Chhath Puja is one of the major Hindu festivals and is celebrated in the states of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and some parts of Nepal. It is also known as Dala Chhath and the puja is done with the belief that the sun god fulfils wishes if the Aragyha is offered with great devotion. On this day, people also worship Chhathi Maiya. Celebrated on the sixth day after the Diwali festival, Chhath is a festival dedicated to the Sun God and lasts for a period of four days.

Offering prayers to the sun:

Surya is considered to be the life force and the God of energy, and is worshipped during the Chhat festival for the prosperity, well-being and progress of the family. Sun is also supposed to be the cure of various diseases and the ritual is conducted to ensure the longevity and prosperity of the family members. The rituals involved in the Chhath festival are meticulous and is performed for four long days, which includes fasting without drinking water, holy bathing, standing in water for a long period and offering Prasad and Arghya to the rising and the setting Sun. During this time, the worshipper gives up all the luxuries and uses only a single blanket and sleeps on the floor.

Some unknown facts about Chhath Puja

• The Chhath puja ritual is performed during the sunrise and the sunset periods and this is the time when the human body can get the solar energy without causing any harm to the body. Since during this time, the solar energy has less ultraviolet radiation, it is safe for the human body.
• The ritual involves great devotion and self-control and this provides mental calmness and detoxifies the body and mind. It also enhances body immunity, energy levels and gets rid of all negative emotions.
• The Chhath process also helps in slowing down the ageing process as devotees get exposed to the natural powers of the Earth and the Sun. Such beliefs make it the most significant festivals of the Hindus.
• Breaking the fast on the last day also offers a sense of achievement

The Prasad of Chhath

During Chhath puja, a special Prasad is made by using different variety of grains. The celebration requires various types of grains, spices, fruits and other local products and some of them are only available during the Puja. One of the most important Prasad is the Thekua, which is made of flour, jaggery, coconut. A special type of sweet pudding is also prepared on the night of Kharna or in the morning and is offered as Prasad. The vratti and other members of the family help to clean the kitchen and the Prasad is made in a clean stove.

Other stuffs and materials that are used during the Chhath Puja are Suthuni, a kind of fruit, which is found in the market during this time. Other items include Sugarcane with green leaves, Paddy, Aruwa, Lemon, Gagal, Orange, Apple, Coconut, Banana, Ghee and many more. People also make special sweet dishes and puris to include in Chhath Prasad. Meals during the celebration are prepared strictly without using any garlic, onion and salt. Devotees use rock salt to prepare their food.

Happy Chhath Puja to all!