India is the land of celebration. Recently, Diwali has been celebrated and now the most-awaited Chhath Puja is also on the horizon. I am sure that we all have started asking our Bihari friends for those tasty “Thekua” which is one of the essential prasads of Chhath Puja. But do we know what the story of Chhath Puja is? Why is Chhath Puja celebrated? Well! Most of us are unaware of the real story of Chhath Puja.
However, there is one unknown story of Chhath Puja that originates from the early Vedic period and according to ancient history, Chhath Puja was also known as the Chhath method. So, for this Chhath Puja, let’s understand everything from what Chhath Puja is to the Chhath puja significance.
What is Chhath Puja?
We have all heard of Chhath Puja and always waited to see its celebration. However, only the people who are celebrating it understand the real story of Chhath Puja. Chhath Puja, or Surya Sasthi, is a folk festival that lasts four days. It is celebrated to pay respect and gratitude to our Sun God.
The specific people who belong to Bihar observe this festival in the month of Karthik. According to the Hindu calendar, the celebration starts from Karthik Shukla Chaturthi to Karthik Shukla Saptmi.
As per environmentalists, Chhath Puja is considered to be the most eco-friendly religious festival in the world. Chhath Puja is celebrated in the Indian states of Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand and West Bengal. Chhath Puja is celebrated twice a year, one in Chaitra month and another in Kartika month.
The Unknown Real Story of Chhath Puja
There are many legendary stories of Chhath Puja. This puja is considered the oldest festival and the starting of Chhath puja dates back to the ancient Vedas. The hymns and the worshipping rituals of Chhath Puja are mentioned in the Rigveda.
From the ancient Vedas, the story of Chhath Puja also precedes the times of the Mahabharata, as Karna, the son of Surya Dev and Kunti, was the first person to follow this ritual as he offered prayers to the Sun God while standing in the water. Later on, Draupadi and Pandavas used to perform Chhath Puja and worship Surya Dev to regain their kingdom and power. It is also believed that Lord Ram and Sita also kept and offered prayers to the Sun God in the month of Karthik Shukla Paksha during the coronation after returning from exile. The story of Chhath puja is different in every yug.
However, even in ancient Vedic times, Chhath Puja was also considered the “Chhath Method” because the rishis of yore used the technique of keeping fast for days and absorbing the energy from the rays of the sun. At present, the scientific reason behind observing the four-day fast of Chhath Puja is to detoxify the body and mind.
Hidden Chhath Puja Significance and why Chhath Puja is celebrated?
From the story of Chhath Puja, we can assume how significant this festival is, as just by observing this puja, Draupadi and Pandavas were able to regain their kingdom and power. This festival is dedicated to the Sun and his younger wife, Usha, as an acknowledgment of life on earth. So, there is no idol worship at all. Along with the sun god, there is one goddess who is worshipped during Chhath Puja known as Chhathi Maiya.
Who is Chhathi Maiya & why is she worshipped?
As per the mythology, Chhathi Maiya was the human daughter of lord Brahma and the sister of Surya Dev. Chhathi Maiya is considered to be the goddess who blesses the couple with a child. She is worshipped because she protects the children from disease and grants them a long and healthy life.
Chhath Puja is the festival of Wishes!
The Story of Chhath Puja showcases that the ones who do the Chhath Puja receive the wish fulfillment. Thus, even today, Chhath Puja is also called a festival of wishes. This festival is also important as it helps the devotees purify their body and soul by observing the fast. The rituals to perform this puja are tough and arduous.
Rituals and Traditions of Chhath Puja
The rituals and traditions that are mentioned in the ancient story of Chhath Puja are still the same. These rituals and traditions of Chhath Puja are observed for four days. These rituals include-
- Holy Bathing
- Fasting ( Without water)
- Standing in water and offering prayers to the lord sun
- Giving water (arghya) to the rising and setting sun
Some devotees also perform the prostration march to the river bank and they also take a dip in that holy river. After performing all the rituals for four days, the devotees break their fasts by eating ginger with water. It is also believed that once a family starts the Chhath Puja then this tradition should be continued every year by the successive generations.
The most important ritual of Chhath puja is offering water to the Sun God. Even if someone fails to follow all the rituals and traditions, it’s compulsory to give argh to the rising and setting sun.
When is Chhath Puja 2023?
Chhath Puja 2023 will be celebrated on 19th November 2023. However, the celebration will start on 17th November 2023 and will end on 20th November 2023.
Every festival has its own unique and hidden stories that have religious and scientific significance too. From the story of Chhath Puja, we can understand how important it is to worship the elements of nature in an eco-friendly manner. We Mad4india wish you all a Happy Chhath Puja 2023.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural importance of Chhath?
The cultural importance of Chhath Puja is to remain connected to our roots as during Chhath Puja, devotees worship the natural elements of nature. This festival is entirely dedicated to Surya Devta and Chhathi Maiya.
What are the interesting facts of Chhath Puja?
- Chhath Puja is considered to be one of the most eco-friendly religious festivals.
- There is no Idol worship.
- Chhath Puja is celebrated six days after Diwali.
What are the 4 days of Chhath Puja?
As per the ancient story of Chhath Puja, the four important days of this festival are:
- Day 1- Nahay-Khay
- Day 2- Karna
- Day 3- Sandhya Arghya
- Day 4- Usha Arghya
What are the famous food of Chhath Puja?
Thekua, Jaggery Kheer, Channa ki Gughni and fruits like bananas and grapefruits are some famous foods of Chhath Puja that are also given as Prasad.
If you liked reading about the untold story of Chhath Puja, then do read about Maharishi Vedic City that Ditched Dollars For Raam Currency In USA
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