Common questions about IAS, our mission, and how you can be part of this spiritual movement.
Surya Dev (the Sun God) is connected to both the Mahabharata and the Ramayana through important characters and stories.
- Mahabharata: Surya Dev is the divine father of Karna. Goddess Kunti invoked him using a sacred mantra, and Karna was born with divine armour and earrings.
- Ramayana: Lord Rama belongs to the Ikshvaku dynasty, also known as the Solar Dynasty (Suryavansha). Sage Agastya also teaches Rama the Aditya Hridayam, a hymn praising Surya Dev, before the battle with Ravana.
Chhath Puja has become an important part of Bihar’s culture because it is an ancient festival dedicated to Surya Dev (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya.
- Ancient tradition: It reflects the worship of the Sun as the source of life and energy.
- Folk beliefs: Stories associated with the Mahabharata, including Karna’s worship of the Sun, are often linked to the festival.
- Nature worship: Devotees offer arghya to the setting and rising Sun and worship near rivers and ponds.
- Family and community: Families come together to prepare thekua, offer fruits, and observe fasting.
- Cultural identity: Traditions passed down through generations have made Chhath a symbol of Bihar’s faith, unity, and heritage.
Chhath Puja is celebrated about 6 days after Diwali (Kali Puja).
It begins on the sixth day of the Hindu lunar month of Kartik, which is why it is called Chhath Puja.
Chhath Puja and Kali Puja are both Hindu festivals celebrated around the same period, usually in the month of Kartik.
- Kali Puja: Dedicated to Goddess Kali, it is celebrated mainly on the new-moon night of Diwali.
- Chhath Puja: Dedicated to Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya, it is generally celebrated about six days after Diwali.
- Connection: Both festivals occur during the festive season and reflect devotion, faith, and the seeking of divine blessings.
Chhath Puja is directly connected to Surya Dev (the Sun God) because devotees worship him as the source of life, energy, health, and prosperity.
- Sun worship: Devotees offer arghya (water) to the setting Sun and the rising Sun.
- Connection with Kali Puja: Kali Puja is celebrated around Diwali, while Chhath Puja follows about six days later.
- Spiritual significance: Devotees pray to Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya for the well-being, happiness, and long life of their families.
Chhath Puja is connected to Surya Dev because the Sun God is the main deity worshipped during the festival.
- Sun worship: Devotees offer Arghya to the setting and rising Sun.
- Life and energy: Surya Dev is believed to provide health, prosperity, and life.
- Religious belief: Devotees pray to Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya for their family's happiness and well-being.