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The four-day Chhath festival is starting from today. Many people have faith in Chhath festival. However, Chhath Mahaparva is celebrated with importance in Bihar, Jharkhand and Eastern Uttar Pradesh. There is a tradition of worshiping Sun God and Chhathi Maiya in this festival. Women observe Chhath fast for the long life and happiness and prosperity of their children. This year this great festival will be celebrated from 5th November to 7th November. It will start with Nahay-Khay on 5th November.
Why is Chhath festival celebrated?
According to the scriptures, in the month of Kartak, the Sun is in the lower zodiac sign, hence special worship is done to the Sun God. So that health related problems do not bother you. Shashthi tithi is related to the age of the child, hence worshiping Sun God and Shashthi protects the birth and longevity of the child. On the sixth day after the birth of the child, Chhathi Maiya writes the fate with the creator, which determines how the life of the child will be. Bathing and eating on the first day of Chhath festival is a ritual, devotees follow this process to purify their body and mind. This day mainly emphasizes on purity and simple food.
Importance of bathing and food
On the first day of Chhath, one should take bath early in the morning in a holy river, pond or at home. Mix a little Ganga water in water and consume it. After bathing, the entire house, especially the kitchen, is cleaned. The kitchen is kept clean and pure. After this the devotees take a pledge to follow the rules of Chhath Puja.
On the day of Nahay-Khay, the fasting people eat only simple Satvik food.
On the day of Nahay-Khay, the fasting people eat only simple Satvik food. Usually made with rice, gram dal and pumpkin curry. Garlic, onion or any kind of spices are not used in the food. The food is cooked in earthen or bronze pots and there is a tradition of cooking it on wood or cow dung. The fasting person consumes it with purity and only after that other members of the family take food.
kharna next day
The second day is called “Lohanda-Kharna”. On this day people keep fast and consume kheer in the evening. Kheer is made from sugarcane juice. Salt or sugar is not used in this.
Arghya is offered to the setting sun on the third day
After fasting on the third day of Chhath festival, Arghya is offered to the setting sun. Along with this, special dish “Thekuva” and seasonal fruits are served. Agrhya is offered with milk and water.
Salute the rising sun on the fourth day
On the fourth day, the final Arghya is offered to the rising sun. After this, the fast is concluded by consuming raw milk and Prasad.