Key Elements of Chhath Puja

 

🌿 Key Elements of Chhath Puja

1. Worship of the Sun God (Surya Dev):
   The central element of Chhath Puja is the worship of the Sun God and his consort, Chhathi Maiya. Devotees offer arghya (water offerings) to both the setting and rising sun, symbolizing gratitude and reverence for the life-giving energy of the sun.

2. Purity and Cleanliness:
   Devotees maintain complete purity during the festival — from preparing food to performing rituals. The environment and the water bodies used for worship are cleaned beforehand, reflecting respect for nature.

3. Four-Day Rituals:
   The festival is observed over four days — Nahay Khay, Kharna, Sandhya Arghya, and Usha Arghya — each having its own religious and symbolic meaning.

4. Fasting and Self-Control:
   Observers, especially women called Parvaitin, maintain strict fasting — including a 36-hour fast without water — to express devotion and self-discipline.

5. Arghya Offering:
   Devotees stand in rivers or ponds and offer arghya to the sun at sunset and sunrise, accompanied by prayers and devotional songs.

6. Prasad (Offerings):
   Offerings include Thekua (a sweet made of wheat flour and jaggery), fruits, sugarcane, and coconut — all pure and naturally produced items symbolizing simplicity and devotion.

7. Eco-Friendly Practices:
   Chhath Puja is unique for its environmental consciousness — no artificial decorations or non-biodegradable materials are used. All rituals are performed with natural and organic items.

8. Community Participation:
   The festival brings communities together at riverbanks and ghats, where collective prayers and songs create an atmosphere of unity, faith, and spiritual harmony.