"Chhath Puja" is a Hindu festival celebrated by women, mainly in northern India, and Bangladesh. It is a four-day festival honoring the sun god Surya, represented by the rim of the rising sun. The festival has a rich cultural heritage and is celebrated with great enthusiasm across India.
Chhath Puja, which lasts for four days
Chhath Puja 2023: Today, November 17, marks the beginning of the important folk religious festival, Chhath. The festival will end on November 20. Four days make up Chhath Puja; the first day is Nahay-Khay, the second is Kharna, the third is Sandhya Arghya, and the fourth is Usha Arghya.
The largest Sun Worship Festival is Chhath Mahaparva. Chhathi Mai and Lord Surya are ritually worshipped at this occasion. This fast is regarded as one of the hardest. Those who celebrate this holiday look forward to it all year long.
Importance of Chhath Puja:
Chhath Puja holds significant cultural and religious importance in Hinduism, particularly in the regions of Bihar, Jharkhand, and parts of Uttar Pradesh. Here are some key aspects that highlight the importance of Chhath Puja:
Sun Worship: Chhath Puja is dedicated to the worship of the Sun God, Surya. The Sun is considered the source of energy and life, and by offering prayers to the Sun, devotees seek blessings for well-being, prosperity, and longevity.
Expression of Gratitude: The rituals performed during Chhath Puja are seen as expressions of gratitude towards the Sun for sustaining life on Earth. Devotees believe that by observing this festival, they can attain the Sun's energy and blessings.
Cleansing Rituals: Chhath Puja involves rigorous and purifying rituals. Devotees take a holy dip in rivers, ponds, or other water bodies, and they fast without water for an extended period. These practices are believed to cleanse the mind, body, and soul.
Harmony with Nature: The festival emphasizes the harmony between human life and nature. The rituals involve being close to natural elements like water, earth, and the Sun. This connection is symbolic of the integral relationship between humans and the environment.
Family and Community Bonding: Chhath Puja is often a family and community-centric festival. Families come together to perform the rituals, and communities organize collective celebrations. It fosters a sense of unity and strengthens social bonds.
Cultural Identity: Chhath Puja is deeply ingrained in the cultural identity of the regions where it is celebrated. It has been passed down through generations, and the traditions associated with the festival are an integral part of the local heritage.
Prayers for Well-being: Devotees pray for the well-being of their family members, especially the longevity and health of their children. It is also considered an auspicious time for seeking blessings for prosperity and success.
Spiritual Significance: Chhath Puja is regarded as a spiritually significant occasion. Devotees believe that by observing the rituals with sincerity and devotion, they can attain spiritual purification and connect with divine forces.
Jai Jaiswal
Saturday 18 November 2023
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