As the setting sun is worshipped, millions of people gather at the banks of the Ganga Ghat for the annual celebration of Chhath Puja. While it is traditionally celebrated in the Kartik month, some regions in India also observe the festival during Chaitra. Chhath Puja involves strict rituals and fasting for four days to express gratitude to Lord Surya for sustaining life on Earth. The festival is predominantly celebrated in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Nepal, as well as by diaspora communities from these regions.
Chhath Puja: An Ancient Hindu Festival Celebrating the Sun
Chhath Puja is an ancient Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of Lord Surya, the Sun God. Celebrated primarily in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Nepal, the festival honors the life-sustaining power of the sun and expresses gratitude for its blessings.
Origins and Significance
The origins of Chhath Puja can be traced back to the Vedic period. The Rig Veda, the oldest Hindu scripture, contains hymns dedicated to Surya. In ancient times, the festival was primarily observed by farmers and agricultural communities who relied heavily on the sun for their livelihood.
Chhath Puja is believed to have been first mentioned in the Skanda Purana, a Hindu mythological text. According to legend, Lord Rama performed this ritual after defeating the demon king Ravana. The festival is also associated with the story of Karna, a warrior from the epic Mahabharata, who was believed to be born from the Sun God.
Rituals and Celebrations
Chhath Puja involves a series of strict rituals and fasting for four days. The rituals begin with a ritual bath in the Ganga River. Devotees then offer prayers and make offerings of prasad (food offerings) to the rising and setting sun.
The most important ritual of Chhath Puja is the arghya, an offering made to the sun at both sunrise and sunset. The arghya consists of water, milk, honey, and other sacred substances. Devotees stand waist-deep in the river or on river banks and offer the arghya to the rising or setting sun.
Top 5 FAQs on Chhath Puja
1. When is Chhath Puja celebrated? Chhath Puja is typically celebrated in the Kartik month of the Hindu calendar, which usually falls in October or November. In some regions, it is also observed during the Chaitra month (March or April).
2. Who celebrates Chhath Puja? Chhath Puja is predominantly celebrated in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Nepal, as well as by diaspora communities from these regions.
3. What are the main rituals of Chhath Puja? The main rituals of Chhath Puja include ritual bathing, fasting, and offering arghya (water offerings) to the rising and setting sun.
4. What is the significance of the arghya offering? The arghya offering symbolizes gratitude to the Sun God for sustaining life on Earth and for providing warmth and nourishment.
5. What is the importance of fasting during Chhath Puja? Fasting during Chhath Puja is considered a purifying practice that helps prepare devotees for the festival rituals and allows them to focus their minds on devotion.
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