Why Chhath Puja is celebrated?
Chhath Puja is a Hindu festival that is celebrated to thank the Sun God, Surya, for sustaining life on earth. The festival also involves worshiping Chhathi Maiya, the sister of the Sun God.
The festival is celebrated for four days. The rituals include: Nahay Khay, Kharna, Sandhya Arghya, Usha Arghya.
The festival involves:
- A long fast without water
- Making offerings to Usha and Pratyusha, the light of the rising and setting Sun
- Singing songs
- Celebrating with color in clothing, food, and surroundings
Chhath Puja is a four-day elaborate celebration in honour of the Sun, which involves a long fast without water, and making offerings to Usha and Pratyusha, the light of the rising and the setting Sun, while standing in a water body.
WHY DO MOSTLY BIHAR CELEBRATED?
Chhath Puja is celebrated in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Nepal. It’s a major festival in Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh.
The festival has a special place in the hearts of Purvanchalis. It’s a time when Bihari migrants return home to experience their culture and homeland.
What is the scientific reason for Chhath Puja?
Chhath Puja is also considered a conscious photoenergization process. The fasting and other rituals purify the body. The devotees stand in water up to their navels, which is said to rejuvenate the nervous system.
Chhath Puja is also said to have the following health benefits:
- Vitamin D absorption: The puja is performed during sunrise and sunset, when the sun emits the most vitamin D.
- Detoxification: The puja is said to detoxify the body.
- Mental health: The puja is said to remove negative energies and regulate the flow of prana, which controls negative emotions.