BhaktiLoopLord Surya Chhath Festival
Chhath Puja is an ancient and highly revered Hindu festival dedicated to the Sun God, Surya, and Chhathi Maiya (Goddess Usha). It is predominantly celebrated in the Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand, and Eastern Uttar Pradesh, as well as the Terai region of Nepal. The festival spans four days and is known for its rigorous rituals, including holy bathing, strict fasting (Nirjala Vrat - without water for 36 hours), standing in water for extended periods, and offering 'Arghya' (oblations) to the setting and rising sun. It is a powerful expression of gratitude for the life-sustaining energy of the Sun and prayers for the well-being of the family, particularly progeny.
Purpose
To express gratitude to Lord Surya for sustaining life on Earth, granting wishes, and providing health, prosperity, and longevity. Devotees also seek blessings for the well-being and success of their children and family members, and for the purification of body and soul. It is observed for the fulfillment of vows (Mannat) and cleansing of sins.
Key Rituals
Common Offerings
Thekua (a traditional sweet snack made of wheat flour and jaggery/sugar)
Kasar (a dry sweet made from ground rice and jaggery)
Kheer (rice pudding, often made with jaggery)
Seasonal fruits (especially oranges, bananas, apples, grapefruits)
Sugarcane (whole stalks)
Coconuts (whole)
Mitha Paan (sweet betel leaf preparation)
Suthni (a type of yam)
Mooli (radish)
Kumhra (pumpkin)
Diyas (earthen lamps)
Incense sticks (Dhoop)
Sindoor (vermilion)
Ganga Jal (holy Ganges water)
Milk and water (for Arghya)
Bamboo Soop (winnowing basket) and Dalia (basket) to hold offerings
Associated Mantras
Mantra 1
Mantra Text
Om Bhaskaraya Vidmahe, Divakaraya Dhimahi, Tanno Surya Prachodayat.
Meaning
Om, Let me meditate on the son of the Sun, Oh, let me have the intellect to worship the sun, May the Sun God illuminate my mind.
Benefits
This Surya Gayatri Mantra is chanted for wisdom, good health, prosperity, and to receive the divine light and energy of the Sun God. It helps in overcoming obstacles and negative influences.
Mantra 2
Mantra Text
Om Hram Hreem Hroum Sah Suryaya Namah.
Meaning
Salutations to Lord Surya (Sun God). (This is a powerful Bija mantra for Lord Surya).
Benefits
Chanting this mantra is believed to bestow vitality, strength, success, and eradicate diseases. It enhances physical and mental well-being and brings good fortune.
Mantra 3
Mantra Text
Aditya Hrudayam Stotram (Recited in full from a text, beginning with 'Tato Yudha Parishrantam Samare Chintaya Sthitam...').
Meaning
This is a devotional hymn in praise of the Sun God, recited by the sage Agastya to Lord Rama on the battlefield to empower him against Ravana. It glorifies the Sun God as the supreme deity and source of all energy.
Benefits
Recitation of Aditya Hrudayam Stotram is believed to bring strength, courage, victory over adversaries, removes fear, bestows overall prosperity, and ensures success in all endeavors.
Auspicious Days
The festival primarily falls on the 'Shashthi Tithi' (sixth day) of the 'Shukla Paksha' (bright fortnight) of the Hindu lunar month of Kartik (October/November). The four-day festival spans from Kartik Shukla Chaturthi to Saptami.
Regional Variations
While the core rituals and significance of Chhath Puja remain consistent, minor regional variations might exist in the types of folk songs sung ('Chhath Geet'), specific local offerings, or the exact timings of rituals. However, the essence of rigorous fasting and devotion to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya is uniform across Bihar, Jharkhand, Eastern Uttar Pradesh, and Nepal, where the festival is predominantly celebrated.
Related Pujas
Ratha Saptami (a day dedicated to Lord Surya, often celebrated with bathing in holy rivers and offerings)
Makar Sankranti (harvest festival, also linked to the Sun's transit)
Surya Puja (general worship of the Sun God, often performed on Sundays)