Chhath is a Hindu festival celebrated on the sixth day of Kartik month. This famous festival is dedicated to the God Sun. It is mainly performed by the people of eastern India's Bihar, Jharkhand, eastern Uttar Pradesh and Nepal's Terai regions. It is a festival of four days which falls after Diwali every year. The most difficult and important night of this fest is Kartik Shukl Shashti. That was the reason to keep its name Chhath.
As per the tradition, during this four day long festival, people need to keep fast for three days in which they keep fast without water for two days. This occasion is celebrated twice a year. First time, it falls in the month of Chaitra and second time; it comes in the month of Kartika. This festival is performed by both men and women in order to get the blessings of happiness and prosperity in life. There are many stories associated with this fest.
According to a legend, the Pandavas lost his entire kingdom in gambling. Draupadi then did the fast of Chhath due to which her wishes was fulfilled and Pandavas got back to the throne. Also, you can find the description of this festival in Ramayana.
Celebration of Chhath Puja
Now days, Chhath is celebrated in all over India with joy and enthusiasm. It is belief that all the desires are fulfilled and troubles are removed with the worship of Sun during this carnival. On the sixth day of Kartik, devotees offer water to the Sunset. The fast completes on seventh day of Kartik by giving water to the sunrise. The gala of this event symbolizes purity and holiness.
Importance of Chhath Puja
During Chhath puja , devotees pray for welfare by worshipping God Sun for two days with the complete devotion. Chhath event has a special place in the Hindu religion and and Atharva Veda. This puja is also considered beneficial scientifically. It is believed that human wishes are fulfilled with the worship of pure heart. Apart from this, mothers observe the fast of Chhath for the well-being and long life of their children and the entire family .
Rules for Chhath Puja
• Below are some predefined rules that must be followed by the devotees during this puja.
• Devotees should observe fast on Chhath because it works well.
• Special care need to be taken for cleanliness during these days.
• The items of worship should be properly washed by the married women.
• On the main day of Chhath puja , man or woman should sleep on the ground at night.
• All the objects used for cooking , should be cleaned properly.
• The dishes for prasad should be made separately.
• There is a tradition of making Tekua in prasad. For making it, married women need to follow certain rules like she should not eat cooked food and should not wear stitched garments. Also, everyone must take shower before going into the kitchen during Chhath carnival.
Mr. Atul Kumar Goyal is a content writer. He has various articles written on different aspects of Festivals. In these days, he has begun to write articles on Diwali 2014 and Chhath Puja 2014 . You can get Chhath Puja Aarti. For more information, visit our site www.truthstar.com .