Chhath Puja is a Hindu festival predominantly observed in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Jharkhand. On this day Sun God is worshiped with prayers and religious rituals.
Considered to be one of the most eco-friendly religious festivals, Chhath Puja lasts for 4 days. It is celebrated twice a year in the months of Chaitra and Kartika.
The festival begins 6 days after the Diwali festival.
People also worship Chhathi Maiya, the sister of the Sun God.
Chhath Puja 2022: History
It is believed that Chhath Puja is in practice since Vedic ages.
Many stories around 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.
It is also said that Draupadi had also observed this fast in order to beat the obstacles and hurdles that had come in hers and Pandavas' life.
It is also said that Sita was blessed with Luv and Kush after she did the Chhath Puja.
Chhath Puja 2022: Significance
On this day people worship the Sun God and thank him for the bountiful blessings he has bestowed on the earth.
The Sun is the primary source of energy for our planet. Every organism, giant or small, visible or invisible, mobile or immobile gets energy from the Sun.
On Chhath Puja this supreme power is worshiped with sincere devotion.
Chhath Puja 2022: Facts
Chhath is observed twice a year. The Chhath which is observed in the month of Chaitra is called the Chaiti Chhath and the Chhath which is observed in the month of Kartik is considered to be the biggest one.
While in recent days both men and women are seen fasting during this festival, but the main worshippers are mainly said to be women. Those who fast are known as parvaitin.
Chhath Puja 2022: Rituals
The puja is observed for four days.
The first day is called Nahaay Khay. On this day, people take a holy bath and clean their entire house and the living premises.
Following this, a pure satwik meal comprising lauki or bottle gourd, bengal gram lentils are prepared. This is served along with rice to the deity as prasad or bhog. The worshiper consumes this prasad and begins the fast.
The second day is called Rasiaav-Roti or Lohanda. This is also called Kharna. On this day, the worshiper abstains from even having a drop of water. In the evening they have rasiaav or a kheer made of jaggery and roti.
The third day is called Sanjhka Aragh. In the entire day, people made prasad or bhog for the deity and in the evening they offer these to the Sun as Arghya. The Arghya is offered at a riverbank, or pond. People who do not have access to riverbanks, make a temporary pond and offer the Arghya to the Sun.
The prasad or the bhog that is offered to the Sun comprises Thekua, Khajuria, Tikri and other food items prepared with fruits, coconut and banana as main ingredients. These foods are strictly vegetarian and are cooked without onion and garlic. During the entire puja, non-vegetarian food items are not allowed within the household.
The fourth day is called Bhorka Aragh. This is the same as the third day, except the arghya is offered to the rising Sun.
After this the worshippers break the fast.
Few common questions related to Chhath Puja 2022 have been answered here:
When is Chhath Puja 2022?
Chhath Puja 2022 begins on October 28.Why is Chhath Puja celebrated?
Chhath Puja is celebrated to thank the Sun God and offer him gratitude. People also worship Chhathi Maiya, the sister of the Sun God.What are the rituals observed during Chhath Puja?
Chhath Puja lasts for four days. People abstain from consuming food and do not even drink a drop of water during the fasting period. Prasad or Arghya is offered to the Sun God and worshippers seek blessings and long life for their family.When is Nahaay Khay in Chhath Puja 2022?
Nahaay Khay is the first phase of Chhath Puja. It will be observed on October 28 this year. When is Kharna in Chhath Puja 2022?
Kharna is the second important day of Chhath Puja. This year it will be observed on October 29.Where is Chhath Puja observed?
Chhath Puja is predominantly observed in Bihar. It is also observed in parts of Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Jharkhand.
