Chhath Puja: A Comprehensive Guide

Chhath Puja is a major Hindu festival celebrated in the northern states of India, including Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand. The festival is dedicated to the Sun God, Surya, and his wife, Usha. Chhath Puja is celebrated over a period of four days, and it is considered to be one of the most important festivals in the Hindu calendar.

History of Chhath Puja

The origins of Chhath Puja are unclear, but it is believed to have been celebrated for centuries. The festival is mentioned in the ancient Hindu texts, the Vedas and the Puranas. In the Mahabharata, the epic poem, Draupadi is said to have performed Chhath Puja to please Surya and ask for his help in regaining her husband’s kingdom.

Significance of Chhath Puja

Chhath Puja is celebrated to express gratitude to the Sun God for sustaining life on Earth. The festival is also believed to bring good luck and prosperity. Chhath Puja is a time for family and friends to come together and celebrate. It is also a time for reflection and spiritual purification.

Rituals of Chhath Puja

The rituals of Chhath Puja are elaborate and involve fasting, bathing, and prayer. On the first day of the festival, devotees take a ritual bath in the Ganges River or another holy river. They then fast for 36 hours, during which time they eat only fruits and vegetables. On the second day, devotees offer prayers to the Sun God and his wife. They also make offerings of food and drink to the Sun God.

On the third day, devotees take a ritual bath in the Ganges River again. They then offer prayers to the Sun God and his wife. They also make offerings of food and drink to the Sun God. On the fourth day, devotees break their fast and eat a meal of rice, lentils, and vegetables. They also offer prayers to the Sun God and his wife.

Chhath Puja Celebrations

Chhath Puja is celebrated with great enthusiasm in the northern states of India. In Bihar, the festival is known as Chhath. In Uttar Pradesh, the festival is known as Chhath Puja. In Jharkhand, the festival is known as Chhath Parv.

Chhath Puja is a public holiday in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand. On the day of the festival, devotees gather at the banks of rivers or lakes to offer prayers to the Sun God. They also make offerings of food and drink to the Sun God. The festival is a time for family and friends to come together and celebrate.

Conclusion

Chhath Puja is a major Hindu festival that is celebrated with great enthusiasm in the northern states of India. The festival is dedicated to the Sun God, Surya, and his wife, Usha. Chhath Puja is a time for family and friends to come together and celebrate. It is also a time for reflection and spiritual purification.