Chhath Puja, Ghats & Prasad: What's The Reason Behind This Mahaparv?

Chhath Puja is believed to have originated in ancient Vedic times, with mentions in texts like the Rig Veda, which include praises of the Sun God. Stories from the epic Mahabharata also link this ritual to the exile of figures like Draupadi and Karna, and according to another legend, Lord Rama and Sita celebrated it after their return to Ayodhya. 

This festival is mainly celebrated in the states of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh; however its has extended across the globe due to migration. Presently, the festival is also recognized in states that have a considerable Purvanchali (eastern Indian) demographic, which includes Jharkhand, Delhi NCR, West Bengal Chhattisgarh, and Maharashtra (notably Mumbai). Global reach: The festival is celebrated with immense enthusiasm by the Indian and Nepalese diaspora in nations such as Mauritius, the United States, and the United Kingdom.

Relationship Between Chhati Maiya and Sun 

Chhati Maiya, also known as Shashthi Devi, serves as a guardian of Children, promoting their health and longevity. Subsequently, she is worshipped alongside the sun god, who represents the origin of all life. It has been said that the relationship between the Sun God (Surya) and Chhati Maiya is considered divided siblings in the content of Chhat Puja. 

This festival is a sentiment for every devotee and follower. It is widely celebrated in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, but in recent years, it has become increasingly popular worldwide. But it is important to know that it is a four-day puja.

First Day – Nahay Khay 

On the first day of Chhath Puja, devotees (those observing the fast) take a holy bath and cook sattvik food featuring bottle  gourd, channa dal lentils, and rice. This meal is prepared without onion and garlic. It marks the beginning of the festival and is the last meal for devotees during Chhath. 

Day 2 - Kharna

On this day, devotees abstain from drinking even a drop of water for the puja. In the evening, they prepare jaggery kheer and eat it with roti. This meal is cooked on the chulah that is made of mud and clay. After cooking the prasad is served on a banana leaf and also in a brass matki. 

Day 3 - Sandhya Arghya 

On this day, the devotees and their families prepare prasad such as thekua in the morning to offer to the Sun God. After the prasad is prepared, the devotees proceed with their families to the Chhath Ghat. At sunset, devotees offer Ganga water and prasad to the Sun God and Chhahti Maiya and pray for the well - being of their families. 

Day 4 - Usha Arghya 

On the final day of Chhath Puja, at dawn, devotees go to the river bank to offer arghya to the rising sun. This arghya offered in the early morning; after this arghya, parents pray to Chhathi Maiya for the safety of their children and for the well-being of their families. Devotees participate in the ritual of Parana and break their fast by consuming some prasad and water. 

Interesting Facts about Chhath Puja 

Chhath devotees, who do fast, wear orange, Red, and Pink sindoor to seek blessings for their husband's long life and represent their devotion to the Sun God. Orange sindoor is associated with blessings and sought from Chhati Maiya (the Sun Goddess). 

36 Hours Fast 

Do you know, that Chhath devotees engage in a 36-hour nirjala vrat (a fast without water), which generally commences following the Kharna meal on the festival's second day and ends after offering to the rising sun.

Why thekua is important for chhath puja?

Chhath Puja is one of the oldest pujas that is done with purity and full rituals. However, thekua is the most significant is the most significant offering prasad with this puja. Do you know why?  Basically. Thekua is a revered prasad offering to the Sun God, representing gratitude and devotion. It embodies  the spirit of community, as its preparation is collective endeavor, providing sustenance for devotees while they observe their fasts. The preparation of Thekua are also associated with themes of purity and the seasonal harvest. 

Why dour is used in Chhath Puja? 

It has been said that the "soup" is very precious for the Chhath Puja because it denotes the traditional bamboo winnowing basket, referred to as a soop, which is utilized to contain offerings for the Sun God. This choice is made because bamboo is regarded as pure and sacred, representing nature, and its swift is associated with hopes for a child's prosperous, healthy development, and the realization of wishes. 

Why do Chhath devotees offers prayers on water bodies?

 

It is important for Chhath devotees to go to ghats to perform rituals, whether it's river, ponds, or Ganga ghat. The water is significance for purity though devotees take a dip and also dip soop in the water.

Colors That Devotees Wear On Chhath Puja

Every color is beautiful for festivals to wear, however, for Chhath Puja, certain colors hold special significance for devotees, and these are: 

Yellow: During Chhath, a prominent color is yellow, which  represents the sun's radiance, warmth, and life-giving energy. It symbolizes purity, positivity, spiritual awakening, and hope. Many devotees wear yellow on the first day, Nahaay Khaay, to symbolize purity and devotion.

Orange (Or Saffron): This color represents glow of the both sunrise and sunset and is is especially important for the Morning Arghya (Usha Arghya) on the final day. It symbolizes spiritual energy, devotion, vitality, and sacrifice. 

Red: This color is a symbol of prosperity, strength, and marital bliss, red is frequently worn by married women, particularly for the Evening Arghya (Sandhya Arghya). It is also consider as a sign of good luck. 

After reading this article you will also understand why Chhath Puja is an emotion, not a festival.