Chhath Puja is an ancient festival that celebrates the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya.
This year, the beloved festival of Chhath will be celebrated from November 5, 2024, to November 8, 2024. In fact, devotees are looking forward to observing the day with great pomp and show. However, do you know that the festival of Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh is dedicated to Lord Sun and Chhathi Maiya? It is also not celebrated in India but also in Nepal (Tarai region), and has a deep cultural, religious, and historical significance. Interestingly, there are several legends and myths associated with Chhath Puja. Let’s explore 4 of them:
It is believed that the son of the sun and Kunti Karna used to offer water (arghya) and prayer to lord sun each day. Karna, the tragic hero of the Mahabharata, was an exceptional warrior and he showed impeccable strength. Since he was a dedicated worshipper of the Sun God, it was the Sun God who bestowed upon him unparalleled powers, and gave him the courage for the epic battle of Mahabharata. Hence, there is a tradition of offering arghya to the setting and rising sun during Chhath Puja, just like Karna's practice.
As per a story from Ramayana, Lord Rama and his wife Sita observed a fast after they returned to Ayodhya post their 14-year exile and defeated Ravana. The two offered prayers to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya, and thanked Surya for his blessings in their journey. It is said that they offered arghya to the setting sun on the sixth day of the Hindu month of Kartika, and now it coincides with the rituals of Chhath Puja. Hence, people now celebrate the festival and offer prayer for well-being.
According to a legend in the Mahabharata, Draupadi and the Pandavas did Chhath puja as well. During their exile, Draupadi, the wife of the five Pandavas, kept fasts and worshipped the Sun God on the advice of sage Dhaumya. She used to perform the Chhath Puja rituals for the return of their lost kingdom. Finally, her prayers to the Sun God were answered, and the Pandavas finally regained their kingdom, and made a return to Hastinapur after exile. This legend highlights the power of devotion to the Sun God.
It is said that in ancient times, the rituals of the festivals were performed by brahmins and rishis (priests and sages). They used to rigorously fast in order to attain spiritual enlightenment, such as standing in water for long periods and staying away from food and water. Over time, devotees started seeking blessings from the Sun God for good health, and protection from diseases.
Nonetheless, Chhath puja is more than just a festival, and is a celebration of the life-giving powers of the Sun.
