Chhath Puja: A celebration to honor the Sun

Chhath Puja: A celebration to honor the Sun

Sun is the source of energy that makes life possible on earth. In Hinduism, the sun is considered as God and worshipped.  Today I am going to share some important information about a festival that celebrates Solar energy.

Chhath is an ancient Hindu festival that is celebrated in the Madhesh(terai) region of Nepal and North India (Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh). It is usually celebrated after the festival of Diwali in the month of October/ November. This year, Chhath is on November 20th. This festival is dedicated to the solar deity Surya (sun) and goddess Shasthi Devi(also called Chhathi Maiya). The festival is a way to honor the life giving sun. It has also been mentioned in the major Hindu epics.In Ramayana, when Rama and Sita returned to Ayodhya, then people celebrated Diwali. Chhath is celebrated after Diwali.Environmentalists have claimed that the festival of Chhath is one of the most eco-friendly religious festivals that should be used to spread the “the message of nature conservation”.

On my mother’s side, people celebrate Chhath puja every year. This year, we have contributed a small amount for the Chhath Puja in Nepal. I haven’t participated in the Chhath puja but  have seen pictures of my grandma(Nani) doing the puja.  According to grandma,Chhath brings lots of happiness, good health and prosperity in families. 

As the sun is worshipped from the bank of rivers, ponds or lakes, the bank(also called ghaat) is decorated with lights and flowers. The main person who does the chhath Pooja has to follow strict rituals including fasting.The rituals include holy bathing, fasting and abstaining from drinking water (Vratta), standing in water for long periods of time, and offering prasad (prayer offerings) and arghya to the setting and rising sun. Fruits like sugarcane and bananas are offered along with specially made sweets(thekuwa) in a bamboo basket. Thekuwa is like a cookie made out of wheat flour, jaggery and ghee (Butter). 

Chhath Puja is a four-day event. Entire house, its surroundings and pathways to the river bank (Ghaat) is thoroughly cleaned and decorated. Both the rising and setting sun is worshipped.

Day 1.Nahai Khai-  The main person who is doing the Chhath makes special meals after taking a bath. The food is offered to deity and this is the last meal before fasting begins.

Day 2. Kharna

Day 3. Phahili Arag(includes praying to setting sun)

Day 4. Dusri Arag(final day that includes praying to the rising sun)

I was very curious to learn more about this festival so I researched it. Here I share my blog on Chhath with all of you.

     “ May This Chhath Puja Bring Blessings And Happiness Your Way May    All Your Dreams Come True And All Evils Shed Away.

                                       Happy Chhath Puja