The Impressive TimesNew Delhi : The four-day festival of Chhath Puja begins today, marking one of the most revered and significant festivals dedicated to the Sun God, Surya. The festival commences with the ritual of Nahay-Khay, during which devotees purify themselves with a holy dip in rivers, ponds, and reservoirs, symbolizing physical and spiritual cleansing. Devotees, especially in Bihar, gather in large numbers at the banks of prominent rivers like the Ganga, Kosi, Gandak, and Bagmati to offer their prayers to the Sun God. After this, they consume a simple meal of Arwa rice, Chana dal, and green gourd vegetables, which are considered sacred offerings or Prasad.
Chhath Puja holds a deep spiritual significance for the people of Bihar, Jharkhand, and parts of eastern Uttar Pradesh. It involves observing rigorous rituals that express gratitude to the Sun God, believed to bestow energy, health, and prosperity. Tomorrow, devotees will observe the Kharna ritual, a day marked by fasting, during which a traditional meal is prepared in utmost cleanliness, usually consisting of Kheer, Puri, and bananas. After consuming this meal in the evening, devotees begin a demanding 36-hour fast, abstaining from both food and water, to demonstrate their commitment and devotion.
On the third day, November 7, devotees will offer the First Arghya, or evening oblation, to the setting Sun. This ritual is considered highly auspicious, with devotees gathered along riverbanks and Chhath Ghats to worship the Sun at dusk. The sight is often mesmerizing, with devotees dressed in traditional attire, carrying baskets laden with offerings like fruits, sugarcane, and sweets, as they wait in knee-deep water to pray during sunset. The Second Arghya, or final oblation, will be performed on November 8 at sunrise, marking the culmination of Chhath Puja. This prayer to the rising Sun is a gesture of reverence and gratitude, as devotees believe that the Sun God grants prosperity, health, and longevity.
Throughout Bihar, the festival is celebrated at prominent riverbanks and famous Sun temples. Major temples, such as the Deo Sun Temple in Aurangabad, the Olark Sun Temple in Patna, and Ongaridham Sun Temple in Nalanda, witness a large influx of devotees, who come to seek blessings. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has extended his greetings on this occasion, acknowledging the festival’s cultural importance and spiritual significance. He also urged citizens to maintain cleanliness at the ghats to ensure a safe and serene environment for all.
Chhath Puja embodies themes of devotion, purity, and gratitude, as devotees undertake strict vows and fasting, symbolizing their faith in Surya, the eternal life-giver. The festival brings together communities, fostering unity and reverence for nature, with each ritual emphasizing a harmonious relationship with the environment.
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