Chhath Puja is a traditional Hindu festival. It is dedicated to worshipping the Sun God, Surya, and his sister, Chhathi Maiya. It is celebrated primarily in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh and parts of Nepal. This festival honours the Sun as the source of life and energy. Read the short essay and 10 lines on Chhath puja to learn more about this festival.
Short Essay on Chhath Puja
Chhath Puja is a popular festival celebrated in India. This festival is especially significant in Bihar, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh. It is also observed in parts of Nepal. Chhath Puja honours the Sun God, known as Surya, and his sister Chhathi Maiya. People worship them for health, happiness and prosperity. The festival usually takes place six days after Diwali, around October or November. Chhath Puja is a celebration of nature and purity. Devotees thank the Sun God for sustaining life on Earth. They believe that worshipping Surya will bring peace and well-being to their families.
The offerings made during Chhath are simple yet meaningful. Devotees bring fruits, sugarcane, thekua and other prasad to the Chhath Ghat Puja. Special attention is given to cleanliness and purity during the festival. The food prepared for Chhath Puja is strictly vegetarian and is often cooked on an earthen stove.
Chhath Puja rituals are spread over four days. Each day has its own significance. The first day is known as Nahaay Khaay. On this day, devotees take a holy dip in the river and eat Sattvik Lauki Bhaat. The second day is called Kharna. It is also known as Rasiaav-Roti or Lohanda. On this day, devotees observe a strict fast. They do not even consume water until evening. In the evening, they eat gur ke kheer (kheer made up of jaggery) called Rasiaav together with Roti.
The third day is the most important day of Chhath Parv. Devotees fast without water all day and prepare for the evening offerings. It is called the Sandhya Arghya. They go to the Chhath Ghat Puja, a riverbank or pond, to worship the setting sun. This offering is done with complete devotion and families gather at the riverbank to participate in the ritual. It is a beautiful sight to see everyone dressed in traditional attire, praying together as the sun sets.
The final day of Chhath Puja is marked by the Usha Arghya. This involves offering prayers to the rising sun. Devotees gather at the Chhath Ghat Puja in the early hours of the morning. They pray and make offerings, asking for blessings and protection. After the rituals, they end their fast with the Paran or Parana rite. It is done by eating Chhath fruits and sharing them with family and friends.
Chhath Parv is a festival of great significance. It is a time for reflection, prayer and thanksgiving. Environmentalists have claimed that the festival of Chhath is one of the most eco-friendly religious festivals in the world.
In conclusion, Chhath Puja is a deeply spiritual festival. It highlights the importance of devotion, purity and respect for nature. It brings families together and fosters a sense of community. The rituals of Chhath Parv are unique and are observed with immense devotion. This festival is not only about traditions; it is a celebration of faith and hope for a brighter future.
10 Lines of Chhath Puja
- Chhath Puja is a Hindu festival dedicated to the Sun God, Surya, and his sister Chhathi Maiya.
- It is widely celebrated in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh and Nepal.
- Chhath Puja spans four days. Each day has its unique rituals and traditions.
- The first day is known as Nahaay Khaay. On this day, devotees take a holy dip in the river and eat Sattvik Lauki Bhaat.
- The second day is called Kharna. On this day, devotees observe a strict fast. In the evening, they eat gur ke kheer (kheer made up of jaggery) called Rasiaav together with Roti.
- The third day is the Sandhya Arghya. It involves offering prayers to the setting sun.
- The final day is the Usha Arghya. It includes worshipping the rising sun for blessings.
- Chhath Puja rituals are performed with devotion and purity.
- Fruits, sugarcane and other offerings are given at the Chhath Ghat Puja.
- This festival is a time of gratitude, peace and love within families and communities.
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