Introduction
Chhath is a significant Hindu festival celebrated primarily in the Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and the Terai region of Nepal. It is dedicated to the worship of the sun god, Surya, and Chhathi Maiya, believed to be the consort of Surya. This festival is observed with great devotion and enthusiasm by millions of people, especially those hailing from the Mithila region of India and the Madhesi community in Nepal.
Chhath typically falls in October or November, six days after Diwali, on the sixth day of the Hindu lunar calendar month of Kartik. The festival spans over four days, during which devotees perform various rituals and offer prayers to the sun god for well-being, prosperity, and the purification of the body and soul.
Chhath is not only a religious festival but also a cultural celebration that showcases traditional songs, dance, and rituals. The festival promotes unity, purity, and reverence for nature, as it involves prayers to the sun, a vital source of life and energy.
Chhath is a deeply spiritual and communal celebration, reflecting the devotion and resilience of the people who observe it. It has gained recognition beyond its traditional heartland and is celebrated by the Indian diaspora worldwide. The festival continues to be an important part of the cultural and religious fabric of the regions where it is observed, strengthening the bonds of family and community.
Description
Chhath is a vibrant and spiritually significant Hindu festival that celebrates the sun god, Surya, and is primarily observed in the Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and the Terai region of Nepal. The festival, which spans four days, is marked by a series of rituals, prayers, and offerings to the sun, expressing gratitude and seeking blessings for well-being and prosperity. Here is a detailed description of Chhath:
- Nahay Khay (Day 1):
- On the first day, devotees take a ritualistic bath in a sacred river, pond, or water body. The Ganges River holds particular significance for this bath.
- After the bath, they return home and prepare a special meal. This meal often includes rice, dal (lentils), and vegetables.
- Devotees break their fast after the bath and the meal.
- Lohanda and Kharna (Day 2):
- On the second day, devotees observe a strict fast, abstaining from food and water throughout the day.
- In the evening, they prepare a meal called Kharna, which includes kheer (rice pudding) and fruits.
- Before consuming the Kharna meal, they offer it to the setting sun, seeking blessings.
- Sandhya Arghya (Day 3):
- The third day, often referred to as Chhath Puja, is the most significant day of the festival.
- Devotees maintain a day-long fast, and in the evening, they gather at the banks of a river or pond.
- Standing in waist-deep water, they make elaborate offerings to the setting sun. These offerings typically consist of sugarcane stalks, fruits, and traditional items.
- Prayers and songs dedicated to Surya and Chhathi Maiya are chanted during this ritual.
- Usha Arghya (Day 4):
- The fourth and final day is known as Usha Arghya or Paran.
- Devotees return to the riverbank before sunrise, this time to make offerings to the rising sun.
- Similar to the Sandhya Arghya, they offer prayers, fruits, and other offerings as they welcome the morning sun.
Throughout the Chhath festival, devotees maintain strict purity and cleanliness. They often wear traditional attire, with women adorning sarees and men wearing dhotis. The festival is also an occasion for cultural celebrations, with traditional songs, dances, and rituals being an integral part of the festivities.
Chhath holds deep cultural and social significance, emphasizing the importance of family and community bonds. It is a time for communal harmony and unity as people come together to celebrate and perform the rituals. Chhath has transcended its regional boundaries and is celebrated with enthusiasm by people of Indian origin around the world, further reinforcing its cultural and spiritual significance.
The festival of Chhath reflects the reverence for nature and the sun, which is considered the source of life and energy. It showcases the devotion and resilience of the people who observe it, making it one of the most revered and cherished festivals in the regions where it is celebrated.
Story of the Festival
The story of the Chhath Festival is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology and folklore. While there are several legends associated with Chhath, one of the most prominent stories revolves around the historical and cultural significance of the festival. Here is a story that explains the origins of Chhath:
The Legend of King Priyavrat and Queen Malini:
Long ago, in the kingdom of Hastinapur, there was a wise and just king named Priyavrat. He was renowned for his benevolence and devotion to the gods, particularly Lord Surya, the sun god. King Priyavrat and his wife, Queen Malini, were devout followers of Lord Surya and had an earnest desire for a child.
Their unwavering devotion and penance pleased Lord Surya, who blessed them with a son named Shyamak. Shyamak grew up to be a handsome and virtuous young man. However, as he approached adulthood, he fell gravely ill and was struck by a severe disease. The royal physicians were unable to cure him, and his condition deteriorated rapidly.
Desperate to save her son, Queen Malini prayed fervently to Lord Surya. In a vision, Lord Surya appeared to her and revealed the cure for Shyamak’s illness. He instructed Queen Malini to observe a strict fast and perform rituals dedicated to him, starting from the third day of the lunar fortnight in the month of Kartik (known as Chhath) and continuing for four days.
Queen Malini followed the instructions diligently. On the third day, she and her son Shyamak, along with the royal court and the citizens of Hastinapur, went to the riverbank. There, they performed the Chhath rituals, including taking a holy dip in the river and making offerings to the setting sun.
Miraculously, as the last day of Chhath approached, Shyamak’s health began to improve. On the fourth day, as they made offerings to the rising sun, Shyamak was completely cured of his illness. This divine intervention was seen as a blessing of Lord Surya, and the people of Hastinapur celebrated Chhath with great joy and devotion.
Word of this miracle soon spread, and Chhath became an important and widely celebrated festival, especially in the regions of Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Nepal. It came to symbolize purity, devotion, and the power of faith. People began to observe Chhath every year, emulating Queen Malini’s devotion to Lord Surya, and seeking blessings for the well-being and prosperity of their families.
Over time, Chhath evolved into the grand and culturally rich festival that it is today, continuing to honor Lord Surya and emphasizing the importance of purity, unity, and reverence for nature. The festival’s origins in the story of King Priyavrat and Queen Malini highlight the belief that sincere devotion and rituals dedicated to the sun god can bring blessings and miracles into one’s life.
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Further Readings
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chhath
- https://www.fnp.com/article/chhath-puja
- https://www.drishtiias.com/blog/chhat-the-purvanchali-maha-parv
- https://www.bharatvarshayatra.com/chhath-puja-a-festival-of-gratitude-faith-and-renewal
- https://tourism.bihar.gov.in/en/experiences/festivals-and-fairs/festivals/chhath-puja
- http://www.sahapedia.org/chhath-puja-origin-of-the-festival-and-the-story-of-devasena
- https://www.easemytrip.com/blog/chhath-puja-information
- https://nepalgatewaytrekking.com/blog/nepal-chhath-festival
- https://www.thedailyjagran.com/did-you-know/did-you-know-the-origin-of-chhath-puja-mythological-history-connects-to-the-pandavas-and-lord-rama-10276052
- https://www.brahmakumaris.com/blog/chhath-a-festival-dedicated-to-the-sun-of-knowledge/
- https://www.traveloka.com/en-sg/explore/activities/chhath-puja-date-festival-acc/1002010
- https://www.vedantu.com/blog/chhath-puja