The Purvanchalees residing in LB celebrated Maha Parv Chhath on Saturday, 18 November with great pomp and enthusiasm.
This celebration started at the community level three years back when our residents Abhishek Jha and Nishant Shekhar took the onus of spearheading the arrangements. More and more Purvanchalees showed interest and gradually the celebration became an important community celebration.
Chhath Puja is an elaborate four-day celebration wherein Surya Devta and Chhathi Maiya (Surya Devta’s sister) are worshipped. It involves a fairly long nirjala fast. The devotees make their offerings to Usha (first ray of the Sun) and Pratyusha (last ray of the Sun) while standing in water.
It starts with Nahai Khai in which those observing Chhath take a ceremonial bath in river, get water from there and prepare Kaddu (bottle gourd), Bhaat (rice) along with pulses and other seasonal vegetables.
On the second day is Kharna when devotees fast for the entire day and, in the evening, prepare Kheer which is offered to Surya Devta as prasad.
The third day starts with the preparation of thekua. After arranging all seasonal fruits in bamboo baskets, devotees stand in water to worship Pratyusha and offer the prasad.
The fourth and the final day starts with worshipping Usha and distributing prasad to each and every one.
This year, the Purvanchalees distributed kharna prasad too to everyone on the second day. On the third day, devotees collectively prepared Thekua while singing the Chhathi Maiya folk songs. In the evening, they gathered around the open swimming pool to worship Pratyusha and offer prasad.
Next morning, prayers and Maha Prasad were offered to Usha after which it was distributed by the Lotus Boulevard Chhath Puja Committee to all in LB.
Chhath Pooja is not a mere festival for the Purvanchalees but their identity and pride which they share with all members of this large Lotus Boulevard family!
