Chhath Festival and Traditions – Chhath Puja dates back to the early Vedic era when sages would perform the puja using Rigvedic mantras while fasting for days at a time. Chhath Festival and Traditions. It is said that Karna, the son of Lord Surya and the ruler of Anga Desh, or modern-day Bhagalpur in Bihar, also performed Chhath Puja.
The Hindu Vedic festival of Chhath Puja is observed throughout the Indian Subcontinent, particularly in the Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and some sections of Madhya Pradesh, as well as in some parts of Nepal.
Significance
The most significant festival, Chhath Puja, begins only on the sixth day of the Hindu calendar and is dedicated to the worship of the Sun God. Chhath Festival and Traditions. It occurs in Kartik month, which is also a sacred month. The festival is one of the most well-known in India and is observed in Bihar as well as many other places including Uttar Pradesh, Bangalore, Gujarat, etc. It is held to give thanks to God for maintaining life on earth and to see his blessings.
Background
One of the most practiced customs is chhat puja. It has been suggested that the Chhath Puja ritual may have originated during the time of the Vedas, which contain hymens that acclaim Lord Surya. It’s interesting to note that some of these customs are also mentioned in the Epic of the Mahabharata, where Draupadi is mentioned as performing the same ritual. Chhath Festival and Traditions. It has been established that in these scriptures, Draupadi and Arjun obediently carry out the pooja rituals on the advice of the great sage Dhaumya. Chhath Festival and Traditions.
According to popular belief, Draupadi overcame her personal struggles by adhering to this practice, and these traditions were crucial in aiding the Pandavas in their victory over the Kauravas and the restoration of their throne.
Another traditional belief holds that the sages could live for a long time because they performed these rites effectively and drew their vitality directly from the sun. Chhath Festival and Traditions.
Another tale surrounding the Chhath Puja is that when Lord Rama and Sita conquered the evil King Ravana and returned to Ayodhya, they both kept a fast for one another and offered prayers to the Sun God in the month of Kartik during the time of the coronation of a king. Chhath Festival and Traditions. Chhath Puja has since grown to be a significant Hindu event.
Celebration
The first day of this event is called Nahaya Khaye, during which time people bathe and consume foods like rice and lentils. For now, Saatvik cuisine is also preferred.
People fast on this day in observance of Chhat Puja, also called Kharna. After evening prayers, they break their fast.
People frequently worship the setting sun at Saanjh ka Arag. People take a bath in the sacred Ganga water to cleanse themselves in bhor ka arag, also known as usha aragha, which takes place on the fourth day of chhat puja.
Chhat puja is a significant event in Bihar; it is observed nationwide, but mostly in that state and among its Maithili population.
Benefits
The greatest way to detoxify your body is to participate in Chhath Puja since exposure to sunlight and taking baths in the water both stimulate the flow of solar bioelectricity, which enhances human body functionality. Chhath Festival and Traditions. Additionally, it is asserted that Chhath Puja helps to fight harmful microorganisms and gets the body ready for the impending winter.
It’s interesting to learn that Usha, the first light of the day, and Pratyusha are the main deities to whom the Chhath Puja celebration is largely dedicated (the last light of the day). The main reason for doing this is to express gratitude for the abundance of life-giving gifts that nature has bestowed upon Earth, which has made it possible for life to exist there.
Despite the festival Despite the fact that Chhath Puja is primarily performed by women and does not involve idol worship, many men take participate in this Puja. Chhath Festival and Traditions. This demonstrates unequivocally that Chhath Puja has nothing to do with gender.
Tradition and Rituals
The devotees offer prayers for their family’s happiness as well as the success and well-being of their kids while doing the puja. Chhath Puja is a difficult event to celebrate since once someone starts the rituals associated with it, they are obligated to continue doing so every year and to pass those traditions down to their children. Only in the case of a death in the family may the event be missed. But if someone pauses, However, if a person discontinues Chhath Puja without a valid reason, they are forbidden from taking part in the celebrations ever again.
People prepare a wide range of traditional Bihar meals on this day in their homes, including sweets, kheer, thekua, and rice laddu, which they serve as prasad. Typically, this prasad is presented in little bamboo winnows. In addition to being entirely vegetarian, ordinary food is also prepared without the use of salt, onions, or garlic.
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