Amongst the different festivities that herald the cultural context of India, celebrations associated with Chhath Puja too have significantly grown in recent times. The puja that predominantly takes place in northern regions especially in UP, Jharkhand, Bihar and parts of Bengal majorly focuses on worshipping the Sun God “Surya” and its sister “Chhati Maiya”.
The celebration epitomises the gratitude that people feel towards nature’s sustenance and its vibrant connection with humankind. Observed with sheer spiritual discipline, Chhath Puja uniquely observes worship of different natural elements like sunlight, water and earth through a series of rigorous fasting. This symbolises their devotion towards the entire process of puja. The vibrancy of the event spans for over 4 days celebrating rituals of Nahai-Khai(purification),Kharma (fasting), Sandhya Arghya(offering evening prayers to the setting sun).
Photo story: The Bandna Festival
This celebration leads the devotees to gather at rivers, ponds or similar water bodies symbolising their reverence towards nature’s abundance. Women are clad in traditional sarees while holding “soop” which is filled with offerings like fruits, sugarcane and vermillion creating a surreal sight as they stand in knee-deep water offering their prayers.
This surreality leads the entire scene to seem as a scenic beauty through reflecting a very close relationship with humankind and Mother Nature. This celebration leads both the rural and urban areas to resonate with festive enthusiasm through various light decorations across the streets. Beyond its regional boundaries Chhath Puja is celebrated across Indian diaspora worldwide bringing families and different communities together.
The significance is created by fostering a sense of unity and environmental awareness highlighting the festivity as not only a mere celebration, but a reflection of tradition, being an embodiment of cultural heritage, respecting nature while maintaining a better contribution towards the Indian cultural landscape.
