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The question of why do we celebrate Chhath Puja is common among young children. This is because Chhath, a four-day celebration, holds great cultural significance for the people of India. It is celebrated in many states with great enthusiasm to seek blessings from sun God. In 2024, the auspicious occasion of Chhath Puja will be observed from 5 November to 8 November. As the festival is around the corner, it is an excellent time for students to learn facts about Indian culture and strengthen their bond with the country’s culture and history.
| Name of the festival | Chhath Puja |
| Date | 5 November 2024 – 8 November 2024 |
Table of Contents
Why Chhath Puja is Celebrated in Bihar
Chhath Puja is celebrated for a wide range of reasons which are essential to the Hindu Community. Here are a few of them to give you an idea of the same:
By undergoing a nirjala fast for three days and bathing in the holy water of Yamuna, devotees across India seek divine blessings from the Sun god.
- It is a great way to acknowledge the sun as a source of light and warmth which is essential for the cycle of life.
- Devotees offer bhog and prayers to the Sun god and Chhathi Maiya for the fulfilment of their desires. Additionally, they also pray for their well-being and prosperity.
- Chhath Puja highlights the deep connection between human beings and nature.
History and Story of Chhath Puja
The exact origins of Chhath Puja are a mystery to everyone. Despite the festival’s popularity, no one knows how it all started. Accordingly, there are different beliefs behind the story of Chhath Puja such as:
Chhath Puja and Ramayana
It is believed that Chhath Puja originated from the tale of Ramayana. When Lord Rama and goddess Sita returned from 14 years of exile, they observed a fast in honour of the Sun god. They opened their fast only with the setting sun which eventually became an important ritual of Chhath Puja.
Chhath Puja and Mahabharata
Another reason for why do we celebrate Chhath Puja comes from the Hindu epic Mahabharata. It is said that in Mahabharata, Karna was the the son of the Sun god. He used to offer prayers to the god while standing in the water, leading to the origination of this festival.
Apart from this, some people believe that Draupadi also observed a fast for the well-being of her children and 5 husbands.
Also Read: Chhath Puja: Time, History, Significance
Significance of the Festival
Chhath Puja in India holds immense significance for the Hindu community. Although this Hindu Vedic festival is predominantly observed in the eastern states of Bihar, it is also observed in some parts of Nepal. Here are some key reasons that tell about the significance of the festival in the Indian subcontinent:
- Gratitude: The first and foremost thing that comes to the mind whenever we talk about Chhath Puja is expressing gratitude to the Sun God. During this festival, devotees observe a three-day fast by abstaining from food and water and bath in the holy water of the Yamuna river.
- Connection with nature: Another essential significance of the festival is that it makes humans deeply connected with nature. The commonly practised rituals involved in Chhath Puja involve offering prayers to the rising and setting sun which reflects its essential role in our well-being.
- Strengthening community bonds: Chhath Puja brings together families and the entire community which subsequently fosters a sense of unity and togetherness.
- Seeking blessings: Apart from expressing gratitude, devotees also seek blessings from the Sun god of the Hindu community. They wish for prosperity, good health, success, and the overall well-being of their family.
Also Read: Essay on Chhath Puja: 100, 200, 500 Words
Rituals of Chhath Puja
As mentioned earlier, Chhath Puja is a four-day festival celebration. Here is an overview of the common rituals involved:
Nahay Khay
- The first day of Chhath Puja is called Nahay Khay.
- On this day, devotees take a holy bath to purify and clean themselves.
- Next, a pure satvik meal is prepared to serve alongside rice as an offering to the almighty.
- The food is then consumed by everyone else and the Chhath Puja fast begins.
Rasiaav-Roti or Lohanda
- The second day of Chhath Puja is called Rasiaav-Roti or Lohanda.
- The devotees continue their dry fasting. However, they are allowed to have specific food in the evening.
Sanjh Ka Aragh
- The third day is known as Sanjhka Aragh.
- On the day, the bhog or prasad is prepared in the morning and offered to the deity in the evening.
- This bhog consists of popular items like thekua, khajuria, tikri, fruits, etc.
- Later on, the arghya is offered at a riverbank or pond.
Bhorka
- The fourth day is called Bhorka.
- On this day, the arghya is offered to the rising sun after which devotees can break their fast.
Interesting Reads
FAQs
According to popular Vedic astrology, Chhath Maiya or Chhathi Mata protects children from diseases and blesses them with good health and long lives. Popular belief states that Chhath Puja was prevalent even during the Vedic period when sages would fast for days and perform rigorous rituals.
People in India celebrate Chhath Puja to pay their respects and thank the Sun deity for providing warmth and light to sustain life on Earth. It is among the most prominent festivals in India where people fast for the good health of their children and pray to the Sun deity.
In India, the festival of Chhath Puja is dedicated to the Sun god Surya and Shashthi Devi who is also popularly known as Chhathi Maiya. Interestingly, this festival is deeply rooted in the culture and traditions of the Indian states of Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, etc. It is a symbol of community bonding, harmony, connection to mother nature, and a way to express gratitude.
The auspicious occasion of Chhath Puja is celebrated in the month of Kartika, which is usually in October or November.
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