Explain Chhath Puja in 500 words
Chhath Puja is a significant Hindu festival celebrated primarily in the Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh, as well as in various parts of Nepal. It is dedicated to the worship of the Sun God, Surya, and his wife Usha, the Goddess of Dawn. The festival is observed for four days, usually in the month of October or November, six days after Diwali.
The word "Chhath" means six in Hindi, and it refers to the sixth day of the lunar fortnight of the Hindu month Kartik. The festival is known as Chhath because it falls on the sixth day after Diwali. It is believed to be one of the oldest and most eco-friendly festivals in the world, as it involves offering prayers to the Sun God and seeking his blessings for the well-being, prosperity, and longevity of family members.
Chhath Puja holds immense cultural and religious significance. It is believed that the ritual of Chhath Puja dates back to the ancient Vedic period, when it was performed by sages and saints to gain energy from the Sun. It is also mentioned in the Rigveda, one of the oldest Hindu scriptures. The festival is celebrated to thank the Sun God for sustaining life on Earth and to seek his blessings for a healthy and prosperous future.
The preparations for Chhath Puja start weeks in advance. Devotees clean their houses and surroundings, and women start fasting from the day after Diwali. They observe a strict fast, known as "Nahay Khay," which involves taking a bath in the holy river or a water body and eating only one meal a day. The fast continues for four days, during which devotees abstain from consuming water and food.
On the first day of Chhath Puja, known as "Nahay Khay," devotees take a holy bath in the river and offer prayers to the Sun God. They prepare a special meal called "kaddu-bhat" (pumpkin rice) and break their fast by eating it. The second day, known as "Kharna," is observed with more rigorous fasting. Devotees prepare a sweet dish called "kheer" (rice pudding) and offer it to the Sun God. They break their fast by consuming this prasad (holy offering).
The third day is the main day of Chhath Puja, known as "Sandhya Arghya." Devotees gather near a water body, usually a river or a pond, before sunrise. They offer prayers to the rising Sun, standing in the water, and make offerings of fruits, sugarcane, and other traditional items. They also perform various rituals, such as taking dips in the water and singing devotional songs dedicated to the Sun God. The evening is celebrated with grandeur, as devotees light diyas (oil lamps) and offer prayers to the setting Sun.
The fourth and final day of Chhath Puja is called "Usha Arghya." Devotees again gather near a water body before sunrise to offer prayers to the rising Sun. They conclude the puja by breaking their fast and distributing prasad among family members and friends.
Chhath Puja is not just a religious festival; it is a celebration of nature, faith, and gratitude. It brings people together, strengthens family bonds, and instills a sense of discipline and devotion. The festival also promotes environmental awareness, as it involves the use of natural resources and emphasizes the importance of preserving the environment.
In recent years, Chhath Puja has gained popularity beyond its traditional regions and has become a symbol of cultural unity and diversity in India. The festival attracts millions of devotees and tourists from all over the country and even abroad. It showcases the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the region and serves as a reminder of the deep-rooted connection between humans and nature.