CHHATH PUJA
CHHATH PUJA
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Chhath Puja
Bihar's most famous and original festival is Chhath Puja, celebrated six days after Diwali. The festival is marked by devotion, fasting, and the distribution of sweets and fruits. The Puja is concluded with a holy dip in the Ganges river on the final day.
During Nahay Khay, observed on the Chaturthi Tithi of Kartik Shukla Paksha, devotees cleanse themselves and prepare for the festival. Following Nahay Khay are Kharna on Panchami Tithi, Chhath Puja on Sashti, and lastly, Usha Arghya on Saptami Tithi.
Nahaay Khaay (day 1)
This is the first day of Chhath Puja. The Parvaitin (transl. devotees, from Sanskrit parva, meaning "occasion" or "festival") must take a holy bath, after which the entire house, its surroundings, and pathways to the Ghat are thoroughly cleaned. The Parvaitin usually cooks Sattvik Lauka Bhaat (bottle gourd and Bengal gram lentil preparation with Arva rice bhaat). This preparation is served to the deity in the afternoon as Bhog. This initiates the Parv and is the last meal of the Parvaitin during Chhath Puja. The food is then eaten to protect the mind from thoughts of vengeance.
Roti/Kharna/Lohanda (day 2)
Kharna, also known as Rasiaav-Roti or Lohanda, is the second day of Chhath Puja. On this day, the devotees do not drink even a single drop of water as offer to worship. In the evening, they eat gur ke kheer (Kheer made up of jaggery), called Rasiaav, together with Roti.
Sandhya arghya (day 3)
This day is spent preparing the prasada (offerings) at home, often consisting of a bamboo basket decorated with fruits, Thekua and rice laddus. On the eve of this day, the entire household accompany the devotee to a riverbank, pond, or other large body of water to make the Arghya offerings to the setting sun. The occasion can in many ways resemble a carnival. Besides the devotees and their friends and family, numerous participants and onlookers are all willing to help and receive the blessings of the worshipper.
After returning home the devotees perform the ritual of kosi bharai together with the other family members. They take 5 to 7 sugarcanes and tie them together to form a mandap and beneath the shade of that mandap, 12 to 24 Diya lamps are burnt and thekua and other seasonal fruits are offered. The same ritual is repeated the next morning between 3 am and 4 am, and afterward the devotees offer arghya or other offerings to the rising sun.
Usha arghya (day 4)
On the last day of Chhath Puja, at dawn, worshippers travel to the riverbank to offer an arghya to the rising sun. After making this holy offering, parents pray to Chhatti Maiya for their child's protection as well as the happiness and peace of their whole family. After worship, followers participate in the Paran or Parana rite, breaking their fast with a small amount of prasada and water. This rite emphasises the connection between family well-being and divine favours, serving as a symbol of thanksgiving and spiritual closure
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Chhathi maiya is also the daughter of Rishi Kashyap and Aditi. She is the wife of Kartikeya, Lord Shiva's son.
Mother Sita first performed the Chhath puja.
There is still a Sita Charan Temple in Munger district of Bihar where footprints of Sita Maiya are present.
In Munger region, the festival is known for its association with Sita Manpatthar (Sita Charan.( Sita's footsteps). Sitacharan temple, situated on a boulder in the middle of the Ganges in Munger, is the main center of public faith regarding Chhath festival. It is believed that goddess Sita performed Chhath festival in Munger. That is why Chhath Mahaparva is celebrated with great pomp in Munger.
Chhath has been mentioned in both the major Indian epics. In Ramayana, when Rama and Sita returned to Ayodhya, people celebrated Deepavali, and on its sixth day Ramarajya (lit. Kingdom of Rama) was established. On this day Rama and Sita fasted, and Surya Shashthi/Chhath Puja was performed by Sita. Hence, she was blessed with Lava and Kusha as sons.
That is why the naming of the child takes place only after the child turns 6 days old and after performing the Srishti Puja.
Chhath Puja, a Vedic festival revered for its homage to the Sun God, goes beyond ritual. It is a transformative practice that channels cosmic energies, nourishing the mind, body, and spirit. Celebrated widely in northern India, Chhath Puja uniquely blends science with spirituality.
This festival is unique as it involves praying to both the setting and rising sun, symbolizing the cycle of life and the importance of gratitude for each day. The rituals of Chhath Puja are known for their strict adherence and reflect deep spirituality, discipline, and purity.
Chhath Puja is all about showing gratitude to Lord Surya for providing life and light to all the living beings. Chhathi Maiya bestow the devotees with good good fortune, good health, prosperity and success.
Sending my warmest Chhath Puja wishes to you and your loved ones. May this festival bring lasting joy and blessings. May the Sun God illuminate your path and may Chhathi Maiya bless you with a lifetime of happiness. Happy Chhath Puja!
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