Chhath Puja is celebrated by Indians with great dedication and passion. Prayers are offered to lord Surya Sun to show gratitude for blessing the Earth with its generosity and further fulfillment of certain wishes.
The sixth form of Devi Parwati, also known as Chhathi Maiya and Surya’s sister, is the goddess of the festival.
History
The rituals of Puja connect us back to the ancient era when the ruler of Delhi (Indraprastha) performed the rituals of Chhath Puja according to the teachings of the noble sage named Dhaumya. According to popular beliefs, worshipping lord Surya has enormous spiritual as well as health benefits. This is one of the most popular Hindu festivals observed especially in Indian states such as Uttarakhand, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh.
Mentions of Chhath Puja in Religious Texts
The Sanskrit epic poem described in the Mahabharata says that Draupadi observed the same customs as Chhath. In the poem, ‘Draupadi and Pandavas, the excessive admiration of lord Surya (Sun) didn’t just help Draupadi in finding a way out of her troubles but also helped Pandavas in attaining their lost Kingdom.
Legends believe that Chhath Puja was also performed by the son of lord Surya and the king of Anga Desha (Bhagalpur, Bihar), Karna. Hence, the people of Bihar consider this festival ‘Mahaparva’.
The rituals are mentioned in the ancient Vedas and the Rigveda reveals the series of hymns flattering the lord Surya (Sun). These descriptions are enough to depict the significance of Chhath Puja in Hindu culture.
Rituals
Chhath Puja is celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm in Indian states like Bihar, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhesh in Nepal. This ancient festival is associated with lord Surya (Sun) and Goddess Chhathi Maiya. This festival is also known as Chhath Parv, Chhetri, Dala Chhath, or Dala Puja in various Hindu cultures.
This festival consists of four important rituals, taking bath in the holy water, Nirjal Vrat (completely abstaining from consuming food and water), offering prayers to the mighty lord Surya (Sun) and distributing sweets. Some devotees are so passionate about this day that they perform a prostration march as they move toward the river banks.
Date of Chhath Puja
As per the Hindu calendar, Vikram Samvat, Chhath falls on the sixth day of Kartika month. Therefore, Chhath Puja will be observed on October 30, 2022.
Significance of Chhath Puja
Environmentalists believe that Chhath Puja is a highly eco-friendly festival in India. Offerings and sweets are prepared in the form of religious Prasad on this day. Although the customary rituals are performed religiously in the states like Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and Bihar, and Madhesh (Nepal), we can also witness the rituals being performed by the migrants from those areas. All the Northern regions and the major North Indian urban centers such as Delhi are seen carrying a similar vibe on this special occasion.
The Sun god is worshipped on this auspicious day as it is the basis of all the living creatures on this planet. Chhathi Maiya will continue to protect the children from all kinds of diseases and problems and also bless them with long and prosperous lives.
Best places to visit at the time of Chhath Puja
If you want to experience the actual essence of the grand Chhath Puja, then here is a list of a few colorful places in the state of Bihar, India you need to visit at least once in a lifetime during the time of Chhath Puja. These cities are heaven for all the Chhath Puja celebrations.
Gaya
Gaya is not just widely known for its historic connection with Buddhism, but it is also known for its massive celebration of Chhath Puja. Gaya is the third largest city in Bihar and is visited by thousands of Buddhist followers every year because it is located by the banks of the Phalgu River. Popular ghats such as Kendui Ghat, Sidhiya Ghat, Pita Maheswar Ghat, and Dev Ghat in Gaya are decorated especially for the occasion of Chhath. Please visit Gaya with your whole family to celebrate the grand festival.
Patna
Being the capital of Bihar, Patna presents an eye-catching view at the time of Chhath Puja. The massive Chhath Puja festivities make you realize how deeply rooted the traditions and culture are in this place. The holy Ganges in Patna serves as a major place for carrying out the rituals associated with this auspicious day. There are several ghats that are decked up with bright and colorful lights to celebrate this Mahaparva. It is such a jaw-dropping sight of thousands of devotees visiting the ghats at the same time to perform the rituals of Chhath Puja.
Bhagalpur
The historical importance of this city makes the celebration of Chhath Puja a lot more promising and interesting. Bhagalpur is situated by the banks of the Ganges river and it serves the purpose of Chhath Puja. The devotees from all over India visit Bhagalpur to experience thousands of devotees gathering near the Ganges river and praying for lord Surya (Sun). The enthusiasm of these people to perform the rituals of Chhath Puja depicts the kind of diversity the Indian community possesses. You need to visit this beautiful place to explore the true spirit of Chhath Puja. Believe me, it is truly a heartwarming experience!
Chapra
Chapra is widely known for its celebration of Chhath Puja. The city is situated along the junction of the Ghaghara and Ganga rivers and it is truly the best decision to visit Chapra at this time of the year. Chhath Puja is celebrated with huge pomp and show and every year people visit this city just to witness the Chhath Puja tradition. If you are thinking about experiencing the true spirit of Chhath Puja, then you definitely need to visit this place in the month of October. This is one of the best places to visit at the time of Chhath Puja.
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