Introduction: An Insight into Why Chhath Puja is Celebrated (Chhath Puja Kyu Manaya Jata Hai)
An eternal festival Chhath puja is not just a festival, but also a strong spiritual practice having a great psychological effect on the person who performs this puja. People generally ask themselves, “Chhath puja kyu manaya jata hai? It is because of the deeper meaning and values it stands for. Chhath Puja is an ancient Vedic Hindu festival historically native to the North Indian states of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh celebrated in the Mithila region of Nepal & India but also as popularly known celebrated in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Chandigarh, Gujarat, Delhi NCR, Mauritius (by Mauritian people originally from Bihari regions) and other North and East Indian regions.
The significance of Chhath Puja is more than rituals, it symbolizes devotion, purity and unity with nature. All the rituals during this festival including fasting and praying during sunrise and sunset prove a strong belief in nature’s forces. The significance of Chhath Puja is based on establishing a link between man and the environment and to instil a sense of admiration towards nature.
The significance of the festival is as much about its inclusiveness. Set apart by class or origin, followers still meet on the banks of rivers or ponds to carry out the rituals earnestly. This sense of oneness enhances the feeling of community ties and the cultural legacy that has been handed down from generation to generation. The reasons behind the Chhath Puja provide us an appreciation not just of its spiritual aspects but also of the manner in which it enhances our environmental awareness and social cohesion.
The Mythological Origin: Stories and Legends of Chhath Puja
Chhath Puja isn’t just a colorful festival; its roots lie in the mythology of ancient times, and timeless lore that adds to its spiritual value. One of the beloved Chhath Puja mythology is idolizing Surya Dev (the Sun god) as the God of energy and life. It is said that praying to Surya Dev on this holy day will lead to Fortune, Longevity and Happiness.
The story of chhath puja is in several epic stories. Draupadi from Mahabharata is believed to have kept the chhath vrat – a fast as her family’s well-being. Her sincerity of worship earned the praise of Surya Dev himself, and he provided her with remedies for her problems – showing how true devotion can surmount obstacles.
Another historical character, who is directly associated with Chhath Puja and has a legendary story about him is Mahabali Maharaj Karna, the great donor warrior in history. As was his wont Karna being a fervent devotee of Surya Dev. He is said to have practiced rigorous rituals on the banks of a river twice every day, at dawn and dusk – practices that are at heart of Chhath Puja as observed today.
These timeless narratives not only take Chhath Puja beyond ritualistic worship, but are also forcing millions of such people replicate these tales of gratitude, resilience or veneration across generations. From Draupadi’s resolute vrat to Maharaj Karna’s unbending puja, when one knows the mythological roots — something that we all should be steeped in deep knowledge beyond academic books as puranas and its history goes far north than these traditional Sanskrit scriptures — then one can understand why this day holds such immense meaning among the large circle of devotees in India.
Rituals and Traditions: Chhath puja kyu manaya jata hai (How Chhath Puja is Celebrated) ?
Chhath puja kyu manaya jata hai – Chhath Puja is a traditional festival that is observed with great devotion and attention to details. Knowing how to celebrate Chhath Puja is in essence knowing the importance of its rituals and that it demands discipline from everyone involved, especially from those who lamented as “vrat”—the dedicated devotee observing the vrata.
The festivity spans four days, all of which are associated with different custom chhath puja practices. It starts with “Nahay Khay“ where vrats cleanse their body and surrounding, paving the way for their spiritual journey. The second day, which is called “Kharna”, full day fasting (without water) is observed and the fast is broken at night after offering kheer and fruits. This latter is regarded as one of the most sacred traditional rites.
On the evening of the third day, families gather at riverbanks or water bodies for “Sandhya Arghya. Here, vrats stand waist-deep in water to pray and offer fruits before the setting sun—a spectacular sight that binds villages in devotion and thanksgiving. For the last morning, everyone comes back before sunrise for “Usha Arghya” and offers prayers to the rising sun, marking new beginnings and hope.
