Chhath Puja - Worshipping Sun God
With River Dips to Lip Smacking Thekua!
Gather around, dear readers, as we take a deep dive into one of the most cherished and vibrant festivals celebrated in northern India—Chhath Puja. Now, if you haven’t witnessed the Chhath Puja festival firsthand, imagine a riverside bathed in golden hues, the setting sun casting a warm glow on countless devotees standing waist-deep in water, hands raised in prayer. Yes, this is Chhath Puja—a festival all about worship, hope, and unwavering faith.
So, let’s start about Chhath Puja, a festival steeped in devotion to the Sun God and his sister, Chhathi Maiya. As you join me in this journey, I’ll unravel everything you need to know, from the chhath pooja history to the importance of chhath puja, the incredible preparations, and even some behind-the-scenes tales from chhath puja live experiences.
The Legend and Significance of Chhath Puja
The roots of chhath pooja history are intertwined with mythological tales, faith, and gratitude. Legends say that Chhath Puja dates back to the time of the Mahabharata. Draupadi and the Pandavas worshipped the Sun God for blessings, health, and prosperity, and indeed, their prayers were answered! Many believe Chhath Puja was also observed by the ancient sages who performed rigorous rituals to connect with solar energy. This, dear readers, is why the significance of chhath puja remains undying even today.
But Chhath Puja isn’t only about worshipping the sun—it’s about embracing nature. By fasting, standing in rivers, and staying close to the elements, devotees pay their respects to Mother Earth. The festival captures a harmonious blend of dedication to deities, family ties, and love for the natural world.
The First Day of Chhath Puja: Let the Festivities Begin!
As the sun rises on the first day of Chhath Puja, there’s a buzzing excitement in the air, echoing across rivers and homes alike. This four-day festival is celebrated with heartfelt devotion, connecting people to nature and tradition in one grand celebration. So, what exactly happens on these magical days? Let’s dive into the story, beginning with Nahai Khai, or “Bathe-and-eat”—the first day of Chhath Puja.
Imagine this: the Vratti, or devoted ones, gather at rivers and ponds early in the morning, traditionally favoring the holy River Ganges. Here, they perform a ritual bath to cleanse themselves, symbolizing the purity and intention behind Chhath Puja. After collecting the sacred Ganga water, they carry it home, where it will be used to prepare Prasad, a special offering cooked with meticulous care. The classic Prasad meal consists of pumpkin, bottle gourd, and mung-chana dal, all cooked to perfection without a hint of contamination. The house and yard get a thorough cleaning, too, welcoming Chhathi Maiya, the goddess who blesses this festival.
On this day, Vrattis only have one meal, sharing it with their family after offering it first to the goddess. It’s a simple yet profound moment that binds everyone together, reminding them of the importance of tradition in Chhath Puja festival.
Day Two: Lohanda and Kharna - The Fasting Marathon
Now comes Lohanda and Kharna, celebrated on the Panchami, the fifth day of the Hindu calendar. The day kicks off with Vrattis embarking on a strict fast from sunrise to sunset, going without food or even water. The fasting marathon is embraced with enthusiasm, as family members help gather essentials like sugarcane, bananas, and fruits that will be used for the ceremonies to come.
As dusk approaches, the Vrattis break their fast with Rasiao-kheer, a sweet porridge made with rice, jaggery, and milk, paired with chapattis. They offer this sweet dish, along with fruits like banana, radish, green ginger, betel leaves, and spices like black cardamom and cloves, to Chhathi Maiya. This is followed by a joyful prayer ceremony, and then everyone digs into the Prasad together, savoring each bite as if it were the essence of Chhath Puja itself.
And let’s not forget thekua! This crispy, sweet treat, prepared at midnight, is another must-have that adds to the mouth-watering spread of offerings, which are lovingly prepared for the goddess.
Day Three: Sandhya Arghya - The Glorious Evening Offering
The third day, known as Sandhya Arghya or Sanjhiya Ghat, is when things really start to glow. The Vrattis spend the morning preparing the daura, a bamboo basket filled with offerings like thekua, seasonal fruits, and other delicacies. As evening approaches, the family gathers by the river or a decorated pond, where the atmosphere is filled with folk songs and a shared sense of devotion. With the setting sun in sight, Vrattis wade into the water for Sandhya Arghya, the evening offering.
The scene is magical—an entire community at the water’s edge, offering prayers and songs to the setting sun. This moment captures the very soul of Chhath Puja history, a ritual that has passed down through generations, bringing people together in celebration of nature and divinity.
After this serene moment, there’s one more delightful ritual: Kosi or Koshiya. Families who’ve recently celebrated a marriage or welcomed a new baby create a canopy using five sugarcane sticks, symbolizing the five elements—earth, fire, sky, water, and air. Under this canopy, they place earthen lamps and light them, symbolizing the solar energy that sustains life. This ritual can be performed in the courtyard or on the rooftop, adding to the cozy warmth of the celebration.
Day Four: Usha Arghya - The Morning Glory Offering
Finally, we reach the fourth and final day: Usha Arghya, also called Bhorwa Ghat. As the sky begins to lighten, Vrattis and their families gather once again at the riverbank, waiting eagerly for the sun to rise. They sing traditional songs, expressing their love and devotion for Chhathi Maiya. As soon as the sun’s rays break over the horizon, Vrattis step into the water to offer their Bihaniya Arghya, or morning offering, holding the arghya in bamboo trays, or supali.
This ritual not only marks the conclusion of Chhath Puja but also serves as a heartfelt prayer for prosperity and well-being. After the final arghya, Vrattis share Prasad with friends and family, who exchange blessings and express gratitude for one another.
Returning home, Vrattis break their 36-hour fast with ginger water, followed by a light, carefully prepared meal. Known as Paran or Parna, this meal is a much-anticipated moment, celebrating the end of fasting and a return to everyday life, enriched by the spirit of Chhath Puja.
About Chhath Puja live: From Chhath Puja history to its significance, each day unfolds a different layer of devotion and tradition. The importance of Chhath Puja lies in its deep connection to nature, family, and a heartfelt offering to the Sun God. Through each ritual, we express gratitude and strengthen our bond with the environment, honoring the divine energy that sustains life.
As we conclude, let’s take a moment to wish everyone a Happy Chhath Puja! May these four days bring joy, light, and the blessings of Chhathi Maiya into every home.
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