“Chhath Puja 2024: A Journey of Devotion and Gratitude”

Introduction

Chhath Puja is one of the oldest Hindu festivals dedicated to the Sun God, Surya, and his consort, Usha. Dedicated to the worship of the Sun God and other deities worshiped during the festival, it is basically practiced in the Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and some parts of Nepal. Chhath Puja is different from any other puja because its rituals are performed to thank Surya for sustaining life on earth and to request fulfillment of a couple of wishes. It usually lasts over four days, filled with intense fasting, holy bathing, and offering of prayers at a level of purity and devotion unmatched by others.

Chhath puja 2024 ;journey of devotion and gratitude.

What is Chhath Puja?

Chhath Puja, or Surya Shashti, is the festival in which Sun God and Chhathi Maiya or Mother Shashti are worshiped. The most distinguishing feature of Chhath Puja from others around it in Hindu worship is that it never emphasizes idol worship. Natural elements like water and sunlight, carrying the essence of divine consciousness and life force, are offered homage by the devotees.

What is the Significance of Chhath Puja?

The message of Chhath Puja lies in the gratitude being shown towards the Sun God believed to be the source of ultimate energy and life. Believed to be recovering from several diseases through the worship of Surya, leading to a healthy life, followed by success and prosperity, Chhath Puja is an opportunity to raise questions before people about issues like sanitation, discipline, and dedication that go hand in hand with the intrinsic values of Hindu culture.

Why is Chhath Puja Celebrated?

Chhath Puja is worshiped to thank the Sun God for providing life and to acquire good health, wealth, and prosperity. In the agrarian communities, the Sun is revered since it possesses the most powerful source of energy and holds a very important position in the cycles of agriculture. Chhath Puja also pays respect to Chhathi Maiya, whom people believe guards children and brings happiness.

The Story Behind Chhath Puja

Sources for the festival of Chhath Puja are ancient Hindu scriptures. A very famous legend associated with the festival finds its origin in the epic Mahabharata. According to the epic, Pandavas and Draupadi performed Chhath Puja to cross the four austerity rituals and gain back the kingdom they lost. By complete devotion and faithfulness of Draupadi, the grace of the Sun God was pleased, and the blessing of his divine favor was bestowed upon them.

Another legendary story is connected with the mythological King Kartavirya Arjuna of the Treta Yuga. The legend says he was a devout follower of the Sun God and did severe penance for the blessing of this god. The Sun God was pleased with his devotion and so chose to confer the boon of immortality on him.

How is Chhath Puja Celebrated?

The practice of Chhath Puja is followed with a series of rituals for four consecutive days. Each day has its importance and specific customs that the devotees adhere strictly to.

Day 1: Nahay Khay

The first day is known as Nahay Khay. On this day, devotees take a holy dip in a river or any water body and prepare a sanctified meal. Devotees start the day with tough cleansing, symbolizing the purification of both the body and soul. They take a meal of rice, chana dal, and pumpkin curry, cooked in bronze or clay vessels over a clay stove. The meal is taken only after an oblation to the Sun God.

Day 2 : Lohanda and Kharna

On the second day, it is Lohanda or Kharna. For this, devotes take a waterless vow of fasting for the whole day. They break this vow in the evening after performing a puja. The evening meal is known as Kharna. It consists of kheer (a sweet rice pudding made of jaggery), puris, and fruits. This prasad of devotion is then distributed among all the family members and neighbors. Next day onwards is the long 36 hours of fasting. In this period, no food or water shall be taken.

Day 3: Arghya Sandhya

It is actually the most important day of the festival and called Arghya Sandhya. People make all sorts of Pakvans like, Thekua (a traditional sweet prepared with wheat flour, jaggery, ghee, etc.) fruits, and many more Pakvan and sweets. They converge on the banks of a river, pond, or for that matter, any good water body in the evening to pray and offer arghya to the setting sun. This is a ritual that requires so much devotion, because it involves bathing in the holy water for a long duration, with all the offerings kept in soop or bamboo winnows, and hymns and prayers. The end of the negativities and the new dawn would be symbolized by the sunset.

