Chhath Puja is an ancient Hindu festival, dedicated to Lord Surya and Chhathi Maiya (known to be the sister of Surya) who are supposed to be the source of all powers. It is the only Vedic festival which is celebrated in the states of Bihar, Jharkhand, Eastern Uttar Pradesh and the country of Nepal. The word ‘Chhath’ is six in Nepali or Hindi Language hence this festival is celebrated on the sixth day of the month of Karthika and that is why the festival is named ‘Chhath Puja’.
Significance of the festival:
People worship the god of light and energy to promote well being, development and the prosperity of human beings.
In addition to religious significance, these rituals have many scientific facts. The fact is that the pray at the riverbank during sunrise or sunset helps to eliminate all negative energy in the body because, in these two periods, solar energy has the lowest level of UV radiation, which is really beneficial to the human body.
Chhath Puja 2019:
The festival is celebrated twice a year, once in summer and second in winter. The Karthik Chhath celebration takes place in October or November, according to the Indian calendar, which takes place on the sixth day of Karthika’s month (Kartika Shukla Shashti). It is commemorated on the sixth day after another important Hindu festival Diwali, usually between October and November.
This is also celebrated a few days after the Holi Festival in summers, often called Chaiti Chhath. People thank the sun god for a period of four days of ritual.
Here are the dates for Chhath Puja 2019 rituals:
October 31: Nahay-Khay
November 1: Lohanda and Kharna
November 2: Sandhya Argh
November 3: Suryodaya/Usha Argh and Paran
Dos:
- Make a prayer with a warm heart and caring for the one who needs help. Because there is no result in carrying out the prayer with resentment.
- Take a shower before preparing for the puja. Wear fresh and clean clothes.
- Follow all the rituals correctly.
- Make all the traditional Chhath prasad which are meant for the festival.
- Stick to the Sattvik diet.
Dont’s:
- Non-vegetarian foods are strictly prohibited during the festival season.
- Avoid spicy food for a healthy digestive system.
- Do not eat prasad before offering it to God.
- Avoid entertaining negative thoughts.
Chhath Puja: Lesser known interesting facts about the festival
