Chhath Puja, an ancient Hindu festival dedicated to the Sun God (Surya) and his sister Chhathi Maiya, is celebrated with profound devotion primarily in the Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh, as well as in parts of Nepal. This festival, rooted in Vedic traditions, honors the forces of nature, human resilience, and gratitude for life-sustaining energy. Spanning four days, Chhath Puja is marked by rigorous rituals, including fasting, offering Arghya (prayer) to the sun, and bathing in holy rivers, symbolizing purity and rejuvenation. Celebrating Chhath is not only a spiritual journey but also a testament to the strength and determination of women who undertake this demanding ritual.
The Chhath Puja festivities begin on the first day, known as Nahai Khai, when devotees cleanse themselves and prepare their homes, purifying their surroundings as a prelude to the days of fasting ahead. A simple, vegetarian meal is prepared and consumed, symbolizing purity and humility.
On the second day, Kharna, the devotees observe a strict day-long fast, consuming no water or food. At sunset, a humble meal of kheer (rice pudding) and roti (flatbread) is offered to the deities and later shared with family members, marking the end of the day’s fast. This meal reflects the essence of simplicity, modesty, and the virtues upheld throughout the festival.
The third day, Sandhya Arghya, is considered the most significant. Devotees, often dressed in new, traditional attire, gather at riverbanks to offer prayers to the setting sun. Women carry soop (winnowing baskets) filled with fruits, sugarcane, rice, and thekua (a special offering) to make their offerings. The image of women standing in knee-deep water, holding soop to the setting sun, is an iconic portrayal of devotion that speaks to their strength and grace.
The final day, known as Usha Arghya, begins before dawn. Devotees return to the riverbank to offer prayers to the rising sun, symbolizing the cycle of life and gratitude for new beginnings. The fast is broken after the morning rituals, and devotees share prasad with family and friends, symbolizing the completion of their devotion.
Beyond religious significance, Chhath Puja highlights themes of environmental consciousness and community bonding. Devotees show reverence to natural water bodies, and efforts are made to keep the surroundings clean and free of pollutants. Moreover, Chhath is a family-centered festival, drawing communities together, as families prepare for the event days in advance. Women take a leading role in organizing the rituals, bringing families and friends closer in celebration.
For many, Chhath Puja is a celebration of feminine strength, resilience, and devotion. As women bear the physical and spiritual weight of the fast, they symbolize resilience, purity, and commitment to tradition. Chhath Puja is a reflection of the enduring power of faith, and its celebration resonates as a deeply personal journey for each devotee. It remains a treasured cultural tradition that has transcended time, inspiring countless women to continue the legacy with pride and determination.
-Team WS
