Immerse Yourself in the Splendor of Chhath Puja: A Four-Day Celebration of Faith and Festivity
INTRODUCTION
A colorful celebration takes place in the center of India, illuminating the surrounding countryside with hues of ardour and devotion. The four-day Chhath Puja festival, which honours the Sun God Surya, is evidence of the people’s enduring religious beliefs and rich cultural legacy. This holy rite, which is mostly performed in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Bihar, is evidence of the people’s everlasting faith in the Sun’s ability to sustain life.
Bihar’s Chhath Puja: An Exciting Tapestry
How it Begins….
Families start getting excited days in advance of the festival. The smell of traditional foods being prepared, fills the air as homes are immaculately cleaned and decorated. As the days get shorter and the streets comes alive with the bright colours and noises of the impending celebration and the anticipation grows.
Nahay-Khay, the ceremonial cleaning that ushers in the spiritual journey, is the first event of the Chhath Puja celebrations. Following a sacred plunge in a river or pond, devotees worship to Chhathi Maiya. The next day is Kharna, which is marked by a rigorous fast and a special feast of gur and kheer (jaggery).
The ‘Nhayati Kharna’ rite, performed on the eve of the major event, turns the surrounding countryside into a breathtakingly beautiful spectacle. With the flickering flames of earthen lamps illuminating their faces, devotees assemble near the banks of the holy River or pond. The prayers and the rhythmic chants fill the night air with a symphony of devotion. The city rises the next day to a bustle of activity as believers get ready for the aragya.
The most important day of Chhath Puja is the third day, or Sandhya Arghya. With their backs to the setting sun, devotees congregate by the banks of rivers or ponds to worship and pay respects to Chhathi Maiya. Along with fruits and flowers, the offerings include of prasad of Thekua and padakiya.
Four Days Rituals
The four days of Chhath Puja are:
Day 1: Nahay Khai (Bathing in holy water)
The first day is spent by devotees bathing in a river or pond for a holy bath. After that, they dress in fresh garments and pray to the Sun God.
Day 2: Kharna (Offering of first fruits)
On the second day, devotees fast for the entire day. In the evening, they prepare a special dish called Kharna, which is made of rice and jaggery. They offer this dish to the Sun God and then break their fast.
Day 3: Sandhya Argh (Offering of evening prayers)
On the evening of the third day, followers congregate along the side of a river or pond. They carry out a custom known as Arghya and make prayers to the sun god.
Day 4: Surya Shashthi (Offering of morning prayers)
On this day, Devotees offer prayers to the rising Sun God early on the fourth day of the festival. After that, they break their fast and indulge in a wide range of foods.
Two beautiful songs of Chhath Puja
Traditions…
Chhath Puja is a major festival in Bihar, and it is celebrated with great excitement and enthusiasm. Here are some of the exciting things that people do in Bihar during Chhath Puja:
Decorating homes and streets: People decorate their homes and streets with colorful lights, flowers, and rangoli patterns.
Visiting temples: Devotees visit temples dedicated to the Sun God and offer prayers.
Participating in processions: There are many processions that take place during Chhath Puja, and people line up the streets to watch them.
Offering prayers and prasad: Devotees offer prayers and prasad to the Sun God. Prasad is a sweet dish that is made with milk, rice, and jaggery.
Feasting on traditional dishes: There are many traditional dishes that are made during Chhath Puja. Some of the most popular dishes include kheer, thekua, rice flour laddu, parakiya.
Conclusion
More than just a celebration, Chhath Puja is an in-depth exploration of custom, devotion, and delectable food. Accept the dazzling spirit of this occasion, which brings communities and families together in a joyful and spiritually uplifting tapestry.
