What is Chhath Puja and why is it celebrated?

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This Puja is dedicated to the worship of the Sun God and to thanking for supporting life on earth. Chhath is celebrated on the sixth day of the month of Karthik in the Vikram Samvat. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has greeted the people on the auspicious occasion of Chhath.

It is believed that Chhath Puja is in practice since the Vedic ages. Many stories about Chhath Puja are narrated and shared among people. It is said that Karna, who was the son of the Sun, performed this puja. Karna was the king of Anga Desh, which is believed to be present-day Bhagalpur in Bihar.

Chhath Puja holds special significance because during Chhath Parv we worship the source of energy, Surya Dev. The rituals of Chhath Puja are followed for four days which include the following activities. Kaddu Bhaat or Nahai Khai- The first day of Chhat Puja is known as Kaddu Bhaat or Nahai Khai.

The main festival in Bihar is Chhath Puja

By India Today Web Desk: One of the main festivals in Bihar is Chhath Puja, which is also observed in areas like Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand. The celebration is mainly about rituals and four days of honoring the Hindu Sun God. The majority of believers follow fast during these four days.

The celebrations for Chhath Puja officially start at this point. In observance of this, people fast, dress neatly, and prepare food as prasad for the Sun deity. Devotees prepare chana daal and laddoo bhaat (pumpkin rice) on this day.

The auspicious four-day Hindu festival of Chhath Puja, also known as Surya Shashti, Chhath, Chhathi, Chhath Parv, Dala Puja, and Dala Chhath, is right around the corner. People worship the Sun God, Lord Surya, during the four days of Chathh, as he is known as the God of energy and life force.

What is Chhath Puja and why is it celebrated?

Thekua is the most popular prasad during Chhath Puja. It is dry sweet and made with wheat flour, dry coconut, chai (melted sugar), and ghee. Thekua is mostly prepared on the second day of Chhath Puja and then it is offered to the Sun God.

During Chhath, women observe an arduous Nirjala vrat, and devotees pray to Lord Surya (the Sun God) and Chhathi Mata for the well-being, development, and prosperity of their family and children. Chhath is unique to the states of Bihar, Jharkhand, and Eastern Uttar Pradesh in India and is also celebrated in Nepal.