"Chhath Puja"- A Celebration of Purity and Devotion

The term "Chhath" stands for the number "six" (6). Hence, the Hindu festival of "Chhath Puja '' arrives on the Shashti tithi, i.e. sixth (6th) day of Kartik month as per Hindu Panchang. According to the Gregorian Calendar, it falls in the month of either November or December.

This year, "Chhath Puja" is on the 7th November ‘24.

As per Drik Panchang, the "tithi" for "Chhath Puja" in the year ‘24 is as follows:

• Chhath Puja on Thursday, 7th of November ‘24
• Shashthi Tithi Begins -12.41 a.m. on 6th of November ‘24
• Shashthi Tithi Ends - 12:34 a.m. on 7th of November ‘24

The "Chhath Puja" is also known as "Pratihar", "Dala Chhath", "Chhathi" and "Surya Shashthi."

Most of the time, it falls just a week after Diwali, the festival of lights.

This festival is celebrated with fervour in the Indian states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar & Jharkhand.

Significance of "Chhath Puja":

This occasion of "Chhath Puja" holds a great importance in Hindu Dharma. As per Brahma Vaivarta Purana, Lord Sun (Surya) along with his wife, Usha, also called Maa Ranbai and Shashti, is worshipped on this day.

In Vedic tradition, the Sun is considered a symbol of consciousness and the ultimate source of life. Devotees believe that offering prayers to Lord Sun during Chhath Puja brings divine energy and vitality. The Sun is revered as the visible form of the divine, providing light, warmth, and sustenance to all living beings.

Worshipping Lord Sun is not only a spiritual practice but also an expression of gratitude for the life-sustaining energy that illuminates the world. The rituals associated with Surya Puja aim to align individuals with cosmic energies, promoting physical and mental well-being while fostering a deep connection with the divine forces governing the universe.

The people worshipping Mata Usha on "Chhath Puja" call her by the name "Chhathi Maiyya." She's believed to be the 'sixth' form of Goddess Shakti. She is believed to bestow her blessings upon couples facing fertility challenges, granting the gift of a healthy and thriving offspring.

Importance of "Chhath Puja" in 'Ramayana':

Munger, with its historic Sitacharan temple situated amidst the Ganges, is renowned for Sita Manpatthar. This sacred site is where devotees converge to partake in the Chhath Puja.

Many Hindu Shastras mention that Mata Sita herself observed the Chhath rituals at this very location in Munger, and it is believed that after completing the puja, Chhathi Maiya blessed her with two healthy sons, Luv and Kush. This event marked the inception of the tradition of Chhath Puja or Chhath Mahaparv.

Consequently, in Munger and Begusarai, the celebrations of Chhat unfold with immense enthusiasm and devoted fervour, reflecting the deep-rooted significance of this ancient practice.

Legend behind "Chhath Puja":

The very great story behind observing this immense occasion of "Chhath Puja" is as follows:

Long ago, there was a king named Priyavrat, who despite being wealthy and a ruler, was sad because he and his wife couldn't have children. Seeking guidance, he consulted a sage named Maharishi Kashyap, who advised them to perform a Yajna. The rituals were challenging, but the king and queen followed the sage's instructions.

Sadly, their first child was stillborn, causing immense grief. In their sorrow, they heard a voice in the sky saying “I am Mata Chhathi, the sixth form of Goddess Parvati, I protect all the children and bless the one’s having difficulty in conceiving with a healthy offspring.”

Then, the couple offered prayers to Chhathi Maiyya with full devotion & requested to shower her blessings on their child. Touched by their prayers, Chhathi Maiya revived the lifeless child, bringing immense joy to the king and queen.

This miracle led to the widespread celebration of Chhath Puja, a festival dedicated to Mata Chhathi, celebrated with devotion worldwide.

Rituals associated with "Chhath Puja":

Chhath Puja, a four-day festival dedicated to the worship of the Sun God, involves a series of rituals and observances:

• The first day, called "Nahay Khay", begins with a holy dip, especially in the Ganga river, and women observing Chhath partake in a single meal.
• On the second day of Chhath, referred to as "Kharna", devotees adhere to Nirjala fasting, abstaining from both food and water until sunset. As evening descends, a ritual unfolds where devotees break their fast by consuming Gur ki Kheer, a sweet delicacy made by simmering rice with milk and jaggery. This special Kheer, commonly known as Rasia, becomes a symbol of sustenance and celebration during this significant day of Chhath Puja.

As the sun sets, devotees conclude their fast on the second day by presenting a food offering to the Sun God. The fasting for the third day commences following the consumption of Prasad on this day.

As per “Drik Panchang”,

• Sunrise on Chhath Puja Day - 06:37
• Sunset on Chhath Puja Day - 17:59

• On the third important day of Chhath Puja, known as Sanjhka Aragh, the devotees observe a full-day fast without water. The main ritual involves offering Arghya to the setting Sun using Gangajal. It is the only time of the year when Arghya is given to the setting Sun.

The fasting continues throughout the night, and the Parana, or the ritual to break the fast, takes place the following day after sunrise.

• The concluding day of Chhath Puja, called "Bhorka Aragh", involves offering Arghya to the rising Sun, known as "Usha Arghya." After fasting for 36 hours, devotees break their fast by presenting Arghya to the Sun during this auspicious ritual.

"Kosi Bharai": Illuminating the Rituals of Abundant Offerings on Chhath Puja's Third Day

On the third day of Chhath Puja, i.e. Sanjhka Aragh, a special and very important ritual of "Kosi Bharai" is observed.

It is a special ritual performed by married couples or individuals observing Chhath fasting. It's a way of celebrating when a wish or vow made during Chhath fasting is fulfilled.

The ritual involves creating a canopy with tied sugarcane, placing thekua (Chhath food), fruits, and offerings underneath. A clay elephant is set in the centre, topped with a pot filled with special rice and sweet treats. The canopy is adorned with a red saree. Oil lamps are lit, and seasonal fruits are offered.

This ritual is repeated early the next morning, and devotees then offer arghya to the rising Sun as a sign of gratitude and completion of the Chhath Puja celebrations.

Conclusion:

"Chhath Puja" has gained prominence beyond its traditional regions, with people from various parts of India and the world participating in the celebrations. The cultural richness, devotion, and environmental consciousness associated with Chhath Puja make it a unique and revered festival, showcasing the diversity and spiritual depth of Hindu traditions.