New Delhi: Chhath, the greatest festival of folk faith, begins today with Nahay-Khay. During the Chhath Mahaparva, devotees worship the Sun God and pray for the fulfillment of their wishes by offering Arghya to him.
The Chhath festival begins with Nahay-Khay on the Chaturthi (fourth day) of the bright fortnight of the month of Kartik.
The fast ends with ‘Kharna’ (Khana) on the fifth day, Arghya to the setting sun on Shashthi, and Arghya to the rising sun on Saptami. During this four-day festival, the Sun and Chhathi Maiya are worshipped.
Fasting on this day is considered very difficult, as it is observed for 36 hours according to strict rules.
Devotion, purity, and discipline hold special significance in the worship of Chhath Maiya. All preparations for Chhath have already been completed in all districts of Bihar, including Patna.
The ritual of Nahay-Khay:
Vratis bathe in the Ganges, a river, a pond, or any other sacred body of water early in the morning. After bathing, devotees wear pure, simple, and clean clothes.
The kitchen and place of worship are cleaned after the bath. Chhathi Maiya is believed to symbolize cleanliness and purity, and therefore, there should be no impurity.
Devotees eat only once on this day, known as “Nahay-Khay Prasad.” Food is cooked in bronze or brass utensils and on an earthen stove.
Mango wood or cow dung cakes are used for cooking, as these are considered sattvic and pure. Meals typically consist of pumpkin curry, gram dal, and plain rice.
Devotees take a vow to observe the Chhath fast on the day of Nahay-Khay and observe purity, restraint, and devotion for the following three days.
Kharna Vrat
Kharna is the second day of Chhath Puja. It is also known as Lohanda or Kharna Vrat. On this day, devotees fast for the entire day without food or water, and in the evening, they prepare and offer Prasad to Chhathi Maiya using a special ritual.
Sandhya Arghya
The third day of Chhath Puja is considered the most special and grand. It is called “Sandhya Arghya” or “Sandhya Ghat Puja.” On this day, devotees offer Arghya to the setting sun in the evening.
Sunrise Arghya
The fourth day of Chhath Puja is the final and most sacred day of this great festival. It is called “Usha Arghya,” “Dawn Arghya,” or “Sunrise Arghya.” On this day, devotees conclude their 36-hour fast by offering Arghya to the rising sun in the morning.
Why is Chhath so important?
According to astrology and ritual expert Pandit Arun Kumar Mishra, this is a grand festival of folk faith. Meaning, it symbolizes the faith of the people of Bihar and Purvanchal. Faith cannot be questioned, nor can it be answered. As far as significance is concerned, it is a festival of worship of the Sun God, who governs nature. It is a festival of seeking blessings from Goddess Katyayani. Chhath shows that whatever has an end will also rise.