Chhath Puja, one of the most revered festivals celebrated worldwide, is currently in full swing. Devotees across India and even in countries like Australia, the USA, Canada, and the UK are observing this sacred event with unparalleled devotion. This festival honors the Sun, the life-giver, through intense fasting and offerings.
What Is Chhath Puja All About?
Chhath is a unique, four-day festival marked by rituals free of priests and mantras. It emphasizes devotion through simplicity and equality — rich or poor, everyone comes together by rivers and ponds, offering prayers to the setting and rising sun.
This year, millions have commenced the 36-hour fast known as nirjala vrata, a rigorous vow without water, starting from the day of Kharna. As dusk falls, people in cities like Delhi and Mumbai gather at ghats to offer arghya to the sinking sun — a sight that is magical and spiritually uplifting.
How People Celebrate Globally
Indian communities abroad—whether in Fiji, Suriname, Mauritius, or Trinidad and Tobago—hold grand celebrations of Chhath, preserving their cultural heritage far from home. In Delhi alone, about 1300 ghats host Chhath Puja, while Mumbai and Thane witness celebrations at 83 different locations. The atmosphere is alive with songs, prayers, and camaraderie.
The Heartwarming Spirit Behind Chhath
Chhath breaks social barriers. Everyone eats prasad together—seasonal treats like thekua (sweet wheat cookies), bananas, jackfruits, pears, apples, fresh lemons, sweet potatoes, radish, ginger, and turmeric plants. The community spirit is so strong that anyone spontaneously steps up to help—whether it’s sweeping the streets or painting the ghats.
The Mythological Roots
According to the Skanda Purana, King Priyavrata was childless until he prayed to Shashthi Devi, the protector of children. The goddess assured him of progeny if he worshipped her properly, leading to the birth of his son. Since then, the ritual worship to Shashthi and Surya (Sun God) during Chhath symbolizes gratitude and seeking blessings for health and prosperity.
Rituals Over Four Days
Day 1: Nahai-Khai — Devotees cleanse their homes, bathe, and begin with a vegetarian meal.
Day 2: Kharna — After fasting all day, vowers eat a special meal at sunset.
Day 3: Sandhya Arghya — Offerings are prepared; fruits and thekua are placed in bamboo baskets. Devotees gather to give arghya to the setting sun.
Day 4: Usha Arghya — At dawn, prayers continue with offerings to the rising sun, often in the same place as the previous evening.
Chhath’s Cultural Significance and Recognition
Chhath fosters equality — no distinctions of caste, class, or status exist here. It’s about communal harmony, faith, and connection with nature. The Indian government is actively working to get Chhath inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list—highlighting its global cultural value.
Jai chathi maiya...
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