TAG: GS-1: ART AND CULTURE & MISCELLANEOUS
THE CONTEXT: Recently, the Prime Minster of India extended his greetings on the occasion of Chhath Puja.
EXPLANATION:
What is Chhath Puja?
- Chhath Puja is a major Hindu festival mainly observed in Bihar, Jharkhand, and eastern Uttar Pradesh. The festival is also observed in parts of Nepal and among Indian communities abroad.
- The festival is celebrated between October and November. The Chhath festival begins as the Diwali festival ends.
- This four-day festival is dedicated to the worship of Lord Surya, the Sun God, and his sister Chhath Maiya. It emphasizes themes of nature, gratitude, and familial well-being.
- The most unique feature of this Chhath Puja is that there is no Murti Pujan or Idol Worshipping, unlike most of the festivals of the Hindu religion.
- It is celebrated for four consecutive days and celebrated with great reverence and dedication.
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- Nahay Khay: The festival begins with purification rituals where devotees prepare a simple meal.
- Kharna:A day of fasting with no water, and the devotees make offerings to the Sun God after sunset.
- Sandhya Arghya: On this day, the devotees offer Arghya to the setting sun while in water bodies.
- Usha Arghya:The last day is one of offering the rising sun and breaking the fast.
These rituals are performed by rivers or ponds that symbolize a connection with nature and the life cycle.
Historical Significance:
- Chhath Puja has its origins in ancient history; it dates back to the time of Satyuga and Dwapara Yuga. It is connected with the mythological stories of different mythological characters, such as:
- Lord Rama and Sita:This couple kept the Chhath fast after their return with victory.
- Draupadi:She performed this fast during the period when Pandavas was in exile; she was asking for some blessings from the gods.
- Karna: According to legend, Karna, one of the most important characters from the Mahabharata, started the religion of sun worship by offering the rising sun Arghya every day.
These stories show that the festival is rather deeply rooted in Hindu tradition and somehow connected with nature, that is, respect for the source of the Sun.
Cultural Impact:
- While Chhath Puja remains a strict festivity mainly in Bihar, it has gained acceptance within other states like Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, and further to the Indian diaspora.
- The festival further fosters community spirit when thousands gather at water bodies to pray and engage in various rituals. It is a time for communal bonding and cultural expression.
- Chhath Puja sums up the glory of Sun God and, family unity, good health, and respect for nature.
- It reflects intense cultural heritage and has been scaled up across generations.
SOURCE:
https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-culture/chhath-puja-what-is-it-bihar-9657918/
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