Chhath Puja 2024 – Bihar most precious Festival : आज डूबते सूर्य को दिया जाएगा अर्घ्य, क्या है छठ पूजा का महत्व ?
Celebrating Chhath Puja in Bihar: A Tradition of Devotion and Reverence
Chhath Puja is one of the most significant and revered festivals in Bihar, India, deeply rooted in the state’s culture, tradition, and spirituality. Celebrated with great devotion, this ancient festival honors the Sun God, Lord Surya, and his wife, Usha, to thank them for their blessings and to seek their continued grace. It is a celebration that transcends religion, bringing people together in prayer and devotion. While it is primarily observed in Bihar, the festival has spread to other parts of India and the Indian diaspora worldwide, symbolizing unity, devotion, and environmental consciousness.
Time to Offer Water to the God Sun –
On the third day of Chhath Puja i.e. this evening, the setting sun will be given half. According to the Hindu
calendar, on November 7, sunrise will be at 6:42 am while sunset will be at 07:48 pm.
On this day, in the river or pond .
The Essence of Chhath Puja
Chhath Puja is observed over four days, with each day having its own rituals and significance. The festival takes place in the month of Kartika (usually October or November), culminating on the sixth day after Diwali, marking the arrival of winter and the harvest season.
The primary rituals of Chhath Puja are centered around offering prayers to the Sun God, who is believed to be the source of life, energy, and health. It is also a time for families to come together, strengthening the bonds of tradition, faith, and community.
Day-by-Day Rituals of Chhath Puja
- Nahay Khay (Day 1): The first day of Chhath Puja is all about purification. Devotees begin by taking a ritual bath in a river or pond, cleansing themselves both physically and spiritually. After the bath, they prepare special offerings, such as thekua (a traditional sweet made from wheat flour, jaggery, and ghee), fruits, and other items, which will be offered to the Sun God. The day concludes with a simple meal of pure vegetarian food.
- Kharna (Day 2): On the second day, devotees observe a day-long fast, and in the evening, after performing a set of rituals, they break their fast with a prasad made of kheer (sweet rice pudding) and puris. The Kharna is a significant part of Chhath Puja, as it is believed that the Sun God will bless devotees with good health, prosperity, and happiness if they fast sincerely on this day.
- Chhath (Day 3): This is the main day of the festival. Devotees make their way to a riverbank or any water body before dawn. Women, especially, fast without water and stand knee-deep in the river or pond to offer prayers to the rising Sun. They offer the traditional prasad – fruits, thekua, and sugarcane – in large, beautifully decorated baskets (called “soop” or “patla”). This act is believed to purify the soul and seek blessings for the well-being of their families.
- Ushka Arghya (Day 4): The fourth day marks the final ritual of Chhath Puja, where devotees again gather at the riverbank at sunset to offer their last prayers. This is a symbolic offering to the Sun God, thanking him for his blessings. Women stand in the water, facing the setting sun, holding offerings in their hands. Once the prayers are completed, the fast is broken, and the families come together to celebrate the conclusion of the festival.
Significance of Chhath Puja
Chhath Puja is unique because it is a festival dedicated entirely to the Sun God, a deity that is often overshadowed by other gods in the Hindu pantheon. The Sun God, or Surya, is worshipped not only for his role in sustaining life on Earth but also for his ability to purify the body, mind, and spirit.
Beyond its religious significance, Chhath Puja is deeply connected to nature and the environment. The festival emphasizes water conservation and cleanliness, as devotees often take part in rituals at riverbanks, ponds, or other water bodies. The significance of the environment and the belief that the Sun and Earth are interdependent makes the festival not just a religious event but also a celebration of the Earth’s resources.
In recent years, Chhath Puja has become a platform for promoting environmental awareness, with many devotees and community organizations working together to clean riverbanks and protect water bodies. This eco-conscious aspect of the festival is an essential part of its modern-day appeal.
Cultural and Social Impact
Chhath Puja is more than just a religious event—it is a cultural phenomenon that strengthens social bonds and brings communities together. During the festival, families and friends reunite, often traveling long distances to be together. The communal aspects of Chhath are also significant, as people of all walks of life participate in the rituals, regardless of their caste, creed, or economic status.
In Bihar, it is not uncommon to see large crowds gathered at riverbanks or ghats, where people help each other with rituals, share food, and celebrate together. The festival fosters a sense of unity and togetherness, transcending societal divisions and creating an atmosphere of communal harmony.
Chhath Puja in Modern Times
Over the years, Chhath Puja has evolved with the changing times. While the core rituals have remained unchanged, modernity has introduced new elements to the festival. For example, in urban areas, devotees may perform rituals on makeshift platforms, and some may even organize grand celebrations in parks or open spaces due to limited access to rivers or ponds. The rise of social media has also played a role in spreading the beauty and significance of Chhath Puja, with photos, videos, and messages shared across platforms, making it a global celebration.
In recent times, Chhath Puja has also gained popularity among non-Bihari communities, especially in cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and even abroad, where Bihari migrants and their descendants have preserved their traditions. The festival is celebrated with the same fervor and devotion, albeit with a few adjustments to local customs.
Conclusion
Chhath Puja in Bihar is not just a festival—it is a deep spiritual practice that connects people to the divine, the environment, and each other. It is a time to give thanks for the Sun’s life-giving energy, to pray for the well-being of loved ones, and to renew one’s commitment to family and community. The festival, with its unique blend of devotion, rituals, and environmental consciousness, continues to inspire millions of people across the globe, making it one of the most powerful and enduring traditions of India.
Whether celebrated on the banks of the Ganges in Bihar or in the streets of a distant city, Chhath Puja is a testament to the enduring power of faith, community, and nature—a celebration of life in its most holistic sense.
