Chhath Mahaparv : Not A Festival Rather A Feeling

STUVI

Lucknow: After Diwali, now it is the time for Chhath festival. Bihar in particular preparing for Chhath, a festival of faith, devotion, and enchantment. This Mahaparv has a great historical and mythological significance. It is said that this festival was first celebrated by Maa Sita and Ram after they returned from their exile of 14 years. The rituals were performed for the Sun God and Goddess Shashti, at Sita Charan Temple, Munger.

These age-old Hindu rituals continued to be performed by the Bihari people to date.

With utmost cheerfulness, devotees follow every rule while performing the puja. This Mahaparv is started on the fourth day after Diwali i.e Chaturthi and ends on Saptami. It occurs during the sacred month of festivals, Kartik.

Chhath is celebrated for four days. On the first day of the festival the devotees who observe strict fasting, take bath in river or pond and clean the house. They prepare their food separately in a holy manner. The food of devotees include Chana Daal, Arwa Chawal, Lauki curry, etc.

Kharna is observed on the second day of Chhath. On this day puja is performed and prasad is prepared. The prasad includes Roti and Kheer made of Gur. Later the Prasad is shared among their respective community.

Pahila arghya is the third day of the festival. On this day, devotees prepare Thekua and other Prasad items. They arrange them in bamboo trays (soop) and baskets. Devotees go to the river side with basket on their head. After reaching the river bank, devotees offer Arghya to Sun God and Goddess Sasthi at the sunset time.

Dusra arghya:

This day is also called Parana. It is the last day of the festival. People offer Arghya to rising sun.

Nevertheless, the feeling these four days hold in the heart of Biharis remains live throughout the year. Nowadays people all over the world are recognizing this Mahaparv of Bihar. Interestingly this year would be a year of precautions and measures because of COVID. Social interactions are to be prohibited but let's pray for a safe and successful celebration.