Chath Puja

Many of us must have heard about chath puja but do not know why it is celebrated and its significance. Chath puja is one of the important and popular festivals of Bihar and Eastern UP. It is celebrated with high esteem by the people. The chhat puja is dedicated to Chhatti Mai (Goddess of Power) and to Lord Surya (Sun), Agni (fire) and Lord Kartikeya. It is celebrated twice a year: in the summers called the Chaiti Chhath, because it is celebrated in Chait month by hindi calendar. It is not very popular though. Second and main in the winter after Deepawali, called the Kartik Chhath. Just 6 days after Diwali. It is believed that whosoever performs this vrat get their wishes fulfilled. This fast is mostly done by the women but gents also do it. It is done with utmost care without having water for the well being and happiness of the family. It is celebrated for four days in the month of Kartik.

First Day of Chath is Nahai Khai (Literally means “Bath and Eat”)
On this day women clean the houses and surroundings. The main food cooked on this day is rice, chana daal and gourd as Prasad with dry wood on new oven made of brick and soil and worshiper offers Prasad to the sun God. Garlic and Onions are not used during Chhat puja.

Second Day of Chath is Kharna.
Fast begins with second day and this day is known as kharna. In the evening during the sun set, worshiper performs the puja and breaks their fast with Prasad prepared, like sweet kheer, pitha, dudh. Again the fasting begins after the Prasad is shared among the family members and belongings and is broken on the morning of the fourth day.

Third Day of Chath is called Pahli Argh-All family members and relatives accompany the worshiper to worship sun usually on the bank of river or any other water bodies and argh is offered to lord surya along with “soop” containing flowers, fruits, radish, sugarcane and other Prasad by standing in knee deep water. All people around take the blessing of worshiper. Regional Chath songs are sung by ladies on this occasion.

Fourth Day of Chath is called Suryodaya Arag.-
In the morning again worshiper offer arag to the rising Sun God. After performing puja worshiper break their fast by eating Prasad. After this Prasad is distributed among all.