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Significance of Chhath Puja: Chhath Puja is a major festival celebrated in the eastern states of India, especially Bihar, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh, dedicated to the worship of Sun God and his sister Chhathi Maiyya. The purpose of Chhath Puja is to worship the Sun God and seek his blessings and wish for happiness, prosperity and health in life. Faith and restraint have special importance in this and it is celebrated with special customs.
Importance and History of Chhath Puja
Chhath Puja is mentioned from the Mahabharata period. It is believed that when the Pandavas had lost their kingdom, Draupadi performed this fast so that her family could get their lost honor and power. Additionally, this puja is performed to express gratitude to the Sun God and to express respect for the source of energy. This puja is mainly performed to wish for good production of crops and to get positive energy in life.
The worshipped goddess of Chhath Puja is called Chhathi Maiyya, who is considered the goddess of nature, fertility, protection of offspring and women’s health. Chhathi Maiya is considered to be a form of Shakti, who protects the happiness of the family and the children.
Form and customs of Chhath Puja
Chhath Puja is an elaborate ritual lasting four days, in which the Vratis (one who observes fast) follow very strict rules. This fast is considered to be quite difficult, because it requires purity, discipline and mental restraint along with fasting.
- First day – Nahai Khai: On the day of Nahai Khai, the Vratis take a bath and eat with purity and purify their mind, body and soul. They also clean the house and consume grains, rice and gram dal. On this day, food is prepared with complete purity and simplicity. It is important to maintain purity with food on the day of Nahai Khai, because this is where the fast begins.
- Second day – Kharna: On the day of Kharna, the Vratis fast the whole day and at sunset consume kheer made of milk and jaggery, roti and fruit. Purity is taken special care in preparing this food and it is cooked on an earthen stove. The food of this day provides spiritual energy to the fasting person and prepares him for the difficult fasting of the next two days.
- Third Day – Sandhya Arghya: On the day of Sandhya Arghya, the fasting person observes Nirjala fast for the whole day and in the evening at sunset, he stands in the water and offers Arghya to the Sun God. At this time, the fasting person and his family members go to the ghat to offer Arghya to the Sun God. The fasting person stands in the water of the river or pond with Prasad in a bamboo basket and worships the Sun God and seeks his blessings for happiness and prosperity.
- Fourth Day – Usha Arghya: The fourth day is called Usha Arghya. On this day, the fasting person wakes up early in the morning and goes to the banks of the river or pond and offers Arghya to the rising Sun. After the worship of this day, the fasting person breaks his fast and distributes Prasad.
Prasad and materials used in the puja
A special type of prasad is offered in Chhath Puja, which includes Thekua, banana, coconut, sugarcane, ginger, suthani, etc. Thekua is specially made for this puja. It is prepared from wheat flour and jaggery and is fried in ghee and offered as prasad. Apart from this, bamboo basket, earthen lamps, coconut, fruits, and flowers are also used.
Here are the Chhath Puja songs along with their titles:
- Ugte Suraj Ko Namaskar
Song sung while offering Arghya to the Sun God. - Kanjak Jalaail Ha Sakhiyan
Popular song sung during Kanjak Puja. - Chhathi Maiya Ke Jaikara
Song praising the glory of Chhathi Maiya. - Suraj Devta Ke Argha
Devotional song sung while offering Arghya to the Sun God. - Chhathi Maiya Ka Mela
Song depicting the excitement of the fair during Chhath Puja. - Palangiya Sutal Badi
Song depicting the family and cultural aspects of Chhath festival. - Chhathi Maiya Aa Gayil Badi
Song welcoming the arrival of Chhathi Maiya. - Chhath Mahaparv Ke Aangan Mein
Song depicting the love and unity of Chhath Mahaparv. - Chhathi Maiya’s blessings upon oneself
A song that tells the importance of Chhathi Maiya’s blessings. - Chala Chhath Parv Manane
A song that expresses the joy and enthusiasm of celebrating Chhath festival.
Religious and scientific importance in the ritual of Chhath Puja
Chhath Puja has religious importance, but it also has scientific aspects. Sun God is considered to be the main source of energy, and the rays of the sun in the morning and evening benefit the body. The scientific reason for standing in water and offering arghya to the sun during Chhath Puja is that it provides the body with the energy of the sun, which provides vitamin D. Apart from this, fasting for four consecutive days purifies the body and provides health benefits.
Importance of difficulty and restraint involved in the fast
The fast of Chhath Puja is considered very difficult, because in this the devotees fast for four days without food and water. Along with this, the devotees have to keep complete control over their mind and body and take care of purity. The purpose of this difficult penance is to strengthen faith and morale, which makes a person more restrained mentally and physically.
Social importance of Chhath Puja
Another important aspect of Chhath Puja is that it promotes unity and brotherhood in the society. On this festival, everyone goes together to worship at the ghat and takes prasad together. This festival unites everyone by eliminating the discrimination of caste, religion and society.
Chhath Puja is a festival that inspires us to understand the importance of nature and express respect towards nature.
