Chhath Puja is a deeply revered festival celebrated by millions in India, especially in the states of Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh, as well as in parts of Nepal. Marking the worship of the Sun God, Surya Devta, and Chhathi Maiya, it is one of the oldest Hindu festivals and is unique for its rituals, simplicity, and dedication to nature. Chhath Puja spans over four days and is observed with intense reverence, symbolizing gratitude, spiritual discipline, and devotion to the life-giving powers of the Sun.
The Significance of Chhath Puja
Chhath Puja is celebrated to honor the Sun, who is regarded as the source of all energy and is believed to promote health, prosperity, and spiritual well-being. The festival is rooted in Vedic practices, with references found in the epics Ramayana and Mahabharata. The sun worship is believed to provide Shashwat Kalyan eternal well-being—to the devotees, as well as their families and communities. Chhathi Maiya, the consort of the Sun, is also worshipped during this festival for her blessings of fertility, health, and happiness for children and families.
Chhath Puja Story
Chhath Puja has a legendary origin rooted in devotion and faith. It is said that in the Mahabharata, Draupadi and the Pandavas observed Chhath to overcome hardships and regain their kingdom. The Sun God, Surya, blessed them with strength and prosperity. Another legend tells the story of King Priyavrat and Queen Malini, who were childless. After performing the Chhath rituals with deep devotion, they were blessed with a son by the grace of the Sun and Chhathi Maiya, the goddess of fertility. This festival, therefore, symbolizes devotion, gratitude to the Sun for sustaining life, and the hope for blessings and prosperity.
Why Chhath Puja is celebrated in Bihar
Chhath Puja holds a special significance in Bihar, where it is celebrated with unmatched devotion and grandeur. The festival is deeply embedded in the cultural and spiritual heritage of the region, reflecting the state’s ancient traditions of sun worship. Bihar’s agrarian society depends heavily on natural forces, especially the Sun, for bountiful harvests, making Chhath a way to honor these life-giving elements. The festival brings together people from all backgrounds, transcending social and economic boundaries, as they gather at rivers and ponds to offer gratitude to the Sun God, Surya, and seek blessings for health, prosperity, and family welfare. The sense of community, combined with the simplicity of rituals like fasting, standing in water, and praying at sunrise and sunset, highlights Bihar’s deep-rooted cultural identity and reverence for nature through Chhath Puja.
The Four-Day Ritual of Chhath Puja
Each day of Chhath Puja has its own set of rituals and significance:
Nahay Khay
The festival begins with Nahay Khay, where devotees cleanse themselves, often bathing in holy rivers, and purify their homes. The day’s meals are prepared with the utmost cleanliness and purity, as this meal marks the beginning of the fast for Chhath.
Kharna
On the second day, known as Kharna, devotees observe a rigorous fast without water, which lasts from sunrise to sunset. At the end of the day, they break their fast with a simple, sattvic meal of rice pudding (kheer) and chapatis, which is then distributed among friends and family as prasad.
Sandhya Arghya
The third day, considered the most important, is when devotees offer their first arghya (offering) to the setting sun. Wearing traditional clothing, families gather at riverbanks or any clean water source to perform the ritual, standing in water and offering fruits, thekua (a sweet made from wheat flour and jaggery), and other items. This ritual of paying homage to the setting sun is a rare tradition in Hindu festivals, which typically celebrate sunrise.
Usha Arghya
On the final day, devotees gather again at the riverbank before dawn to perform the Usha Arghya, or morning offering, to the rising sun. This concludes their fast, and they break it with prasad distributed among all. Devotees offer gratitude for the completion of their fast and the blessings bestowed by the Sun.
Symbolism and Deep Connection to Nature
Chhath Puja embodies a harmonious relationship with nature and the elements. The rituals are simple but deeply symbolic, drawing from earth, water, fire, and air as representations of the divine. Devotees strive for purity in both body and mind, emphasizing the interconnectedness of human life and nature. The act of offering arghya in flowing water symbolizes letting go of ego and humbling oneself before the mighty forces of the universe.
The festival is also environmentally friendly, using biodegradable offerings like fruits, coconuts, and leaves, which return nutrients to the soil. During Chhath, devotees are conscious of preserving the cleanliness of rivers and water bodies, reflecting an ancient ecological mindfulness.
The Health Benefits of Chhath Fasting
The observance of Chhath Puja is also known for its health benefits. Fasting and exposure to sunlight are central to the rituals, with scientific studies suggesting that both can have positive effects on immunity, mental health, and overall well-being. Sunlight exposure helps the body produce vitamin D, essential for bone health and immune function, while fasting is thought to detoxify the body, improving metabolism and digestive health.
A Festival of Unity and Community Spirit
Chhath Puja is not only a personal act of devotion but a communal celebration. Families and communities come together to prepare for the festival, from cooking prasad to setting up makeshift riverbanks adorned with lamps and flowers. The sense of unity transcends social divisions, with everyone participating in the shared joy and reverence for life’s blessings.
Conclusion
Chhath Puja is a festival that embodies gratitude, discipline, and harmony with the natural world. Through its deep-rooted traditions, Chhath connects individuals to the life-sustaining powers of the Sun, reminding us to cherish and protect the environment. As families and communities gather to honor the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya, Chhath Puja serves as a timeless testament to the strength of faith, community, and the profound connection between humanity and nature.
