Jai Chhathi Maiya!
Chhath Puja is all about worshipping the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya (the sixth part of nature/ prakriti, sister of Surya Devta). It has its origins in the Dwapar and Treta Yugas. It is believed that Ma Sita first performed Chhath in Munger at the banks of the River Ganges. Munger even has a Ma Sita pad chinha (footprint).
It is also believed that Draupadi performed Chhath Puja during the Pandavas’ exile.
Chhath is an ecofriendly festival because of its focus on natural produce and avoidance of toxic substances. Year after year, climate change and its effects are getting worse. This forces us to get closer to nature.
Chhath Puja is not just about the rituals and celebration but its deep-rooted connection with nature.
Chhath has become a global festival as it is celebrated with the same enthusiasm from Munger to Miami, Noida to Nevada, Ara to Australia, and Ballia to Baltimore. Purvanchalis residing in any part of the world celebrate it, reflecting family unity and community bonding.
The rituals of Chhath Puja are observed over three nights and four days, It includes 36 hours of fasting with Kati Snaan (dipped in water till waist) which has a scientific significance. It is the only festival in the world where devotees pray to both the setting and the rising Sun, seeking blessings for health, prosperity and family well-being.
We Purvanchalis along with other Lotus Boulevard residents celebrated Chhath with much pomp and enthusiasm. Like every year, the prasad – Thekua – was prepared by the ladies’ group for the entire society which is, in itself, exemplary for community bonding.
A committee headed by Nishant Shekhar and Abhishek Jha, with the help of other Purvanchalis, made all the necessary arrangements including getting the swimming pool ready, decorating it, making the prasad, and distributing it on both Kharna (second day) and Usha Arghya (fourth day).
With each passing year, the blessings of Chhathi Maiya are getting bigger and better.
For Purvanchalis, Chhath Puja is not only a festival or gathering; it is linked with their pride and unity. For us, it is our existence and identity.
