Chaiti Chhath Puja 2023

Happy Chaiti Chhath Puja 2023 : Chhath Puja is a Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of the Sun God (Surya Dev) and Chhathi Maiya (known as Usha in the Vedas), who is believed to be the consort of the Sun God. This festival is predominantly celebrated in the Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand, eastern Uttar Pradesh, and some parts of Nepal.

Chaiti chhath puja 2023 date in bihar from Fri, 17 Nov, 2023 – Mon, 20 Nov, 2023

Chhath Puja usually takes place six days after Diwali, in the month of October or November. It is a four-day festival marked by various rituals and customs, and it is known for its rigorous fasting and austerities.

Chhath puja story : Chhath Puja holds significant cultural, religious, and environmental importance, especially in the regions of Bihar, Jharkhand, eastern Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Nepal. Here are some key aspects of the importance of Chhath Puja:

Chhath puja background / chhath puja photo

Here’s a brief overview of the four days of Chhath Puja: Chaiti Chhath Puja 2023

Nahay Khay (Day 1): On the first day, devotees take a holy dip in a river or water body, clean themselves, and then prepare a traditional meal. The meal includes kaddu (pumpkin), gourd, and rice.

Lohanda and Kharna (Day 2): The second day is dedicated to preparing the prasad (offerings) and fasting. Devotees observe a strict fast without water throughout the day and break their fast in the evening after offering kheer (rice pudding), puris (deep-fried bread), and bananas to the setting sun.

Sandhya Arghya (Day 3): On the third day, devotees fast without water and offer arghya (offerings) to the setting sun. The offerings include fruits, sugarcane stalks, and thekua (a traditional wheat-based sweet). After this, they break their day-long fast.

Usha Arghya (Day 4): The final day involves offering arghya to the rising sun early in the morning. Devotees express gratitude for the energy provided by the Sun God and conclude the Chhath Puja rituals.

Community Celebration:

Chhath Puja is a community celebration, and families come together to perform the rituals. The festival fosters a sense of unity and shared devotion among people.

Cultural Significance:

Chhath Puja has deep cultural and historical significance. It is considered one of the most eco-friendly festivals as it involves minimal use of materialistic items, and the rituals are performed in close connection with nature.

Chhath Puja is a time of purity, discipline, and devotion. It is celebrated with enthusiasm, and the rituals involve various customs passed down through generations. The festival not only holds religious importance but also plays a crucial role in maintaining social harmony and ecological balance.

Chhath Puja is unique in its reverence for the Sun God and the rigorous rituals involved. The festival is observed with great devotion, and it is considered a time of purity, spiritual strength, and environmental harmony. The festival holds cultural and historical significance, and it brings communities together in celebration and prayer.

Significance of Chhath Puja

Sun Worship and Life Sustenance: Chhath Puja is primarily a festival dedicated to the worship of the Sun God, Surya. The Sun is considered the source of all energy and life on Earth. By performing rigorous rituals and offering prayers to the Sun, devotees seek blessings for the well-being, prosperity, and longevity of their family members.

Purity and Discipline:

Chhath Puja is associated with strict discipline and purity. Devotees observe a series of rituals that include fasting, taking a holy dip in rivers or water bodies, and standing in water for long durations. The adherence to these rituals is believed to purify the mind and body.

Connection with Nature:

The rituals of Chhath Puja involve a close connection with nature. Devotees perform rituals on riverbanks, ghats, and open spaces. The minimal use of materialistic items in the rituals reflects an eco-friendly aspect of the festival. It emphasizes the harmony between humans and nature.

Cultural Significance:

Chhath Puja is deeply ingrained in the culture of the regions where it is celebrated. The rituals, customs, and traditions associated with the festival have been passed down through generations, contributing to the cultural identity of the communities involved.

Community Bonding:

Chhath Puja is a community celebration where families and communities come together to perform the rituals. The sense of shared devotion and participation fosters unity and social bonding. It strengthens the ties between family members and the community at large.

Historical and Mythological Relevance:

Chhath Puja has historical and mythological roots. It is believed to have originated from the Rigveda, one of the oldest sacred texts of Hinduism. The festival is associated with the story of King Priyavrat, the son of Lord Brahma, and his wife Malini, who observed Chhath Puja for the well-being of their children.

Prayer for Offspring:

Chhath Puja is also associated with the fertility and prosperity of the family. Married women, in particular, often observe the fast and perform the rituals with the hope of having healthy and prosperous offspring.

Harmony and Peace:

Chaiti Chhath Puja 2023 / Chhath Puja promotes a sense of harmony and peace among individuals and communities. The focus on prayer, discipline, and shared rituals contributes to an atmosphere of tranquility and spiritual reflection.

Chhath Puja, with its blend of spirituality, discipline, and environmental consciousness, plays a vital role in the cultural and social fabric of the regions where it is celebrated. It is a unique festival that showcases the deep connection between humans, the divine, and the natural world.

Chhath puja geet / Chhath puja ka gana

Chhath Puja geets, or songs, play a significant role in the celebration of Chhath Puja. These songs are often traditional and have been passed down through generations, contributing to the cultural and festive atmosphere of the occasion. Chhath Puja geets are dedicated to the Sun God and are sung during various rituals of the festival. Here are a few popular Chhath Puja geets:

“Uga Hai Suraj Dev Bhojpuri Chhath Pooja Geet By Anuradha Paudwal”

This is a well-known Chhath Puja geet sung by Anuradha Paudwal. It praises the Sun God and is often played during the morning rituals of Chhath Puja.

“Chhath Puja Ke Geet By Sharda Sinha”

Sharda Sinha, a renowned Bhojpuri singer, has contributed significantly to Chhath Puja music. Her geets are widely popular during the festival. Songs like “Kaanch Hi Baans Ke Bahangiya” and “Hey Chhathi Maiya” are among her notable Chhath Puja geets.

“Kelwa Ke Paat Par By Sharda Sinha”

Another popular Chhath Puja geet by Sharda Sinha, “Kelwa Ke Paat Par,” is often played during the evening rituals of Chhath Puja.

“Chhathi Maiya Ke Geet” by Various Artists

There are several compilation albums featuring Chhath Puja geets by various artists. These albums include a mix of traditional and contemporary songs dedicated to Chhathi Maiya and the Sun God.

“Chhath Pooja Ke Geet” by Manoj Tiwari

Manoj Tiwari, a popular Bhojpuri singer and actor, has also released albums featuring Chhath Puja geets. His renditions are energetic and capture the festive spirit of the occasion.

“Hey Chhathi Maiya” by Anuradha Paudwal

Anuradha Paudwal’s rendition of “Hey Chhathi Maiya” is a soulful Chhath Puja geet that is widely appreciated for its devotional tone.

During Chhath Puja, these geets are played at ghats (riverbanks) and households as devotees perform various rituals. The music adds to the celebratory atmosphere and enhances the spiritual experience of the festival. Many of these songs are available on various music platforms, and you can find them in regional languages such as Bhojpuri and Maithili.

 

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