As the setting sun is worshipped, millions of people gather at the banks of the Ganga Ghat for the annual celebration of Chhath Puja. While it is traditionally celebrated in the Kartik month, some regions in India also observe the festival during Chaitra. Chhath Puja involves strict rituals and fasting for four days to express gratitude to Lord Surya for sustaining life on Earth. The festival is predominantly celebrated in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Nepal, as well as by diaspora communities from these regions.
Chhath Puja: An Ancient Hindu Festival Celebrating the Sun
Chhath Puja is an ancient Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of Lord Surya, the Sun God. Celebrated primarily in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Nepal, the festival honors the life-sustaining power of the sun and expresses gratitude for its blessings.
Origins and Significance
The origins of Chhath Puja can be traced back to the Vedic period. The Rig Veda, the oldest Hindu scripture, contains hymns dedicated to Surya. In ancient times, the festival was primarily observed by farmers and agricultural communities who relied heavily on the sun for their livelihood.
Chhath Puja is believed to have been first mentioned in the Skanda Purana, a Hindu mythological text. According to legend, Lord Rama performed this ritual after defeating the demon king Ravana. The festival is also associated with the story of Karna, a warrior from the epic Mahabharata, who was believed to be born from the Sun God.
Rituals and Celebrations
Chhath Puja involves a series of strict rituals and fasting for four days. The rituals begin with a ritual bath in the Ganga River. Devotees then offer prayers and make offerings of prasad (food offerings) to the rising and setting sun.
The most important ritual of Chhath Puja is the arghya, an offering made to the sun at both sunrise and sunset. The arghya consists of water, milk, honey, and other sacred substances. Devotees stand waist-deep in the river or on river banks and offer the arghya to the rising or setting sun.
Top 5 FAQs on Chhath Puja
1. When is Chhath Puja celebrated? Chhath Puja is typically celebrated in the Kartik month of the Hindu calendar, which usually falls in October or November. In some regions, it is also observed during the Chaitra month (March or April).
2. Who celebrates Chhath Puja? Chhath Puja is predominantly celebrated in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Nepal, as well as by diaspora communities from these regions.
3. What are the main rituals of Chhath Puja? The main rituals of Chhath Puja include ritual bathing, fasting, and offering arghya (water offerings) to the rising and setting sun.
4. What is the significance of the arghya offering? The arghya offering symbolizes gratitude to the Sun God for sustaining life on Earth and for providing warmth and nourishment.
5. What is the importance of fasting during Chhath Puja? Fasting during Chhath Puja is considered a purifying practice that helps prepare devotees for the festival rituals and allows them to focus their minds on devotion.
Just days before the festival of lights, Delhi-NCR was brought to a standstill as severe traffic congestion struck the region. The festive rush, combined with ongoing roadwork and market zones bustling with Diwali shoppers, resulted in major delays and gridlock across the city. In response, the Delhi Traffic Police issued a strong advisory and took several measures to handle the traffic overload and prioritize safety. As the weekend and Diwali shopping continue, commuters are reminded to plan their journeys carefully to avoid getting stuck in the chaos.
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Diwali, the festival of lights, celebrates good over evil and the victory of light over darkness. This year, Diwali falls on October 20, with Lakshmi Puja being the main ritual dedicated to Maa Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. The Amavasya Tithi, which marks the new moon, is considered the most auspicious time for the Puja and falls between 3.44 pm on October 20 and 5.54 pm on October 21. Diwali is celebrated across India and in many countries with Indian-origin communities, with families coming together to light diyas, offer prayers, and prepare sweets and offerings for the goddess. Different cities have their own auspicious timings for the Puja, with Delhi's Pradosh Kaal being the most significant.
Union minister Nitin Gadkari faced accusations of conflict of interest from the ethanol blending policy, with allegations that his sons' company was benefiting financially. However, Gadkari has vehemently denied these claims, stating that the production of ethanol only accounted for less than 0.5% of his sons' company's supply. He adds that his efforts to promote alternative, cleaner fuels are to address the country's high fuel import costs and reduce pollution. The minister also criticizes the Congress' claims, calling them baseless and an attempt to discredit the government's policies.
A devoted fan of the Loch Ness Monster, Eoin O Faodhagain, has captured footage of a potential sighting on the Visit Inverness Loch Ness webcam. The video shows what appears to be a long, anaconda-like neck emerging from the water, which Mr O Faodhagain describes as being "thick as a man's thigh". This isn't the first time he has spotted something unusual on the webcam, as he claims a recent sighting is very similar to one he had earlier this year. He also shared pictures from a September sighting that showed two humps in the water.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 31,000 for its employees for Diwali. This applies to all eligible BMC officers, teachers, and staff of private primary and secondary schools, as well as shikshan sevaks and employees of teacher training institutes. In addition, community health volunteers will receive a special gift of Rs 14,000 and kindergarten teachers and helpers will receive Rs 5,000. Maharashtra's Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Ministers have also extended Diwali greetings to all BMC officers and employees.
A 15-year-old boy tragically died after being electrocuted at a parking area designated for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's public meeting in Kurnool district. The boy was carrying an iron pipe to use as a flagpole, which accidentally touched a high-tension power line, leading to his death. The incident occurred just before the PM's meeting and police have registered a case. This news was first reported by the auto-generated syndicate wire service and no changes have been made to the original report.
A private bus traveling from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur caught fire, resulting in the death of 19 people. The Chief Minister has expressed grief and ordered for assistance to be provided to the victims and injured. The cause of the fire is believed to be a short circuit. Helpline numbers have been released and the army has been deployed at the scene.
A devastating accident occurred on the Jaisalmer-Jodhpur Highway in Rajasthan when an AC sleeper bus caught fire. Witnesses recounted the horrifying scene of passengers jumping out of the moving bus to escape the flames. The bus, carrying 57 passengers, was turned to ashes and officials fear that the death toll may exceed 15. Relief efforts are ongoing, with ambulance services creating a green corridor to quickly transport the injured to advanced treatment facilities.
In the wake of recent floods, the Jain community in Mumbai came together to donate ₹1.38 crore to 141 gaushalas in Maharashtra. The donations, totaling ₹50,000 per gaushala, will be used for purchasing fodder and supplies for the cattle. The community also launched a new animal ambulance and organized a Jivdaya Mahotsav to promote compassion for all living beings. Prominent guests and donors, including Shaina N C and Girishbhai Shah, were in attendance at the event.