Chhath Puja: Enlighten Yourself This Festive Season

Chhath puja is generally celebrated in Bihar and its neighbouring states such as Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh. This festival can be counted as one of the major Hindu festivals in India and will be celebrated on 13th November this year. Revering the Sun God, the devotees offer prayers, urging to take care of every living being. During Chhath festival, it is a visual delight for the travellers to visit Bihar and feel the real essence of this festive mood.

What is Chhath?

Devotees show reverence to the Sun God, especially the women in Bihar put forward their offerings before the Sun God. The basic reason behind this festive occasion is to offer prayers for the well being and prosperity of family members. You can certainly be a part of this celebration and feel blessed.

History Behind

Of all the stories related to the origin of Chhath festival, most popular ones are, Chhath Puja in Bihar was started by the Dwipi-origin Brahmins. Going by the history, king Janaka of Nepal invited Brahmins to perform the puja of the Sun God. It is believed that Brahmins actually derived energy from the sun while they were on fast. The core significance of Chhath puja is that Sun has the power to cure various ailments and ensures longevity of life.

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In all probability, it is the single most important factor behind the history of Chhath. This is not the only version that people have; many also believe that Draupadi, the wife of the Pandavas, observed a fast to seek blessings of Lord Surya.

Celebrations

This festival is celebrated soon after Diwali and falls in the month of October and November. This three-day festival is generally observed by married woman or widows who fast (they do not consume water and food for three days) for the well-being of their children. Isn’t that heart-wrenching? Yes, it is. However, in today’s time, men are also coming up and observing fast on this occasion.

Festive Delicacies

Food is a crucial part of every Indian festival and Chhath is no exception. On this auspicious day, several mouth-watering dishes such thekua (dishes prepared using flour and sugar), Puri (prepared using flour and black cumin seeds), Kheer (prepared with rice along with jaggery, milk, dry fruits) and Malpua (made with plain flour, jaggery, suji, milk) are prepared.

This festive season stay enlightened and spread more knowledge about the significance of Chhath puja and why people should observe fast on this pious occasion. If you are looking for a reason to celebrate, visiting Bihar is surely one of the best ways to feel the real essence of this widely celebrated festival.

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