Chhath Puja is a Hindu festival observed on Shashthi of Kartik Shukla Paksha. Primarily celebrated in the Terai regions of Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Eastern Uttar Pradesh, and Nepal, it is also known as Chhaith or Shashthi Puja.

Extending over four days, Chhath Puja involves the worship of Surya and Chhathi Maiya. Devotees observing the Chhath Puja fast undertake a rigorous 36-hour waterless fast as part of their religious observance.

Significance of Chhath Puja

Chhath Puja is unique in its deep connection with nature and its emphasis on the sun as a source of life, energy, and sustenance. The festival is dedicated to thanking the Sun God for bestowing life on Earth and ensuring the prosperity, health, and happiness of people. It is believed that Surya is the healer of diseases and a provider of long life.

The worship of Chhathi Maiya is also significant as she is believed to bless families with offspring, fertility, and the protection of children. This festival has strong connotations of purification, penance, and prayer, with devotees observing strict rituals to honor the Sun God.

Mythological Stories Behind Chhath Puja

There are several myths and legends associated with the origins of Chhath Puja:

1. The Story of Lord Rama and Sita:

   • One of the most popular beliefs is that after returning to Ayodhya following 14 years of exile, Lord Rama and Sita performed Chhath Puja to thank the Sun God. Sita, who observed the fast, prayed to Surya for the well-being and prosperity of their kingdom. Since then, the tradition of worshiping Surya during Chhath Puja has continued.

2. The Story of Karna:

   • According to another legend from the Mahabharata, Karna, the son of Surya and Kunti, was a devout worshiper of the Sun God. Karna used to offer prayers while standing in water and receive energy from Surya, which made him one of the greatest warriors. His devotion is believed to be the origin of the Chhath Puja rituals, particularly the practice of offering Arghya (water offering) to the sun.

3. The Legend of Draupadi:

   • In the Mahabharata, Draupadi, the wife of the Pandavas, was also known to worship Surya to overcome challenges and hardships. It is believed that her prayers during Chhath Puja helped her family regain their lost kingdom and improve their fortunes.

4. The Vedic Tradition:

   • Chhath Puja is also linked to the Vedic period, where sages (rishis) performed rituals and fasted to gain energy directly from the sun's rays. The festival embodies these ancient rituals of connecting with nature and the sun for physical and spiritual nourishment.

Four Days of Chhath Puja: Rituals and Traditions

Chhath Puja is observed over four days, with each day having distinct rituals:

1. Nahay Khay (Day 1):

• Nahay Khay marks the first day of Chhath Puja. On this day, devotees bathe and cleanse themselves in rivers or water bodies, especially the Ganga. After this ritual purification, they bring water from the river and prepare a simple, sattvic meal, often consisting of kaddu-bhat (a dish made with pumpkin and rice) and chana dal (lentils).
• The meal is shared with family, and only one meal is consumed on this day. The day symbolizes physical and spiritual cleansing, and devotees begin their fast after this meal.

2. Kharna (Day 2):

• Kharna is the second day, a day of strict fasting that lasts from sunrise to sunset. Devotees abstain from water and food all day. After sunset, they break their fast by preparing and consuming prasad (offering) made from kheer (sweet rice pudding) and roti (flatbread) made from wheat flour.
• The kheer is usually prepared using jaggery instead of sugar, and the meal is made with utmost purity. After eating the prasad, devotees begin a 24-hour Nirjala (waterless) fast, which continues until the conclusion of the festival.

3. Sandhya Arghya (Day 3):

• The third day is the most significant day of Chhath Puja. Devotees observe the Sandhya Arghya (evening offerings) at sunset. They gather near water bodies, including rivers, ponds, or even specially created ponds, where they offer prayers to the setting sun.
• Devotees stand in the water while offering Arghya (a mixture of water and milk) to the sun using a soop (a traditional winnowing basket) filled with fruits, sugarcane, sweets like thekua, and other offerings. This ritual symbolizes gratitude for the day’s blessings and the life-giving properties of the sun.
• Thousands of people, dressed in traditional clothes, gather on the riverbanks to offer their prayers. The atmosphere is festive, with folk songs dedicated to Chhathi Maiya and Surya.

