The Significance of Chhath Puja
Chhath Puja: In this Festival people worshhip chhathi maiya(Shasthi Devi, another sign of mother Natur) and Sun God (surya dev). Chhathi maiya is worshipped as the Goddess who ensure the well being of children and good health by shielding them from illnesses and diseases. Sun God Is believed to be the source of life, energy, and prosperity. Devotees observe this festival to seek blessings for health, wealth, and spiritual growth.
Who is Chhathi Maiya:
According to Hindu Mythology "Chhath Maiya" is the Sister of lord Sun and the Spiritual Daughter of Lord Brahma. According to Stories When lord Brahma was creating the world he divided himself in two pieces, one was Male and another was Nature. Then Nature was divided in 6 parts . In this parts the 6th number was Chhathi Maiya, who is also the wife of Kartika, the son of lord shiva and parvati.
Historical Roots and Cultural Importance:
Chhath Puja is rooted in ancient Hindu scriptures, including the Rigveda, which mentions rituals associated with solar deity worship. It is believed that the Pandavas, from the Mahabharata, and Lord Rama and Sita, from the Ramayana, observed this sacred fast. This historical connection underscores the timeless nature of the festival, which has evolved while maintaining its core spiritual essence.
Phases of Chhath Puja: The Four-Day Celebration
Chhath Puja unfolds over four days, each day symbolizing a step toward spiritual purity and deeper devotion.
Nahay Khay: The first day marks the beginning of the ritual purification. Devotees take a holy dip in rivers or ponds and prepare simple, pure meals. The meal usually includes rice, pumpkin curry, and lentils cooked in clay pots using wood fires, emphasizing simplicity and eco-friendliness.
Kharna: The second day involves a rigorous fast that ends after sunset with a special offering called kheer (a rice pudding made with jaggery and milk). This is shared with family and friends, signifying communal harmony and purity.
Sandhya Arghya: The most significant day of Chhath Puja involves fasting without water. In the evening, devotees gather at riverbanks or water bodies to offer arghya (prayers and offerings) to the setting sun. Songs and prayers fill the air as devotees stand in waist-deep water, holding baskets filled with fruits, sugarcane, and seasonal offerings.
Usha Arghya: On the final day, devotees offer their prayers to the rising sun. This ritual is believed to bring peace and prosperity to families. The fast concludes with the distribution of prasad (sacred food), symbolizing the completion of the observance.
Eco-Friendly Practices and Environmental Significance:
One unique aspect of Chhath Puja is its inherent eco-conscious approach. Devotees use biodegradable materials such as bamboo baskets, clay pots, and natural offerings like fruits and flowers. The ritual emphasizes the use of water bodies, encouraging communities to maintain their cleanliness. Chhath Puja reminds society of the importance of preserving nature, promoting an enduring message of sustainability.
Chhath Puja: Beyond Regional Boundaries
While Chhath Puja is most widely celebrated in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Nepal, its reach has spread globally due to the Indian diaspora. In cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and even international locations such as New York and London, Chhath Puja is celebrated with great enthusiasm, bringing communities together and preserving cultural heritage abroad.
Conclusion:
Chhath Puja is more than a religious observance, it is a celebration of the symbiotic relationship between humanity and nature. Its unique rituals, eco-friendly practices, and spiritual depth make it one of the most significant and respected festivals in India. As devotees offer their prayers to Surya, the Sun God, Chhath Puja teaches the timeless values of gratitude, simplicity, and environmental stewardship—values that resonate across generations and boundaries.
Chhath Puja
Images and sayings
Chhath Puja
Images and sayings
