Chhath Puja is an ancient festival that has long been revered as sacred. The puja ritual is identical to the holy sacrifices made to the Sun God as described in the Rig Veda. Chhath Puja is a representation of growth, joy, and good fortune. A major event in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and some other northeastern states like Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, etc is held and Lord Sun and his wife Usha are the recipients of this pooja. The disciples pray to the pair during the celebration, asking for their blessings and thanking them for sustaining life on earth. Chhath Puja is reportedly performed to obtain the Sun’s blessings for a child, and platforms like Onlinetemple provide online puja for safe child birth.
The primary event, however, is observed on the third day of puja during Chhath, which lasts four days. The Sun and all that it gives to Earth each day are honored during this event. The rising and setting sun are both revered by the followers. The devotees believe that the puja cures any illness, elevates the family’s status, and to live a happy and successful life. It is a holiday where family members seek the blessing of the elderly to secure their well-being and prosperity. If people are not able to perform the puja themselves, then they opt for online puja booking services which are done with proper rituals to seek blessings from Lord Surya.
The following Important Dates for Chhath Puja in 2022:
This year, Chhath Puja 2022 begins on Friday, October 28, with Nahay Khay. On Sunday, October 30, the devotees will worship the setting sun as part of the festival of Kharna, and on Monday, October 31, they will worship the rising sun. Many Hindus from abroad book puja for good health online in order to gain the benefits of the rituals being performed while being away from India.
Chhath Puja’s history
Chhath Puja is mentioned in the Hindu sacred book, the Rig Veda, which also lists all the identical ceremonies carried out throughout the puja. In the past, sages (rishis) worshipped the sun god to receive energy from him and to give thanks to him for the correct conservation of the planet.
Although the precise beginning of Chhath Puja is unknown and still unclear, it is claimed that it dates back to the time of the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
Hindu mythology states that after returning to Ayodhya after a 14-year exile, Lord Rama and Maa Sita held a fast and prayed to the Sun after dawn in the month of Kartika during Shukla Paksha.
According to the Mahabharata, Karna, one of the five Pandavas, is the progeny of the Sun God and Devi Kunti. It is said that Karna distributed prasad to the needy while standing in the river and making daily prayers to Lord Sun. Another tale describes how the Pandavas and Draupadi performed a similar puja to recover their lost kingdom.
Scientific Significance of Chhath Puja
Chhath Puja, according to many, isn’t just a Hindu ceremony; it also has scientific foundations and aids in metabolic stimulation and body detoxification.
It is scientifically proven that the body’s bio-electricity flow is raised when one swims while outside in the sun, which enhances the body’s general functionality. Others think that this puja helps to cleanse the body of dangerous viruses and bacteria and gets it ready for the winter.
How do you celebrate Chhath Puja?
After four days of Diwali, a four-day festival of Chhath Puja starts. The purpose of Chhath Puja is to honor the sun which is considered a life-giver and mothers lead the puja and festivities for this reason. This is how devoted followers observe it each year:
Nahaye Khaye – On the first day of the puja, devotees start their day by bathing in one of the neighboring rivers, preferably the Kosi, Ganga, or Karnali, though any river is acceptable. These rivers are thought to be heavenly and then take this holy water home to perform rituals.
Kharna Puja / Lohanda- On the second day, devotees take a bath early in the morning. They observe a complete day of fasting, which finishes shortly after dusk. Offerings for family members, such as Kheer, rice, and bananas, are provided following the worship of the Lord Sun and Moon.
Following these offerings, they observe a 36-hour fast without food or water.
Sandhya Arghya- After observing a 36-hour fast, evening prayers are offered to Lord Aun and Chhathi Maiya by bathing in holy water and presenting food (Prasad). The worshippers sing folk tunes while praying to god for their child’s safety and health.
The third day of Chhath Puja, when worshippers offer early morning prayers to Sun, is said to be crucial and people often book online puja for safe child birth that is performed on this day.
Usha Arghya (Early Morning Offerings)- On the fourth day, devotees get up early and travel to the holy rivers to perform the morning rituals. They take a swim, give thanks to God for everything, and express regret for any mistakes. Devotees break their fast by consuming the prasad and food.
Expecting mothers can book online puja for safe child birth during this period as they are advised not to keep fasts. They can avail the benefits of the rituals for their child with just one booking.
People who follow this period live pure, responsible lives and are full of good energy and passion. It’s quite satisfying to complete the ceremonies and pay respect to one of nature’s most potent forces.