What to do if the 36-hour water-free fast of Chhath is accidentally broken?

News India Live, Digital Desk: Chhath Mahaparva is considered to be the biggest festival of faith and penance. In this, people observing fast remain without eating or drinking anything (anirjala) for about 36 hours. This fast is very difficult and its rules are equally strict. In such a situation, many times the fear of breaking the fast remains in the mind unknowingly or due to some health problem. The question arises that if for some reason the fast is broken by mistake, then what should be done in such a situation?

Will the puja be considered incomplete?

First of all, it is important to understand that the fast of Chhath is completely based on devotion and devotion. If you have committed a mistake unknowingly or have had to consume something due to poor health, then do not bring any sense of guilt in your mind. Chhath Maiya and Surya Dev see the feelings of the mind.

If your fast is broken then take these measures:

According to the scriptures and pundits, if for some reason your fast is broken, there is no need to panic. Some measures have been suggested for this:

1. Ask for forgiveness from Chhath Maiya: First of all, with folded hands, sincerely apologize to Chhathi Maiya and Sun God for your mistake. Tell them that this mistake happened unknowingly on your part and there is no lack in your faith.
2. Continue the puja: Breaking the fast does not mean that you should stop worshipping. You should perform the remaining puja rituals like evening arghya and morning arghya in the same manner as you had resolved. Do not leave the puja incomplete.
3. Do charity: As an atonement for your mistake, you can donate food, clothes or money as per your capacity to a needy Brahmin or poor person. It is considered a very effective solution.
4. Take bath in Ganga: If possible, after the puja is over, take a bath in a holy river, especially the Ganga river. It is believed that this forgives all mistakes.
5. Consult Pandit: The rules of every family and area may be slightly different. Therefore, it would be better if you take advice from the elders of your house or any knowledgeable Pandit and do penance as per their advice.

Remember, your intention and devotion are most important in Chhath Puja. If your heart is true, then Chhath Maiya forgives your every mistake.