Chhath Puja 2021

What is Chhath Pooja?

Chhath Pooja is an ancient Hindu festival. This is celebrated as a thanksgiving festival to Lord Surya, otherwise known as Sun God for helping them to grow in their lives through the magnificent rays of the Sun. This festival is considered as the most eco-friendly festival. The festival falls on the sixth day in the month of Karthika (October – November), to offer thanksgiving to the Sun God. It is also called Chhath Parva, Chhathi, Dala Chhath, and Surya Shasthi.

The word Chhath means ‘six’ in Nepali or Hindi and hence the name Chhath Puja. It is celebrated twice a year, once during summer and once during winter. It is also called Chaiti Chhath and celebrated a few days after Holi.

The significance of Chhath Pooja

There is both religious and scientific significance attached to this ritual. The devotees pray twice a day during sunrise and sunset at the riverbank. During that time, the solar energy emits very less ultraviolet radiation. This has several health benefits - it enhances positivity, helps to relax and detoxify the body. This makes the mind calm and elevates our conscience to newer levels. Apart from India, this festival is also celebrated worldwide, in the countries of Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand, Jamaica, and Mauritius.

The mythology behind Chhath Pooja

This festival dates back to Vedic times, where it was celebrated by Draupadi and the Pandavas to solve their problems and recover their kingdom. The Rig Veda chants are sung in praise of the Sun God. This pooja was started by the great Karna, the sibling of Pandavas, who ruled over the Anga Desh (Bhagalpur in Bihar). It was celebrated during the Vedic days to appease the Sun God and gain positive blessings from him. Worshipping nature has always been a part of the Vedic religion and the practice even continues today.

Rituals of Chhath Pooja

Usha, the wife of Surya, is also worshipped in this Puja. She is also referred to as Chhathi Maiya, and Rana Mai. This festival has several rituals, which are considerably tougher than most of the other rituals followed in Hinduism. The custom involves taking a bath in rivers or water bodies and very strict fasting - even the drinking of water is prohibited. One has to stand the whole day in the sun to complete the prayers for a longer period of time. This prayer is followed twice a day, during the morning and also during night time. The prayer is usually followed by prasadams (offerings), which are made with rice, wheat, dry fruits, fresh fruits, nuts, jaggery, coconut and lots of ghee. It is also the custom to avoid salt, onion, and garlic.

Benefits of celebrating Chhath Pooja

• Get the blessings of the Sun God
• To bring positivity
• To be able to lead a life with stability and mental purity.