Chhath Puja is a significant Hindu festival celebrated mainly in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Nepal. It honors the Sun God, Surya, and his consort Usha, with the belief that worshiping the Sun will bring health, prosperity, and the well-being of family members.
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Why It Is Celebrated:
Chhath Puja is dedicated to expressing gratitude to the Sun God, who is believed to be the source of life on Earth. It is a way to seek blessings for one’s family and overcome illnesses.
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Rituals of Chhath Puja:
The festival is celebrated over four days, with each day having its own set of rituals:
- Nahay Khay (First Day): Devotees take a ritualistic bath in a river or lake and then prepare a traditional vegetarian meal to mark the beginning of the festival. This meal is shared with family and friends.
- Lohanda and Kharna (Second Day): The second day is marked by fasting from sunrise to sunset. After the fast, devotees prepare prasad like kheer (a sweet rice dish) and roti, which is offered to the Sun God during the evening prayers.
- Sankalpa and Evening Offerings (Third Day): Devotees gather at the riverbank at sunset to offer prayers to the Sun. They stand in the water and make offerings of sugarcane, fruits, and other items in a special basket. This ritual is performed with devotion and reverence.
- Usha Arghya (Fourth Day): The final day of Chhath Puja is devoted to offering prayers to the rising Sun. Devotees perform the Usha Arghya, a ritual where they stand in water to offer their prayers, marking the conclusion of the festival.
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Chhath Puja is a festival that showcases the deep connection between nature, spirituality, and gratitude. It is a celebration that brings communities together in devotion, prayer, and harmony, with a focus on family well-being and the worship of the Sun God for the gift of life.
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