Chhath is a Hindu Vedic festival, popular in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh states of India. The festival is dedicated to the Sun God and his wife Usha to thank them for bestowing life on the earth and praying for healthier and happier life.
How is Chhath Puja celebrated?
Chhath is a three days festival, the third day being the main and grand. It is an epic festival, which is celebrated with great enthusiasm even today.
Dressing
On the day of Chhath, people wear traditional dress preferably in saffron color. Women wear saree and men wear Kurta and Dhoti and avoid using leather in any form in their clothing. Women also carry a deep streak of vermilion from nose to the end of hair split.
Fasting
Women keep fast on this day and don’t eat anything until the prayer is done and the Prasad is distributed.
Praying
Chhath is one of the few festivals in India that do not involve worshipping an idol. People gather around a river or any other natural water source before sunrise. A hand full of water from the river is offered to the Sun God called as Tarpan.
People then take a dip in the river and chant holy slogans. Some people also perform a prostration march along the riverside.
When is Chhath Puja celebrated?
This festival is celebrated on the sixth day of Kartik month according to the Hindu calendar. That is why it is also called as Kartika Shukla Shashthi. According to the English calendar, this festival falls in the month of October or November.
What are the special dishes prepared during Chhath?
The special dishes prepared for this festival are thekua, kheer, and rice-ladoo.
Chhath is the most important festival of the natives of Bihar and no matter where they are, they always celebrate this festival. It is also the most eco-friendly festival as no synthetic colors or fire-crackers are used in celebration. If you are willing to participate in Chhath Puja- the traditional way, you can easily take a tour to Patna in a private cab.
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