Chhath Puja Celebrations Across the Globe
Chhath Puja in Ireland
The Bihar Jharkhand Association of Ireland (BJAI) celebrated the Chhath Puja festival in Naas, County Kildare, Ireland. Devotees gathered to offer ‘arghya’ to the rising Sun, carrying fruits and making sacred offerings. Vermillion adorned their foreheads as they participated in the rituals.
Chhath Puja in Dubai
In Dubai, Al Mamzar Beach resonated with devotional Chhath songs as a large number of devotees gathered to celebrate the festival.
Chhath Puja in New Jersey
In New Jersey, the Bihar Jharkhand Association of North America (BJANA) organized a Chhath Puja celebration. The ghat was beautifully decorated with banana stems and vibrant lights, creating an authentic atmosphere. BJANA President Sanjeev Singh expressed his joy at recreating the traditional feeling of the ghats from Bihar.
Chhath Puja in Nepal
Nepal observed the third day of Chhath with offerings to the setting sun on the Narayani River embankments. Devotees underwent arduous fasting, standing on the river’s edge to make offerings to Lord Sun.
Significance of Chhath Puja
Chhath Puja is dedicated to the Sun God, with devotees worshipping and making offerings to both the setting and rising sun. The fasting is considered arduous but fulfilling, with blessings for those who undertake it.
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. It involves worshipping the Sun God and his wife, Usha, to thank them for sustaining life on earth and to request certain wishes.
Sun God -: In Hinduism, the Sun God is known as Surya. He is considered the source of all life and energy, and people worship him for health, prosperity, and well-being.
Ireland -: Ireland is a country in Europe, known for its green landscapes and rich cultural history. It is far from India, but many Indians live there and celebrate their festivals.
Dubai -: Dubai is a city in the United Arab Emirates, known for its modern architecture and luxury shopping. Many Indians live and work there, and they celebrate Indian festivals like Chhath Puja.
New Jersey -: New Jersey is a state in the United States of America. It has a large Indian community, and they celebrate Indian festivals to keep their culture alive.
Bihar Jharkhand Association -: The Bihar Jharkhand Association is a group formed by people from the Indian states of Bihar and Jharkhand living abroad. They organize events to celebrate their culture and festivals like Chhath Puja.
Al Mamzar Beach -: Al Mamzar Beach is a popular beach in Dubai where people go to relax and enjoy the sea. It is also used for cultural events and celebrations.
Traditional ghats -: Ghats are steps leading down to a river, often used for religious rituals in India. During Chhath Puja, people gather at ghats to offer prayers to the Sun God.
Narayani River -: The Narayani River is a major river in Nepal, where people gather to perform rituals and offer prayers during festivals like Chhath Puja.
Arduous fasting -: Arduous fasting means going without food and sometimes water for a long time, which can be very challenging. During Chhath Puja, devotees fast to show their devotion and seek blessings from the Sun God.