Off course the rules of vrat are strictly followed these days – not eating, keeping clean in mind and action, doing each activity with complete devotion. These chhath puja rituals not only enhance the personal resolve but also promote solidarity between families and communities. It’s not only about following the rituals; it is also about connecting with your roots and feeling a level of spirituality that Chhath Puja brings that you might not have experienced before.
The Story Behind: What Is the Spiritual Importance of Chhath Vrat?
Chhath vrat is much more than a religious ritual – it’s an odyssey in itself, which means a lot to millions of followers. The religious significance of Chhath vrat is the adherence to the Sun God Surya that ensures the source of all life and energy. Devotees worship and pay their respect to Surya by offering water as well as flowers and sandal paste, while chanting Gayathri mantra for blessings of good health, peace and prosperity in the family.
The spiritual gains of Chhath Puja are incalculable. The strict fasting, self-control and rituals observed during the festival are believed to cleanse the mind and body creating inner peace and even leading toward liberation. Some believers feel rejuvenated, more pious and at one with nature and the divine.
Apart from the spirituality, there are other health benefits of rituals performed during Chhath Vrat. The fast purifies the body, and other pre-dawn rituals—standing in running water, exposure to sun—are believed to promote physical and mental health. In a way, Chhath vrat can be considered holistic as it benefits the devotee all three ways – spiritually, emotionally and physically, and becomes more of a transformational festival.
Meaning of Worshiping Nature in Chhath Puja and Paying Respect to Surya Dev and Mother Earth
Chhath Puja (Chhath puja kyu manaya jata hai) is a prime example of how firmly nature worship is held in India. People worship the Sun God in this country during this festival and it is not a ritual, but a gratitude to Surya Dev (Sun) who gives us life and energy on this earth. Surya Arghya carries deeper meaning, besides offering plain water to the rising and setting sun. It’s a sign of submission to the force of nature and of our understanding that we rely on its labors for food.
Combining faith with environment Chhath Puja celebrates nature in a very significant way and is associated with environment. By worshipping Surya Dev and Mother earth in company of each other, people are inspired to work for saving environment. The rituals are carried out by the river with offerings of natural elements such as fruits, sugarcane—these are symbolic acts that show traditional respect for the ecological balance. In times when concern for the environment has never been more important, Chhath Puja encourages us to respect and protect the natural world as a part of our civilization legacy.
Cultural Impact: Coming Together With the Sun and Water This Chhath Puja
Chhath Puja is not merely a religious practice; it’s a vivid and robust community festivity that weaves the social network even closer. At this festival families join hands to make offerings and perform rites, enhancing family closeness during festivities. Mass worship in the river banks or local water bodies is not limited to one household, communities and neighborhoods come together to partake in this common spiritual experience.
They are great equalizers by never allowing anyone to delude themselves they can do such things alone, for the rituals bring people together in planning and praying. The mutuality of Chhath Puja fosters empathy, understanding, and cooperation among its observers, strengthening ties that transcend close kinship. In a ‘my way or the highway’ world, Chhath Puja is testimony to how unity, kinship and collective happiness isn’t a thing of the past.
Conclusion – Embracing the Real Sense of Chhath puja kyu manaya jata hai
In the rapid pace of today’s world, it is often easy to forget our origins. But Chhath Puja is not about beliefism, it’s not even about rituals, it does honor nature but more than that, it’s also about gratitude and community bonding. We are not only honoring the ancient festival, but also passing down culture through the celebration of festivals.
Engaging in traditions to grow spiritually is more than an individual practice; it’s a communal action that keeps our culture robust and vibrant. Chhath Puja is a time to go deep within, reconnect with who you are and show kindness towards your friends and family. And in this time and place, when we deepen our connection to the real purpose of this holiday, we keep alive its wisdom and beauty.
“Let’s pray with a heart filled with faith that this festival of Chhath may bring joy and good fortune,” the singer sang towards the end of the music video — in which she decorated herself with vermilion traditionally used as sindoor for married women, bangles and paid a visit to her temple — before crooning, “Then you can make your wishes come true”. And so let us celebrate Chhath Puja, believing it will give us solutions even if our problems linger Let’s show devotion… pride” For holding on to history is also doing ourselves and future generations justice.
