How to celebrate Chhath puja?

Celebrating Chhath Puja: The Festival of Gratitude to the Sun God

Chhath Puja is a vibrant and spiritually enriching festival dedicated to the Sun God, Surya, and his consort, Chhathi Maiya. Observed primarily in the Indian states. that is Bihar, Jharkhand, and parts of Uttar Pradesh, as well as in Nepal, Chhath Puja stands out for its unique rituals, deeply symbolic worship, and significant environmental reverence. Celebrated over four days. it is a time of self-purification, prayer, and heartfelt gratitude, where devotees seek blessings for health, prosperity, and well-being.

The Story Behind Chhath Puja

The origins of Chhath Pujain Hindu mythology and legends. After returning from their exile and defeating Ravana, Lord Rama and Sita observed a fast and offered prayers to the Sun God in the month of Kartik to express gratitude and seek blessings for their reign. Some believe that Chhath Puja was initiated by Karna .The the son of the Sun God and Kunti, who offered prayers to his father and became a revered king of Anga Desh (now Bhagalpur, Bihar).

The Four-Day Celebration of Chhath Puja

Chhath Puja follows a four-day ritualistic sequence, each day dedicated to specific rituals that enhance both physical and spiritual discipline. Here is a breakdown of each day’s significance:

1. Nahay Khay (Bath and Eat) – First Day
   • Nahay Khay marks the first day of Chhath Puja, a festival dedicated to the Sun God. Devotees cleanse themselves in holy water and prepare a simple, pure meal, typically rice, pumpkin, and gram lentils. This meal, shared with family, symbolizes purification, setting the tone for the days of fasting ahead.
2. Kharna (Day of Fasting) – Second Day
   • On the second day, devotees observe a day-long fast, which they break in the evening after offering a meal to Chhathi Maiya. This meal typically includes kheer (a sweet rice pudding) made with jaggery, roti, and fruits. After the evening meal, devotees embark on a 36-hour fast without food and water, which is considered a way of detoxifying the body and mind.
3. Sandhya Arghya (Offering at Sunset) – Third Day
   • On this day, devotees prepare traditional offerings, including thekua (a wheat-based dessert), fruits, and other delicacies. In the evening, they head to a riverbank or other water body to offer ‘Arghya’ (water offering) to the setting sun. Dressed in new clothes, the devotees stand waist-deep in water and pray to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya for blessings, health, and prosperity for their families. The sight of hundreds of devotees offering prayers at sunset creates a deeply spiritual and mesmerizing atmosphere.
4. Usha Arghya (Offering at Sunrise) – Fourth Day
   • The final day of Chhath Puja is dedicated to offering prayers to the rising sun. Before dawn, devotees gather once again at the riverbank, standing in the water, and await the first rays of the morning sun. With their hands folded and faces lifted towards the sunlight, they make their final offering, completing their prayers and breaking their fast. This ritual is followed by distributing the prasad (sanctified offerings) to friends, family, and neighbors, symbolizing the blessings received.

Symbolism and Cultural Significance of Chhath Puja

Chhath Puja is not only a prayer to the Sun God but also a reverence to nature. The Sun is the source of all life. The energy on Earth, and worshipping. it is a way of acknowledging this lifeforce. Chhathi Maiya, who represents nature and motherhood, is invoked for blessings of protection and sustenance.

This festival also emphasizes. The importance of clean. unpolluted rivers and water bodies. as devotees often worship at riverbanks and take dips in natural waters. Chhath Puja indirectly promotes environmental conservation and awareness, as communities collectively clean the areas where they perform the rituals.

The Unique Aspects of Chhath Puja Rituals

• Strict Purity and Devotion: Unlike other festivals, Chhath Puja has a rigorous regimen of cleanliness and discipline. Devotees are expected to follow a vegetarian diet, avoid onions and garlic, and wear new or freshly cleaned traditional attire.
• No Priests Involved: This is a rare Hindu festival where no priests are required to lead the rituals. Devotees conduct the puja themselves, making it a deeply personal and family-centered event.
• Scientific and Health Benefits: The festival’s fast, including the 36-hour waterless fast, is seen as a form of detox. The early morning exposure to the sun is also considered beneficial for health, with sunlight providing essential vitamin D.

Modern Relevance of Chhath Puja

In recent years, the festival of Chhath Puja has gained popularity outside its traditional regions as well. Many Indian communities across the world celebrate it, honoring the Sun God as a universal symbol of life and energy. Environmentalists also admire. the festival’s intrinsic message of reverence for nature, urging more people to adopt environmentally conscious practices inspired by Chhath Puja rituals.

Conclusion

Chhath Puja is more than a religious observance—it’s a profound expression of faith, discipline, and connection with nature. It celebrates the blessings of the Sun God, the nurturing energy of Chhathi Maiya, and the harmonious coexistence of humans with nature. As communities come together to celebrate this festival, the values of gratitude, purity, and environmental respect echo through the rituals, fostering a sense of unity, devotion, and cultural heritage that transcends generations.