CHHATH PUJA
WHY?
Chhath is an ancient Hinu festival dedicated to the Hindu Sun God, Surya and ancient Vedic Goddess Usha. The Chhath Puja is performed in order to thank Surya for sustaining life on earth and to request the granting of certain wishes.
WHEN?
Chhath puja is performed on the sixth day of the month of Kartika in the Hindu calendar. This falls typically in the month of October or November in the Gregorian calendar.
WHERE?
It is mainly celebrated in Bihar
HOW?
It is commonly believed that the wishes of the devotees are always granted. Also, the devotees dread the punishment for any misdeed during Chhatt. Therefore, the city remains safe and experiences peace during this time when even criminals prefer to behave.
The Days Of Festivity:
The festival of Chhatt is marked by celebrations and rituals that last 4 days.
Day 1: The devotees bathe in the holy river Ganges to wash away their sins. They also clean their homes thoroughly.
Day 2: The devotees observe a fast for the whole day, which is broken in late evening, after performing the puja (worship ceremony) at home. They offer kheer (rice pudding) and fruit to God and then share it with family and friends.
Day 3: The day is spent preparing the prasad (offerings) at home. In the evening the devotees go to a riverbank or pond where the prasad is offered to the setting sun. The devotees return home for another colorful celebration. Under a canopy of sugar cane sticks, they place clay elephants containing diyas (earthen lamps), and baskets filled with prasad. Agni(fire god)is worshipped.
Day 4: On the final day of the festivities the devotees, family and friends go to the riverbank. Prasad is offered to the rising sun. The devotees break their fast and the prasad is shared with all the people around.
By : Ayush Pandey (Student of St. Mark's Sr. Sec. Public School, Janakpuri) |
