Men can also observe Chhath fast, know which Maharathi had observed the fast during the Mahabharata period.

Chhat Puja: Chhath festival has started with Nahay-Khay. Today is the second day of Chhath Puja i.e. Kharna. This festival dedicated to Chhathi Maiya starts every year from the Chaturthi date of Shukla Paksha of Kartik month and continues for 4 days. This festival is celebrated with great pomp and joy for four days in different parts of the country including Bihar.

During Chhath Puja, devotees observe a waterless fast for 36 hours. This fast is observed for the attainment of a child, long life of the child and happiness and prosperity of the family. This fast is as difficult as its rules. But very few people know that not only women but also men keep the fast of Chhath. So let’s know about this.

Men can also celebrate Chhath Puja

According to Hindu scriptures, men can observe Chhath fast along with women. Women get the same results from the effect of this fast as men get from observing the fast. By observing Chhath fast, every wish of men is fulfilled. There is happiness in the family.

Karna had observed Chhath fast during the Mahabharata period.

According to historians, during the Mahabharata period, Surya’s son Karna also observed the fast of Chhath. This made him powerful. Every day, Karna used to stand waist deep in water and worship Lord Surya and offer water to him.

After this, Karna also gave donations to the needy. Those observing Chhath fast should keep in mind that after the fast, Prasad should be distributed to everyone. Apart from this, donating to the needy is considered auspicious.

Chhath Puja fasting rules

1. According to the scriptures, a person observing fast for 4 days of Chhath Puja is prohibited from sleeping on a bed or throne. He can sleep by spreading a mat on the ground and can use blankets etc.

2. The fasting person has to wear new and clean clothes all four days. In this too, care is taken that the clothes are not stitched. Women wear saree and men wear dhoti. However, nowadays people wear any clothes.

3. A person observing fast should not consume meat, alcohol, false words, lust, anger, greed, smoking etc.

4. If you observe fast on Chhath Puja, then all the family members should stay away from Tamasic food. Eat only satvik food in these four days.

5. Bamboo soup is used during Chhath Puja fast. When the Sun God is worshiped in the evening and morning, then the worship material is kept in the soup and offered to him.

6. During Chhath Puja, Thekua and Kasar (rice flour laddus) should be offered to Chhathi Maiya and Lord Bhaskar.

7. The fast of worshiping Chhathi Maiya is of cleanliness. On the first day, the house and the place of worship are cleaned. The ghats are also cleaned.

8. Make sure to use sugarcane to offer Arghya to Sun God during Chhath Puja. Leafy sugarcane is used in this