Convrsation mother and son about Diwali
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Chhath Puja, like every year, will be celebrated on a grand level! Preparations have already begun as it is a big festival in North India, probably one of the most awaited and revered. This auspicious four-day Hindu festival is kind of unique to Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh and observed on the sixth day of Diwali. During the Chhath Puja, devotees pray to the Sun God and thank Him for granting their wishes, protecting and bestowing them with happy and healthy life.
Rituals that follow
Chhath Puja celebration in BiharPhoto by: Biswarup Ganguly, Creative Commons Attribution Licence
Observing Chhath requires a different level of determination altogether as the rituals involved are quite rigorous, and hence it’s not everyone’s cup of tea! There is absolutely no chance of mistake. A lot of rituals take place during the course of four days. It includes fasting (no food and no water), holy bathing, standing in water for a long time and giving arghya (offering water to setting and rising sun). Devotees observing fast only eat once in the day.
Importance of Chhath Prasad
Chhath Puja celebration in BiharPhoto by: Biswarup Ganguly, Creative Commons Attribution Licence
The Chhath prasad is considered extremely pious and is prepared under immense supervision. It consists of sweet dishes such as kheer (mandatory), thekua (made using flour, milk and ghee). Sweet lime, sugarcane and banana are must. Even the food prepared for the fasting devotees is cooked without salt and onion.
History and religious significance
Chhath Puja celebration in BiharPhoto by: Abhishek jsr2, Creative Commons Attribution Licence
As per Hindu religious books, Chhath was observed by the Pandava brother and their common wife Draupadi during the time of exile in Mahabharata. It is believed that Draupadi was quite worried and unhappy for some grave reason. Therefore, to absolve her of the sufferings, sage Dhaumya advised her to pray to Sun God and observe Chhath Puja. Draupadi did as advised and soon her wishes were granted and problems were solved. The five brothers also got their lost kingdom back. There’s another story involving Lord Rama and goddess Sita. It is said Sita prayed to the Sun God and observed a fast after returning home from 14 years of exile. From that day, devotees started observing Chhath Puja and it became an important Hindu festival.
Best places to witness Chhath festival in Bihar
Chhath Puja celebration in BiharPhoto by: Biswarup Ganguly, Creative Commons Attribution Licence
Patna: The state capital of Bihar, Patna situated on the banks of the holy river Ganga, hosts the Chhath festival on a grand level. The city is visited by millions of devotees and all the Ganga ghats turn into prayer ground.
Hajipur: Barely 20 km from the capital city Patna, Hajipur looks gorgeous on the day of Chhath Puja with all the lights and religious festival songs playing in the background. The Kaunhara Ghat, situated on the banks of the confluence of Ganga-Gandak, is decorated with colourful lights during the Chhath Puja.
Buxar: A district in Bihar, Buxar is historically known for the ‘Battle of Buxar’ and Chhath Puja. Located on the banks of Ganges, just 130 km from Patna, the city of Buxar witnesses a huge number of devotees praying to the Sun God for four days. It is one of the most celebrated days in the city.
Aurangabad: A city in Bihar, Aurangabad is renowned for its Sun Temple and during Chhath Puja, this temple becomes one of the favourite spots of devotees at large. Hundreds of people visit the city from far and near to be a part of the auspicious festivities.
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