Sunlit Reverence: Celebrating Chhath Puja, the Ancient Festival of Devotion
Sunlit Reverence: Celebrating Chhath Puja, the Ancient Festival of Devotion
As dawn breaks over the riverbanks of Bihar and the plains of northern India and Nepal, a beautiful, ancient tradition comes to life – Chhath Puja. This festival honours the Sun God (Surya) and his sister, Chhathi Maiya, embodying themes of purity, gratitude, and resilience. My own memory of this celebration is rich with the piety of my grandmother, who worshipped with unwavering devotion in our village of Malangwa, Nepal. Chhath Puja’s roots, however, go much deeper, woven into the threads of history, mythology, and philosophy.
The Origins and Mythology of Chhath Puja
The origins of Chhath Puja date back to Vedic times, where references to sun worship and offerings to nature deities can be found in sacred texts. Devotees worship Surya, the giver of life and energy, seeking his blessings for health, prosperity, and harmony. Associated with this is the reverence for Chhathi Maiya, believed to be a manifestation of the mother goddess, who blesses families with fertility and well-being.
A popular myth connects Chhath Puja to the Ramayana, where Lord Rama and Sita observed this fast to honour Surya upon their return to Ayodhya. Another tale from the Mahabharata recounts how Draupadi and the Pandavas performed Chhath rituals during their exile, guided by sage Dhaumya. These stories reveal the universal appeal of Chhath Puja, a tradition deeply valued across Hindu communities.
“ॐ ह्रां ह्रीं ह्रौं सः सूर्याय नमः।”
“Om Hraam Hreem Hraum Sah Suryaya Namah.”
This sacred mantra invokes the power of Surya, the Sun, inviting his blessings upon all creation.
Philosophical Insights and Symbolism
Chhath Puja, spanning four days, is a journey of self-discipline and humility. Fasting, standing in water for hours, and offering prayers are acts of devotion and exercises in self-control. This festival emphasises the connection between humanity and nature, encouraging gratitude for the elemental forces. It reminds us to stay grounded, maintain purity in heart and action, and live in harmony with others and the world around us.
The Sun God is worshipped not only as a deity but also as the embodiment of cosmic energy, while Chhathi Maiya represents the nurturing aspect of the universe. This balance of strength and tenderness is a central theme in Hindu philosophy, beautifully highlighted in Chhath Puja’s rituals.
Rituals of Chhath Puja
The four days of Chhath Puja are a blend of devotion and symbolism:
1. Nahaye Khaye – the first day involves cleansing and purification.
2. Kharna – on the second day, devotees fast and prepare a prasad of kheer.
3. Sandhya Arghya – the third day is marked by the offering of ‘arghya’ (obeisance) to the setting sun.
4. Usha Arghya – on the fourth day, worshippers offer prayers to the rising sun, symbolising hope, rejuvenation, and divine light.
These offerings are accompanied by Maithili folk songs dedicated to Chhathi Maiya. One of the songs from my childhood goes:
“काँच ही बाँस के बहंगिया, बहँगी लचकत जाए।”
“In the soft bamboo basket, the offerings sway as they go.”
The lines capture the devotion and endurance that mark Chhath Puja, a testament to the spirit of the devotees as they carry their offerings to the riverbanks.
My Childhood Memory: Chhath Puja in Malangwa
My memories of Chhath Puja take me back to the crisp mornings of Malangwa, Nepal, where my grandmother’s faith shone with quiet strength. Each year, she would rise early, preparing for days to observe this sacred ritual. Cleaning every corner of the house, collecting fresh fruits, and cooking delicacies that she carefully placed for the offerings, she embodied the very spirit of devotion. She would fast without food or water, unwavering in her dedication, singing traditional songs in Maithili with a voice filled with strength and beauty.
As children, we eagerly followed her to the riverbank, watching in awe as dozens of devotees stood in knee-deep water, hands raised to the sky. The river mirrored the serene glow of the rising sun, and we felt an inexplicable peace, captivated by the solemnity of that moment. Her prayer, though simple, held the immense power of her faith:
“आदित्याय च सोमाय मंगलाय बुधाय च।”
“To Aditya, Soma, Mangal, and Budha, we offer our salutations.”
These words, resonating with the morning light over the water, still linger in my mind, stirring a feeling of connection to something far greater than ourselves.
Company Songs in Maithili
Adding to the beauty of Chhath Puja are traditional company songs that resonate with the values of unity, dedication, and shared prosperity. These songs not only enhance the spirit of the festival but also bring the community closer together.
Song 1: Committed to Progress
“संग चलू अहाँक संग हम सब, जतेक हो संघर्ष,
मिले अपन रहल अचल, प्रगति रहए हर दिवस।”
Meaning: Together, we all walk forward, no matter the struggles,
With unity unbroken, may each day bring growth and progress.
“जोश सँ भरल, मेहनति सँ गरल, सभक पथ में राउर संग,
सपना बनल अछि हकार, ओहो पथ सँ सबध होइत अनंतक संग।”
Meaning: Filled with energy, fueled by hard work, standing with each on the way,
Dreams turn into realities, as our journey together connects us to endless possibilities.
Song 2: Unity in Action
“धन्य अहाँक साथ, काजक हमर जिनगी,
सजग हौं काज करबाक उत्साह सँ मन मस्तिष्क।”
Meaning: Blessed with your company, our work defines us,
Alert in mind, motivated in heart, eager for each task ahead.
“प्रसन्न रहए सबहक दिन, लहर भरल उद्यम सँ,
मिल जुल क’ रखब लक्ष्य, बनब दुआरी भविष्यक सपना सँ।”
Meaning: May each day be joyful, waves of effort fill our way,
Together we pursue our goal, paving the doorway to dreams of tomorrow.
A Festival of Faith and Harmony
Chhath Puja is not only a celebration of nature but a time for families and communities to come together in shared faith and devotion. Each year, as Bihar and neighbouring regions celebrate this festival, I am reminded of my grandmother’s enduring faith, her reverent prayers, and the power of traditions that bind us to our heritage. Chhath Puja offers a timeless message of hope, devotion, and unity, embodying the strength of our bonds with each other and the world around us.
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