Day 4: Usha Arghya

Usha Arghya is the last day, which commences right in the early hours of morning before sunrise. Devotees again gather at the water bodies to worship and offer arghya to the rising sun. The rite is a new birth into life and energy. The devotees break their fast after performing the puja by having prasad and distributing it to the society. This is the shining conclusion of the Chhath Puja, feasting, and having good times with family and friends.

Spiritual and Cultural Significanc

Besides rituals, Chhath Puja is full of deep spiritual and cultural value. Its features include gratitude, purity, discipline, etc. Besides social bonding, the sense of collective responsibility towards nature can be enhanced by festivals. Fasting is considered so rigorous and to maintain hygiene at such an extent it appeals to the commitment and resilience of the devotees, and can be seen as a triumph of human spirit over physical and mental challenges.

Contemporary Celebrations and Global Reach

Chhath Puja has gained international recognition in the last few years. Indian expat communities in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia celebrate the festival with equal ardor. Most local governments and social organizations also support it by making necessary arrangements and facilitating it.
Moreover, social media and digital platforms have also been a major source of information to spread awareness related to Chhath Puja. Live rituals, virtual gatherings, and online puja offerings have played a massive role in making people participate in the celebrations all around the globe.

Conclusion

Chhath Puja is the festival of true dedication, purity, and thankfulness. Chhath Puja celebrates the essence of life and nature along with deep, rich cultural and religious values, beliefs, and philosophies that underlie the Hindu faith. It is through rituals, stories, and the significance it holds that a glimmer of the extremely rich tapestry of traditions and heritage can be seen in India. Even when the world was being swept by waves of modernity, the age-old traditions of Chhath Puja continue to inspire and unite people with a sense of harmony and reverence for divine forces that sustain them.

Frequently Asked Questions about Chhath Puja

1. When is Chhath Puja?

Chhath Puja comes about six days after Diwali. The festival recurs in the month of Kartik according to the Hindu calendar. Generally, the dates of Chhath Puja change every year with the lunar calendar.

2. What are the chief acts or practices of Chhath Puja?

Main practices of Chhath Puja are:
-Nahay Khay: Sacred bathing and cooked a purified meal.
-Lohanda / Kharna :A day-long fast and break it in the evening after doing puja.
-Sandhya Arghya:praying and offering arghya to the sun at dusk in water bodies.
-Usha Arghya:starts offering prayers and arghya to the sunrise, followed by breaking one’s fast.

3. Why is Chhath Puja celebrated?

It is believed that Chhath Puja was performed to thank the Sun God for creating the earth and maintaining life, and for good health, wealth, and prosperity. Besides, it also worships Chhathi Maiya, who is thought to be the guard for children and the woman who holds authority to grant happiness.

4. Does Chhath Puja involve idol worship?

Chhath Puja is not worship of the idol. The people pray to the natural elements particularly the water and sunrays that represent divine consciousness and life force.

5. Are other religion followers permitted to join the festival?
Chhath Puja is a Hindu festival; however, representatives from other faith communities are encouraged to adhere and participate in the celebrations and essence around universal values including thanks giving, purification, and devotion.

6. Why is fasting in Chhath Puja so vital?

Fasting in Chhath Puja is done to purify the body and soul, to show devotion, and to fetch the blessings of the Lord Sun. The rigid fasting during which one has to abstain from food and water symbolizes the dedication and tenacity of the devotees.

7. What type of prasad or offerings are offered during Chhath Puja?

For Chhath Puja, offerings include traditional sweets such as thekua, fruits, sugarcane, and other seasonal produces. These are offered in soop(bamboo winnows) during the rituals at the water bodies.

8. How to prepare for Chhath Puja?

Preparations include cleaning the house properly, buying all the items necessary for rituals, and developing mental preparation to undergo fasting and prayers. Significant cleanliness and purity levels are also maintained while celebrating the festival.

9. Is Chhath Puja observed outside India as well?

Yes, the Indian diaspora in countries like the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia performs Chhath Puja. The procedures and rituals are carried out among the local people with equal excitement.

For more information please visit –https://navbharattimes.indiatimes.com/religion/about-chhath

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