09/11/2024
# puja
Chhath Puja is a significant Hindu festival celebrated primarily in the Indian states of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and parts of Nepal. It is dedicated to the worship of the Sun God (Surya) and Chhathi Maiya, his consort, for the well-being, prosperity, and health of the family. The festival typically spans four days, beginning on the sixth day of the lunar month of Kartika (usually October or November) and concludes with offerings on the banks of rivers, ponds, or other water bodies.
# # # Key Rituals of Chhath Puja:
1. **Nahay Khay (Day 1):** Devotees cleanse themselves and their homes. They prepare for the puja by observing strict rituals, and the day often involves fasting and taking a holy dip in the river.
2. **Kharna (Day 2):** Devotees break their fast after sunset by offering "Kharna" — a sweet dish made from rice, jaggery, and wheat flour, prepared by the women of the house. This marks the beginning of a 36-hour fast during which no water is consumed.
3. **Sandhya Arghya (Day 3):** On this day, devotees gather at riverbanks in the evening to offer prayers and "arghya" (offerings) to the setting sun. This involves holding a basket of offerings like fruits, sweets, and thekua (a traditional sweet made of wheat flour, jaggery, and ghee), and standing in water to offer prayers.
4. **Usha Arghya (Day 4):** The final day of the festival begins before sunrise when devotees gather once again at the riverbank to offer arghya to the rising Sun, thanking him for his blessings and seeking good health and prosperity.
Chhath Puja is known for its strict observances, especially the fast, and it involves a sense of devotion, discipline, and community. It's a unique and vibrant celebration, marked by colorful processions, traditional songs, and communal participation.