The story of Chhath Puja that you never heard, after all who observed the first fast?:

News India Live, Digital Desk: Mythological Stories : Festival of Chhath Puja! As soon as we come, the mind is filled with a different kind of purity and devotion, especially when we talk about Sun God and Chhathi Maiya. It has become a big and faith-filled festival not only of Bihar or Purvanchal, but of the entire country and even of Indians living abroad. But have you ever wondered how such an old and sacred Chhath Puja started, or who first observed this difficult fast? It has very deep roots in the pages of history and mythology.

If we examine the Hindu scriptures, then Chhath Vrat appears to be related to the Mahabharata period. It is said that Karna, the ‘son of the Sun’ of Mahabharata, was the first to worship the Sun God. We all know Karna, he was a charitable person and was also famous for his invincible armor and earrings. It is told in his story that he used to stand waist-deep in water every day and offer prayers to the Sun. It is believed that on the basis of this worship of Sun, he got amazing power and brilliance. So, this is a very old and strong basis for linking Chhath Puja with the worship of Sun.

Another story is related to Draupadi. When the Pandavas were in exile after losing their kingdom, Draupadi worshiped the Sun God. It is believed that by the grace of Sun, Draupadi got Akshaya Patra, from which food never ran out. On the basis of this he fed food to all the sages, saints and Pandavas. So, Draupadi also resorted to this harsh penance for the happiness, prosperity and welfare of her family. In this way, Chhath Puja is not just a fast to fulfill one’s wishes, but it is a great festival kept for the happiness, prosperity and good health of one’s family.

Apart from this, there is another belief that when Lord Ram returned to Ayodhya after killing Ravana, he and Mother Sita worshiped ‘Chhathi Maiya’. The motive behind this was that they should be free from sins and could live a pure and pious life. In Chhath Puja, along with Sun God, Chhathi Maiya is also worshipped, who is considered to be the source of children and health.

This festival is not limited to rituals only, rather it teaches us to connect with nature. By offering Arghya to both the rising and setting sun, we learn to respect each stage of life, whether it is the beginning or the end. This is the beauty of Chhath Puja and its biggest message.