Why Do We Celebrate Chhath Puja? 

In India, Chhath Puja refers to one of the most popular regional festivals in India which is majorly celebrated in the states of Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh. It is celebrated twice a year, in the Chaitra month of Vikram Samvat and Kartik Chhath. The festival lasts for four days. Chaitra’s Shukla Paksha marks the beginning of Chhath Puja whereas Saptami marks the end of it. But have you ever wondered why do we celebrate Chhath Puja? In this blog, we will explore this question as well as other aspects related to the festival. 

Name of the festival	Chhath Puja
2023 dates	17 November 2023 – 20 November 2023
Total days	4

Origins of Chhath Puja

There are different theories regarding the origin of Chhath Puja. Below we have listed the most popular ones: 

• One story suggested that Karna, who was the son of the Sun god in Hindu mythology, performed this ritual. 
• Another story suggests that Draupadi also observed this fast for the well-being of Pandavas and her children.
• It is also believed that when Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya, Sita, his beloved wife, went on a fast and broke it during sunset.

Also Read: Chhath Puja 2023: Time, History, Significance 

Why is Chhath Puja Celebrated? 

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 fulfillment of their desires. Additionally, they also pray for their well-being and prosperity.
• Chhath Puja highlights the deep connection between human beings and nature.

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 practiced 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 overall well-being of their family.

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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. 

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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. 

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