In the heart of India’s festive season, when lamps light up homes and faith fills the air, comes a celebration that feels older than time itself, Chhath Puja. It is not just a ritual or a festival; it is a heartfelt conversation between humans and nature. For centuries, people have stood by rivers and ponds, praying to the Sun God, thanking him for light, life, and hope. What makes Chhath truly special is how deeply it connects to India’s ancient epics the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.
A journey back to the epics
The story of Chhath Puja begins thousands of years ago. In the Ramayana, when Lord Rama and Sita returned to Ayodhya after their long exile, Sita is said to have observed a fast and offered prayers to the setting and rising Sun. It was her way of expressing gratitude and seeking blessings for her family’s happiness. Many believe this moment gave birth to the tradition of Chhath, a ritual of purity, gratitude, and devotion.
The Mahabharata too carries its own connection. Karna, the son of the Sun God, was known for his unshakeable faith and strength. Every morning, he would stand in the river, offering water and prayers to his divine father. His deep devotion and discipline mirror the essence of Chhath, where devotees stand in water at sunrise and sunset, offering their prayers in silence and surrender.
The deeper meaning of worship
Chhath Puja is unique. There are no idols, no priests, and no grand temples. The worship happens under the open sky, with the river as witness and the Sun as the centre of devotion. The rituals are simple but filled with meaning. Devotees fast, stand in water, and offer fruits, sugarcane, and thekua all symbols of purity and gratitude.
The science behind this ancient worship is remarkable. Sunlight during dawn and dusk is known to have healing and calming effects. Our ancestors understood this and turned it into a spiritual practice. By facing the Sun, fasting, and purifying the mind, the devotees align themselves with nature’s rhythm balancing body, soul, and spirit.
A celebration of unity and strength
Chhath Puja is not just a ritual; it is an emotion shared by millions. The four days of fasting, preparation, and prayer bring families and communities together. From the poorest villager to the richest household, everyone stands together on the same riverbank. The sight of women singing ancient songs, holding baskets of offerings, as the golden Sun sets over calm waters, is truly breathtaking.
The festival also speaks of women’s strength. Most Vratis (devotees) are women who observe the fasts with extraordinary discipline and faith. They pray not only for their families but for the well-being of all.
Keeping an ancient promise alive
Even today, wherever people from Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, or Jharkhand go, be it Delhi, Mumbai, or even abroad, Chhath travels with them. In small ponds, rooftops, or artificial water tanks, the same songs echo, and the same faith shines.
Chhath Puja reminds us that the bond between humans and nature is sacred. It tells us that gratitude is timeless and that the light of the Sun like our faith never fades. As ancient as the epics themselves, this festival continues to shine with the same purity, warmth, and devotion.
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