IndianLegion | Official Book 2020

🌞Chhath Puja🌞

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|CHHATH PUJA|
By- _starflies_

What is Chhath Puja?
Chhath Puja is an ancient ritual, celebrated to worship Lord Surya and his sister, Chhathi Maiya. It is the only Vedic festival dedicated to them. It is mostly celebrated in Bihar, Jharkhand, Eastern UP and some parts of Nepal.

Chhath Puja is celebrated to promote well being and prosperity of the human race. The festival is traditionally celebrated twice a year, once during summers and the second during winters. The summer Chhath is known as Chaitra Chhath, celebrated after a few days from Holi. While, the winter Chhat is known as Kartik Chhat, which starts on the 6th day from Diwali, during the month of Kartik. Hence the name Chhat, which means six in Nepali or Hindi.

The devotees who observe the fast are known as Vratis.

The said festival is celebrated for four continuous days, with each day having its importance:

•NAHAY KHAY
On the first day of Chhath Puja, the vratis take a dip in the holy river. On this day the vratis observing the fast can only allow themselves one meal. From this day onwards, the family of the vrati too start taking satvik food. Kaddu Bhaat along with Chana dal is prepared by using mud or bronze utensils and mango wood over a mud stove.

(Vrat thali)

•LOHANDA and KHARNA
On the second day, the devotees observe a full day fast which is broken only after sunset and the prayers to the Sun god have been offered. The vratis prepare the whole prasad on their own which include kheer-puris. After this, they have to fast for 36 hours.

(Thekua, a sweet dish made by the Vrati and her family)

•SANDHYA ARGHYA
The third day is generally spent in making the prasad. While in the evening the vrati along with the whole household, go to the river bank to offer respect to the Sun god, during sunset time. The devotee wears a turmeric saree and has to take a dip in holy water to show her devotion. The evening is made more fun by the chanting of the folk songs.

(Religious offering made to Surya Devta during Sunrise and Sunset)

•USHA ARGHYA
On the last day again the devotee and her family visit the river bank. But unlike the third day, the prayers are offered during the sunrise to the rising sun. After this the vratis breaks their 36 hour fast, known as Paran, thus marking the end of the four day long festival! The prasad is then distributed to the relatives and neighbours.

(Puja done by Vratis)

May you and your loved ones be blessed with the love of Chhati Maiya and Lord Surya on the auspicious occasion of Chhath Puja.

Happy Chhath Puja!

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