Paper: GS – I, Subject: History – Art and Culture, Topic: Religions and Festival, Issue: Chhath Puja.
Context:
Chhath Puja, a revered festival in Bihar, eastern Uttar Pradesh, and Nepal, reflects the deep faith and cultural pride of Purvanchalis. Dedicated to Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya, it embodies purity, gratitude, discipline, and devotion.
Key Takeaways:
About Chhath Puja:
- It is an important Hindu festival celebrated in states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and West Bengal.
- This festival is dedicated to God Surya and his sister Shashti Devi, often referred to as Chhathi Maiya, and it involves religious rituals.
- The most unique feature of this Chhath Puja is that there is no Murti Pujan or Idol Worshipping.
- The festival is celebrated between the months of October and November.
- The Chhath festival begins as the Diwali festival ends.
Origins and Beliefs:
- It is believed to be an ancient tradition rooted in nature worship.
- In the Ramayana, Lord Ram and Goddess Sita fasted and performed a yagna for the Sun after returning victorious to Ayodhya.
- In the Mahabharata, Draupadi observed a fast and prayed to the Sun, while Karna held a ceremony in honor of Surya.
Underlying Message of Chhath:
- The festival conveys the message that all people are equal in the eyes of God and that nature is sacred and should be honored.
- It highlights the cyclical nature of life, where both dusk and dawn are important. The setting Sun represents the promise of a new rise.
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