Chhath Puja History: Where and how did the tradition of Chhath Puja begin? It is celebrated here outside India as well..

Chhath Puja is considered one of India's most ancient and sacred festivals, dedicated to Lord Surya and Chhathi Maiya. This festival symbolizes the worship of nature, water, and the Sun. Chhath Puja is particularly associated with the state of Bihar, where it originated thousands of years ago. Today, the festival is celebrated with great devotion and reverence not only in Bihar but also in Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and many parts of Nepal. This festival reflects the balance and gratitude between man and nature.

The history of Chhath Puja dates back to the Vedic period. Ancient texts describe Surya worship, where sages and saints prayed to the Sun God for mental and physical purification. Karna, the son of Surya Dev and Kunti, is believed to be the first to perform Chhath Puja. He would stand in the river and offer prayers to the Sun every day. Furthermore, the Mahabharata also mentions that Draupadi and the Pandavas worshipped Surya during times of crisis. These stories prove that Chhath Puja is not just a religious ritual but a symbol of self-purification and energy.

How Chhath Puja Originated in Bihar
Chhath Puja has its deepest roots in the state of Bihar. Bihar is considered the birthplace of this festival because its rivers, such as the Ganga, Kosi, and Son, provide a suitable setting for water and sun worship. The land of Bihar has always been a center of devotion, agriculture, and spirituality. The people here consider nature to be the giver of life, and hence the tradition of expressing gratitude to the sun and water originated here. The word "Chhath" means "sixth day," as this festival is celebrated on the sixth day of the bright fortnight of the month of Kartik. Gradually, this tradition spread from Bihar to the rest of India and abroad.

Rituals of Chhath Puja
Chhath Puja is a four-day festival during which devotees observe a fast with complete devotion, restraint, and purity. These four days are known as Nahai-Khai, Lohanda-Kharna, Sandhya Arghya, and Usha Arghya. During these days, devotees stand on the banks of rivers or ponds and offer prayers to the Sun God, praying for the happiness and prosperity of their families. During the puja, women, known as "vratis," observe a fast without consuming food or water. Each item used during this festival, such as sugarcane, bananas, coconuts, thekua, and lamps, has its own special religious significance.

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