CHHATH PUJA
Chhath puja is a unique Indian festival dedicated to solar deity Surya and Shashthi Devi. It is celebrated to thank them for sustaining life on earth. Believed to be the god of light- Surya and Shashthi Devi are worshipped on this day for promoting life, wellbeing, and prosperity of human beings.Celebrated a week after Diwali, chhath puja has a unique significance in Indian culture, especially in the Bihar region. Devotees expose themselves to direct sunlight on this day as they believe that the Sun is also a source of healing and helps to cure many illnesses and diseases.Devotees express gratitude to Lord Surya and perform rituals for four days. Chhath in the Hindi language means six and hence this festival is celebrated on the sixth day of the month of Kartika.
According to Mahabharata, Lord Surya’s son Karna was the first person to perform Chhath puja. He offered a prayer to Lord Surya while standing in water and exposing his body. Later, he also offered food to the needy. It is also said that Pandavas also performed these rituals to regain their kingdom from Kauravas. Unlike other Hindu rituals, Chhath puja is a four-day event. These four-day events include taking holy baths at the river, fasting, preparing and offering Prasad, and lastly arghya to the sun during sunrise.
The first day of chhath puja is called Nahai Khai, Its literal meaning is bathing and eating. The devotees on the first day of puja bathe in water bodies. After that they prepare the traditional Prasad, the ladies are always the first ones to eat the Prasad and after that, the whole family eats.On the second day, the devotees observe fast until dusk. People end their fast only after sunset. They don’t eat or drink anything before sunset. After worshipping Lord Surya on this day and ending their fast, people again observe a fast for 36 hours.One the third of puja, the ladies mostly wear yellow sarees and prepare food which is later offered to the sun. This day goes without eating and drinking anything as a part of the 36 hours long fast. The ladies take a dip into the water and offer fruits to the setting sun.
On the last day of puja i.e. the fourth day, people gather on the banks of the river during sunrise. Prasad is offered to the rising sun and then after performing all the rituals people break their fast by eating Prasad.
Comments
Post a Comment