Patna (Bihar) [India]October 29 (ANI): On the second day of Chhath Puja 2022, ‘Parvaitin’ (those who observe fast) cook bread and rice pudding on this day and serve it as bhog to ‘Chandradevata’ (moon god).
A local devotee told ANI, “I had come specially for Chhath Puja from Chhattisgarh. There is something different in the way the festival is celebrated in Bihar and it feels very special.”
Talking about the ritual of Kharna, a devotee said, “On this day we first worship and take a holy dip in the river Ganges and rub our hands and feet with sand and we offer prayers to the Lord. I cook kheer and roti. I have been celebrating this festival since last 14 years and every year the management gets better.
Soon after Diwali, people start preparing for Chhath Puja especially ‘Purvanchali’. This ancient Hindu Vedic festival is mainly celebrated in Bihar, Jharkhand and eastern Uttar Pradesh in India and Nepal.
Also known as Surya Shashthi, Chhath, Mahaparva, Chhath Parva, Dala Puja, Pratihara and Dala Chhath, the four-day festival is dedicated to the deity Surya and Shashti Devi. As part of the ritual, women observe a fast for the well being of their sons and the happiness of their families. They also offer Arghya to Lord Surya and Chhathi Maiya.
The four-day festival began on 28 October, which was a Friday, the main day of worship and the last day is being celebrated on 31 October, which falls on a Monday. Each day, people observe Chhath and follow rigorous rituals. According to the Drik Panchang, sunrise on Chhath Puja will be at 06:43 in the morning and sunset at 06:03 in the evening. Shashthi Tithi will start from 05:49 am on 30th October and will end on 31st October at 03:27 am.
The main objective of Chhath Puja is to help the Vratis to attain mental and spiritual purity. It is believed that exposure to sunlight cures various diseases and conditions. Taking a dip in the holy river also has some medicinal benefits. The festival requires maintaining utmost ritualistic purity.
On the third main day of Chhath Puja, fasting is observed for the whole day without water. The main ritual of the day is to offer Arghya to the setting sun. Dashari Arghya is offered to the rising sun on the fourth and last day of Chhath and it is known as Usha Arghya. The 36-hour fast is broken after offering Arghya to the Sun. (ANI)
This report is automatically generated from ANI news service. ThePrint assumes no responsibility for its contents.