Common questions about IAS, our mission, and how you can be part of this spiritual movement.
Chhath Puja is a Hindu festival dedicated to Surya (the Sun god) and Chhathi Maiya. It is especially popular in Bihar, Jharkhand, eastern Uttar Pradesh, and Nepal's Terai region.
☀️ What makes Chhath Puja special?
- Worship of both the setting and rising Sun: Devotees offer arghya at sunset and sunrise.
- Strict fasting: Many devotees observe a demanding fast as an expression of faith and discipline.
- Natural offerings: Fruits, sugarcane, thekua, and other traditional foods are offered.
- Cleanliness and purity: Preparing the home, food, and offerings carefully is an important part of the ritual.
- Family and community: People gather at rivers, ponds, and other water bodies to pray for health, prosperity, and family well-being.
- Connection with nature: The festival expresses gratitude for sunlight, water, and the natural world.
Chhath Puja is a Hindu festival dedicated to Surya (the Sun god) and Chhathi Maiya.
- Story: Popular traditions connect Chhath with Karna, the son of Surya, and stories of Draupadi's devotion.
- Importance: Devotees pray for health, prosperity, and family well-being.
- Ritual: They offer arghya to the setting and rising Sun.
- Symbolism: It represents gratitude to nature, faith, purity, and discipline.
The main worshippers of Chhath Puja are called Vratis (व्रती).
Meaning: Vratis are devotees who observe the fast and perform Chhath Puja rituals to worship Surya (the Sun god) and Chhathi Maiya. 🙏☀️
The Arya tradition can refer to the ancient Vedic tradition associated with the Aryas, who followed Vedic religious practices and sacred texts.
- Meaning: Arya is a Sanskrit word meaning noble or honorable.
- Beliefs: The Vedic tradition emphasizes sacred hymns, rituals, and cosmic order.
- Sun worship: Vedic hymns praise solar deities such as Surya and Savitr.
- Modern connection: The Arya Samaj, founded by Swami Dayanand Saraswati in 1875, promotes the authority of the Vedas and reform of Hindu religious practices.
Maithil women traditionally wear the Mithila-style saree, often associated with the cultural identity and heritage of the Mithila region of Bihar and Nepal.
- Saree: Traditional sarees, including cotton and silk varieties, are worn during festivals and ceremonies.
- Red and yellow colours: Often associated with auspicious occasions and marriage rituals.
- Lahathi (लहठी): Traditional bangles, especially associated with married women.
- Sindoor (सिंदूर): A symbol of marriage in many Hindu Maithil communities.
- Traditional jewellery: Such as earrings, necklaces, and nose rings, depending on local and family customs.
The Sup (सूप) in Chhath Puja is used to hold fruits, Thekua, and other offerings for the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya. It symbolizes purity, devotion, and gratitude. It is an important part of offering Arghya to the rising and setting Sun.