The Significance and Origins of Chhath Puja
What is Chhath Puja?
- What?
- A 4-day Hindu festival dedicated to the Sun God (Surya Dev) and his sister, Chhathi Maiya (Mother Chhathi), who is considered the sixth form of Prakriti (nature).
- When?
- It’s celebrated twice a year: in the Chaitra month (Mar-Apr), and Kartik Chhath (Oct-Nov).
- Why?
- People worship the Sun as the source of life and energy, and seek blessings for health, prosperity, and well-being of family.
- Who?
- Primarily celebrated by Hindus from Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and some parts of Nepal.
The Anatomy of Surya Dev (God of Sun)
Four Days of Chhath Puja:
- Day One:
- Early morning holy bath in a sacred river
- Consumption of satvik food (pure vegetarian food)
- Fasting for the rest of the day
- Day Two:
- Preparation of thekua (a traditional sweet dish)
- Cooking of other offerings like fruits and vegetables
- Day Three:
- Fasting during the day
- Offering water to the setting Sun with mantras
- Bringing offerings to the riverbank
- Standing in water to pray to the setting Sun
- Day Four:
- Early morning visit to the riverbank
- Offering arghya to the rising Sun while chanting mantras
- Breaking the fast after offering prayers
Origin Story
Once a upon time...
in the Mahabharata, there was a princess named Kunti. She was mother of the Pandavas, and had received a divine boon from sage Durvasa to invoke any deity for children.
Curious, she called upon Surya Dev, the Sun God, and bore a son. But because she was unwed, she was hesitant to raise him, and abandoned the infant in a basket by a river.
The child, later named Karna, was found and raised by a charioteer named Adhiratha. Despite his humble beginnings, he grew up to be a skilled warrior and a devout follower of his divine father.
Karna's daily ritual of offering water to the rising Sun, known as Arghya, showcased his deep devotion. His unwavering faith in the Sun God was so strong that he was often referred to as the "Vainya Putra”
(Son of the Sun).
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Modi Toys is a children's brand of toys and books inspired by ancient Hindu culture. We exist to spread joy and to spark curiosity in the next generation through our innovative soft plush toys, illustrated children's books and free learning resources. Our weekly Theology Thursday series covers a wide range of topics rooted in Hinduism to help us better understand the origins of traditions, the symbolic meaning of rituals, and the stories behind Hindu holidays and festivals. The more we can understand "the why" behind this 4,000 year ancient religion, and make sense of it in this modern age, the greater we can appreciate and preserve our rich Hindu culture. While we take great care in thoroughly researching the information presented, we may occasionally get some things wrong. We encourage a healthy and open dialogue so we can learn together. Please leave a comment below or email us directly at support@moditoys.com to address any concerns.
