Chhath Puja Celebration in New Jersey
In New Jersey, United States, over a thousand devotees gathered to celebrate Chhath Puja, organized by the Bihar Jharkhand Association of North America (BJANA). The event recreated the traditional atmosphere of Bihar’s ghats with banana stems and vibrant lighting.
Community and Cultural Unity
Sanjeev Singh, BJANA President, expressed his joy in recreating the authentic ghat experience reminiscent of Patna, Vaishali, and Bokaro. Alok Kumar, Chairman of the Bihar Foundation USA East Coast Chapter, emphasized the importance of unity in preserving cultural traditions and thanked the Mayor of Edison for supporting the event at Papaianni Park.
Devotion and Tradition
Devotees, known as Vratis, undertook a rigorous 72-hour fast, praying for everyone’s well-being. The warm weather added to the enjoyment of the ritual offerings. Meanwhile, in India, devotees offered ‘Arghya’ to the rising sun, praying for their children’s protection and family happiness.
Doubts Revealed
Chhath Puja -: Chhath Puja is a Hindu festival dedicated to the Sun God, celebrated mainly in the Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh. People pray for the well-being of their family and thank the Sun for sustaining life on Earth.
New Jersey -: New Jersey is a state in the United States of America. It is located on the east coast and is known for its diverse culture and communities, including many Indian immigrants.
Bihar Jharkhand Association of North America -: The Bihar Jharkhand Association of North America (BJANA) is an organization that represents people from the Indian states of Bihar and Jharkhand living in North America. They organize cultural events and help maintain connections with their heritage.
ghats -: Ghats are steps leading down to a river, often used for bathing and religious rituals in India. They are significant in many Indian festivals, including Chhath Puja, where people gather to offer prayers to the Sun.
Arghya -: Arghya is a ritual offering made to the Sun God during Chhath Puja. It usually involves offering water, milk, and flowers to the rising or setting sun as a form of respect and prayer.
Mayor of Edison -: The Mayor of Edison is the elected leader of Edison, a township in New Jersey. The Mayor supports local events and initiatives, including cultural celebrations like Chhath Puja.