Chhath Puja is one of the most awaited festivals for the Hindus living in the states of Bihar and Uttarpradesh. Considered as the most eco-friendly Hindu festival, Chhath Puja is quite tough to perform and the rituals have strict rules and regulations associated with them. Also known as Suryasasthi, the festival is dedicated to the sun and has great importance.
Some International places where Chhath Puja is celebrated include Fiji, Mauritius, South Africa, Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago, Suriname, Jamaica, the US, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Japan, Macau, and Indonesia.
If you are totally unaware of the rituals of Chhath Puja, here are some of the less-known facts about the festival.
History of Chhath Puja
Chhath is a festival which is all about purity, devotion and offering prayer to Sun God; the exact origin of this festival is ambiguous but there are certain believes which connects to Hindu epics. Ramayana and Mahabharata are the two epics which are associated with Chhath Puja.
Chhath Puja’s Association with Ramayana
It is believed that Lord Rama is associated with the inception of Chhath Puja. It is said that when Lord Rama returned to Ayodhyana then he and his wife Sita observed a fast in honor of the Sun god and broke it only with the setting sun. It is one such ritual which is subsequently evolved in Chhath Puja.
Chhath Puja’s Association with Mahabharata
Famous Mahabharata character Karna is said to be the child of Sun god and Kunti. It is said that Karna usually use to offer prayer while standing in the water. However, there is another story which mentions how Draupadi and the Pandavas also performed the similar puja to get their kingdom back.
Scientific Significance of Chhath Puja
Chhath Puja is the best way to get your body detoxified as taking dips in water and exposing the body to sun increases the flow of solar bio electricity which improves the functionality of human body. It is also said that Chhath Puja helps to kills the harmful bacteria and prepares the body for the upcoming winter season.
Chhath Puja’s special Prasad
Parvaitin is required to offer special Prasad to the Lord Sun. Holy food includes Kheer, Thekua, rice laddu, dates, and fruits. Notably, during the festival, other family members cannot eat food with onions and garlic.