Chhath an ecofriendly festival

 

Chhath Puja also known as Dala chhath or mahaparv is a four day long festival mainly celebrated in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and jarkhand.

It starts on the 6th day of Karthik after Diwali. It is performed to pay obeisance to the Sun. The devotees pray for prosperity, happiness and longitivity of their near and dear ones. 

The festivities begin with Nahai Khai when devotees prepare traditional food after a dip in the holy water, followed by kharna on the second days.On the last two days people Araghya or prayers to the Sun god.

 The chhath Prasad is prepared under immense supervision.The Chhath Prasad consists of thekua, khir, sweets, sugarcane, banana, orange, Apple, sweet lime. The food prepared for the fasting devotees is cooked without salt and onion.

 Chhath is an Indian Hindu festival, it's existence is well mentioned in the RigVeda. During the Guptas period it attained it's pride at zenith. Chhath is a festival celebrated not only in Bihar and it's adjacent areas but also across the world. People who migrated and settled their lives in different parts of the world also celebrate this festival with great fervour. Rulers of different dynasties patronised this festival. 

Although there is no existence of idol worship  in the both Buddhism and Jainism, both preferred worshipping of the Sun. The name Magadh gained popularity due the devotees of Sun. There are numbers of sun temples built in India. Sun temple at Dev in Aurangabad, Dakshinaarka Sun temple in Gaya and Badgaon and Aungari in Nalanda, which attract a large number of devotees from far and wide. 

Even though Sun worship finds no mention in the Indus valley civilization, the RigVeda has got vivid discription of sun worship. 

Modern youth wonder why is chhath puja the tradition of worshipping the setting and rising sun, so popular in Bihar and adjacent regions. Bihar has rich culture about festival and this festival seems very ecoyfriendly. Before starting day our houses and premises are cleaned. The body postures during Aaragh to Sun are types of Yoga which fits our body and mind strong. Fasting also reduces the lavel of blood pressure and sugar.

This festival also reduces discrimination, casteism and other social evils. People celebrate together and take holy dip in rivers despite their different castes. 

So, this festival is ecofriendly, and great devotion to the Sun which provides light and heat.