By New Delhi, November 7, 2024: Today marks the beginning of Chhath Puja, a cherished festival celebrated with devotion across India, particularly in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Nepal. Chhath Puja holds a unique place among Hindu festivals as it honors Surya (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya (Goddess of well-being, prosperity, and longevity). The festival is a time for devotees to offer prayers, observe fasting, and engage in rituals to express gratitude to the forces of nature and seek blessings for health, harmony, and prosperity.
Significance of Chhath Puja
Chhath Puja, celebrated over four days, is among the oldest Vedic festivals in Hindu culture, reflecting ancient traditions rooted in environmental harmony and reverence for nature. The Sun God is worshipped as a source of life, energy, and positivity, and this worship also symbolizes the close connection between humans and nature. The rituals performed during the festival highlight values of self-purification, discipline, and gratitude for natural resources.
Festival Highlights
This year, Chhath Puja commenced on November 6, with the traditional ritual of Nahay Khay, a ceremonial bath and cleansing. It will continue with four key days of observance, each marked by special customs:
- Nahay Khay (November 6): Devotees bathe and prepare simple, sattvic food, marking the start of fasting.
- Kharna (November 7): Observers keep a day-long fast, breaking it only after offering kheer and fruits to Chhathi Maiya.
- Sandhya Arghya (November 8): As the festival reaches its peak, devotees gather on riverbanks and water bodies to offer prayers to the setting sun, symbolizing gratitude for the day’s blessings.
- Usha Arghya (November 9): The final day witnesses prayers to the rising sun, as devotees offer prasad and break their fast, symbolizing new beginnings and renewed energy.
A Festival of Community and Sustainability
Chhath Puja unites families and communities who join together on riverbanks, ponds, and lakes. This year’s celebrations are witnessing a heightened emphasis on environmental conservation, with devotees choosing eco-friendly options for rituals. Many have replaced plastic materials with biodegradable items, and authorities across various states have implemented strict guidelines to protect natural water bodies from pollution.
Safety Measures and Initiatives
Local administrations in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and other regions have undertaken special initiatives to ensure safety and convenience for devotees. Arrangements include setting up temporary ghats (riverbanks) and medical camps, deploying police personnel for crowd control, and installing sanitation facilities. Volunteers are assisting in keeping the ghats clean, reflecting a collective effort to honor the sacredness of this ancient tradition.
Chhath Puja Wishes
On this auspicious occasion, we extend warm Chhath Puja wishes to devotees and citizens across the nation. May the blessings of Chhathi Maiya and the Sun God fill every home with peace, prosperity, and health. Chhath Puja is not just a festival; it is a celebration of faith, community, and the timeless connection between humanity and nature.
This Chhath Puja, as devotees gather in reverence, we hope that the values of gratitude, ecological balance, and respect for nature continue to thrive in our hearts and our communities.
