; it is a cultural celebration that fosters a deep connection between individuals, families, and nature. The festival’s focus on discipline, purity, and sustainability resonates with modern concerns about environmental conservation and holistic well-being. For the devotees, it is a time to reflect, pray, and express gratitude for the blessings they have received from the universe.