Starting today, Chhath Puja celebration span across four days to seek Sun god’s blessings for prosperity.
Also known as ‘Surya Shashti’, ‘Chhathi’, ‘Chhath Parv’, ‘Dala Puja’, ‘Pratihar’ and ‘Dala Chhath’, Chhath Puja is dedicated to the Sun God or Surya Bhagavan and the God of energy and the life-force. In this article, we will discuss about interesting facts about Chhath Puja rituals which are backed by science.
Chhath Puja rituals begin on the sixth day of Hindu calendar month, Kartika. In the early morning, women in Bihar, Jharkhand and Eastern Uttar Pradesh in India and Nepal gather a river to offer their prayers and observe a rigorous fast during the Chhath.
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On the first day of Chhath, which is known as Naha Kha or Nahaye Khaye, devotees do not eat anything before taking a bath, after which they cook chane ki daal, kheer, kaddu ki sabzi, and so on. On the second day, known as ‘Kharna’, worshippers fast till the end of the puja and offer jaggery-laden kheer and puris to the God. The third day is called Chhath or Pehla Arghya, which is also considered as the toughest day as women observe complete fasting. They don't even consume water. On the fourth day morning, which is called Doosra Arghya, devotees break the fasting and offer prayers.
Rituals performed during puja is always associated with logic, some modern research has proved that also. Let's understand how Chhath Puja rituals help your body scientifically.
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Impact of Sunlight on Body: As per some research reports, human body gets rid of toxic elements after being exposed to sun and early morning bathing. The flow of solar bio-electricity improves overall functionality of the human body.
Improving Immunity: Chhath Puja is celebrated in month of November mostly, which marks the beginning of winter season in India. Majority of Indians suffer from allergy, cough and cold during this time. Early rise, performing fasting and exposing body to sunlight promote detoxification in the body. This eliminates toxins and microorganisms from the body improving immunity.
Enhanced Concentration: Performing the rituals need concentration, which rejuvenates nervous system. As a result, a person achieves calm mind as well as good health.
Improved Bone Health: Over 75% of Indians suffer from Vitamin D deficiency. Following Chhath Puja rituals can surely boost your Vitamin D level without much effort. As you are exposed to sunlight in the early morning, when the intensity is a bit low, you get sufficient amount of Vitamin D.
Vitamin D is useful in absorbing calcium from the food. Meanwhile, food items and fruits offered during Chhath Puja are high in calcium (such as jaggery, pumpkin, orange, guava, and sugarcane, and so on).
As per yogic philosophy, the physical bodies of all the living entities are a huge source of energy channels. The sunlight ultimately enhances the functionality of soul and mind. The Chhath puja prepares us for that physical and mental conditions where absorption and conduction of this solar-bio-electricity reaches optimal value.
With roots in Mahabharata as well as Ramayana, Chhath Puja surely has several health benefits.