4. Usha Arghya (Day 4):

• The final day of Chhath Puja is marked by the Usha Arghya, or the morning offering. Devotees gather at water bodies before sunrise to offer prayers to the rising sun. They repeat the ritual of standing in water and offering Arghya, this time to the rising sun, symbolizing a new beginning and the sustenance of life.
• After the Usha Arghya, devotees break their fast by eating prasad and sharing it with family, friends, and neighbors. This prasad usually includes thekua, fruits, and other offerings.
• The fast ends, and the festival concludes with prayers for peace, prosperity, and well-being.

Spiritual Significance of Chhath Puja

Chhath Puja is not only a physical and ritualistic festival but also has deep spiritual connotations. It is believed that through the observance of Chhath Puja, devotees can:

1. Attain Purity: The festival involves fasting, abstinence, and physical purification, helping devotees cleanse themselves of physical and spiritual impurities.
2. Connect with Nature: Chhath Puja focuses on worshiping natural elements such as the sun, water, and earth, reminding devotees of the vital role nature plays in sustaining life.
3. Gain Mental Strength: The rigorous fasting, combined with prayers and meditation, is believed to strengthen the mind and body. Devotees experience a sense of discipline and self-control.
4. Receive Divine Blessings: Devotees believe that worshiping Surya and Chhathi Maiya brings their blessings, ensuring long life, good health, prosperity, and the protection of family members, especially children.

Eco-Friendly Aspect of Chhath Puja

Chhath Puja is often lauded for its eco-friendly practices. The festival emphasizes natural and organic offerings, such as fruits, sugarcane, and sweets made at home. The use of biodegradable items like soop, clay lamps, and bamboo baskets further highlights its harmony with nature. Devotees avoid using plastic or harmful substances during the rituals.

Moreover, the tradition of gathering near rivers and water bodies encourages the community to keep these areas clean. Many people actively participate in cleaning up riverbanks and ponds before the festival to ensure they remain pristine for the offerings.

Regional Variations of Chhath Puja

While Chhath Puja is most commonly associated with Bihar and Jharkhand, it is celebrated in other parts of India as well, often with slight regional variations:

1. Uttar Pradesh: In parts of Eastern Uttar Pradesh, the rituals are similar to those in Bihar, and the festival is celebrated with the same enthusiasm. Many people in Varanasi, Lucknow, and other cities offer prayers at the Ganga and other sacred rivers.
2. Nepal: In the Mithila region of Nepal, especially among the Madhesi community, Chhath Puja is celebrated with great devotion. The rituals are identical to those in Bihar, and the festival has a deep cultural significance.
3. Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh: In these states, especially among migrant communities from Bihar and UP, Chhath Puja is observed with full devotion. Temporary ponds are sometimes created for the festival in areas where natural water bodies are scarce.
4. Delhi and Mumbai: With the large migration of people from Bihar, Jharkhand, and UP to urban centers like Delhi and Mumbai, Chhath Puja is celebrated on a grand scale in these cities. Public parks, lakes, and riversides become sites for mass gatherings during the festival.

Chhath Puja in Modern Times

Despite being an ancient festival, Chhath Puja has seen a revival and increased prominence in modern times. Many urban cities have witnessed growing participation, with migrant communities organizing the festival in public spaces. Local governments often provide support by setting up facilities at riverbanks and ensuring safety measures.

Social media and television have also contributed to spreading awareness about Chhath Puja, with live broadcasts of rituals from major cities and a growing following among younger generations. The festival continues to bridge the gap between urban and rural traditions, allowing people from diverse backgrounds to participate in this ancient celebration of nature and the Sun God.

Conclusion

Chhath Puja is more than just a festival; it is a profound spiritual experience that connects individuals to nature, their family, and the divine. Its emphasis on discipline, purification, and prayer makes it one of the most revered and cherished festivals in India. By honoring the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya, devotees seek their blessings for prosperity, health, and happiness while fostering a deep sense of community and environmental stewardship.