Chhath Puja Celebrations Across India
In Gaya, Bihar, and various parts of India, devotees gathered to celebrate the Chhath festival by offering ‘Arghya’ to the rising Sun. This ritual marks the last day of the four-day festival, where parents pray to ‘Chhatti Maiya’ for their children’s protection and family well-being.
Celebrations in Different Cities
Large gatherings were seen in Bihar’s Gaya and Patna, as well as in Ranchi, Bhubaneswar, and Marina Beach in Chennai. In Delhi, devotees offered prayers at a ghat in ITO, while in Noida, they gathered at Sector 21 stadium.
Devotees’ Experience
A devotee at Geeta Colony expressed joy in celebrating the festival with her family. Chhath Puja is a significant event where worshippers fast to thank the Sun God for sustaining life on Earth.
Significance of Chhath Puja
The festival spans four days, starting with Nahay-Khay, a purification day, followed by Kharna, Chhath Puja, and concluding with Usha Arghya. It is mainly celebrated in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, parts of Nepal, and by diaspora communities.
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, as well as in Nepal. It involves rituals like fasting, bathing in rivers, and offering 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 sign of respect and devotion.
Bihar -: Bihar is a state in eastern India, known for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance. It is one of the main regions where Chhath Puja is celebrated with great enthusiasm.
Sun God -: In Hinduism, the Sun God, also known as Surya, is considered a powerful deity who provides light and energy to the world. People worship the Sun God for health, prosperity, and well-being.
Diaspora communities -: Diaspora communities refer to groups of people who have moved from their homeland to other countries. In this context, it means people from Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh living in other parts of the world who also celebrate Chhath Puja.
