Why is Chhath Puja called a folk festival? Know how this unique tradition of fasting started

Chhath Puja: Chhath festival is not just a religious festival but it is a great festival connecting different sections of the society. On this occasion all the walls of caste, religion and social discrimination fall down. Everyone participates together in this festival, whether it is the farmers making soup or the shopkeepers selling fruits and vegetables on the roadside.

The historical beginning of Chhath Mahaparva was from Munger district of Bihar, which according to religious belief is associated with the name of Mother Sita. It is said that Mother Sita first organized this festival on the banks of Ganga in Munger, when she was in exile with Ramchandra ji. This incident not only gave a religious form to Chhath festival, but also made Munger the center of this great festival. Even today, when the time of Chhath arrives, a crowd of devotees gather at the ghats of Munger, which is a symbol of reverence and faith towards this historical city. This festival also gives a message of unity and dedication, which has been alive in the hearts of devotees for generations.

The holy festival of Chhath Puja will run from 5 to 8 November.

This year the holy festival of Chhath Puja will continue from 5th to 8th November, in which the main puja will be held on Shashthi Tithi on 7th November. According to religious beliefs, this year Srishti Tithi will start from 12:41 pm on 7th November and will continue till midnight on 8th November.

Devotees will offer the first arghya to the Sun at 5:29 pm on November 7, and the second arghya at 6:37 am on November 8. This festival reflects loyalty, dedication and reverence towards nature in which people pray for happiness and prosperity by worshiping Sun God.

Special rituals of Chhath Puja from bathing in Ganga to Kharna

Chhath Puja is considered a great festival of Bihar, its popularity has increased in other states of the country and abroad also. People's faith and belief in this festival is deep, which can be seen on the ghats of Munger from today itself. A large number of devotees are reaching the ghats to take bath in the Ganga and take the holy Ganga water. This time the Chhath festival will start from November 5 when people will organize Nahay Khay along with bathing in the Ganga.

The next day, the festival of Kharna is celebrated in which Prasad is prepared especially of rice and jaggery kheer. Women fasting on this day eat food only once in the evening, which shows the specialty of this great festival. This complete devotion of Chhath Puja is a symbol of dedication and strengthening of family bonds.