~ Hindu Festivals ~

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Bhogali Bihu Date

Bhogali Bihu or Magh Bihu is a traditional festival of the people of Assam and it is celebrated with much fervor and vigor. It's the last of the three Bihu festivals and is celebrated in the mid of January month: a time when winters start to diminish and give way to the upcoming spring season. Derived from the word "Bhog", which in itself means eating and enjoyment, Bhogali Bihu Bihu is the reward for the agrarian people of Assam for all the yearlong labor: beginning from sowing the seeds to looking after their growth to finally harvesting them in the month of January. It marks the end of the harvest season and is the Assamese equivalent of the festivals of Makar Sakranti and Pongal. Celebrations take place on a grand scale and since the granaries are full with the freshly harvested crops, sumptuous meals are prepared and every household partakes in personal as well as community feasting.

On the eve of Bhogali Bihu called Uruka, young men construct temporary structures, known as Meji, made up of thatch, firewood, and with the hay of the harvests, in the fields. To guard these structures, people also construct makeshift huts called Bhelaghar, in which they stay through the night. Great feasting and celebrations takes place around these Mejis: sweets and greetings are exchanged all around, people sing Bihu folk songs known as Bihu geets to the majestic sound of dhols (drums), and many other games like tambola and dancing competitions are organized to entertain the crowd. At the first rays of the dawn, people take baths and then proceed back to the Mejis and light them up with fire. Various types of edibles like coconut and betel nut etc are offered to the burning Mejis i.e. the Agni Devta (Hindu God of Fire). Also, around these burning Mejis, people feast on Pitha Larus (made of coconut and rice), narikol (coconut), sweet potatoes, and sesame laddus.

After the prayers have been offered to the God of Fire, people collect the half burnt pieces of Mejis and come back. These pieces are then thrown among the fruit trees to seek favorable results. The festivities don't end here though, and continue through the day as it is spent in visiting neighbors, relatives, and friends to convey the greetings, sharing hearty meals and sweets together, and in fun and games. Various types of traditional sports like egg fighting, buffalo fighting, and bird fighting are organized all around Assam: some being more popular in one community than the other. From children to young and to old, all people participate in these sports and are a pure joy to witness. The festival of Bhogali Bihu will fall on January 14.

Bhogali Bihu in 2012: January 14

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Bhogali Bihu Significance

Bhogali Bihu, also known as Magh Bihu, is the last of the three Bihu festivals that are celebrated in the state of Assam. Celebrated to mark the end of the harvest season, the significance of Bhogali Bihu to the people of Assam is same as that of the festivals of Makar Sakranti and Pongal to the rest of India. On this day, celebrated in the mid of January month, people not only offer their thanks to Gods for the harvest but also seek their blessings for a generous crop in the upcoming season too. At this time of the year, the granaries of the farmers are full, which to them calls for grand celebrations with much merrymaking and feasting. Even the word from which Bhogali is derived: Bhog, means eating. The celebrations, once started, go on for a several days with a few of the rituals holding semi-religious significance.

Importance of Magh Bihu
It all starts on the eve of the Bhogali Bihu day when young men move into the fields and set up Mejis: structures made of thatch, firewood, and hay, which are burnt on the following morning. Around these Mejis, temporary hut like structures called Bhelaghars are also set up. People, especially the agrarian community, spend the whole of the night in these Bhelaghars, guarding the Mejis through the night and partaking in community feasting, fun, games, music and dancing to Bihu geets. In the night, a grand feast is prepared and the whole community partakes in it. In the morning at sunrise, people move out from Bhelaghars, take a bath, and then return to light fire to Mejis. Edibles like coconuts and betel nuts are thrown into the fire which is like symbol of thanksgiving for the harvest that has been collected. People also pray to the Agni Devta and seek his blessing for the next harvest season.

The half burnt firewood gathered by the people is thrown among the fruit bearing trees to seek an abundant harvest. Then all the trees in the compound are tied to bamboo strips or paddy stems. The celebrations then go on for the rest of the day with more feasting and exciting sports, some of which are region specific, like buffalo fighting, cock fighting, and egg fighting. These however, have no religious significance and are played simply for some competitive enjoyment. The birds that are caught for the sports (few days before the events) are fed nutritiously and also trained. The owner of the winning bird or buffalo takes away a cash prize of Rs. 2001 and a trophy as collectible. In the end all the birds are freed and the celebrations continue for some more time, or days in a few culturally ethnic groups. Thus ends the festival of Bhogali Bihu and people await eagerly for a new beginning with Rongali Bihu.

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Kali Puja Activities

Kali Puja, or Shyama Puja, is one of the popular Hindu festivals. Dedicated to the worship of Goddess Kali, Kali Puja falls in the month of October or November on the same day as Deepawali. According to the Bengali calendar, the ritualistic worship is performed on the night of Kartik Amavasya in the Hindu month of Ashwin, just a few days after Durga Puja. As the puja is performed at night, with devotees staying awake and meditating through the night, it is also known as Mahanisha. At present, along with Durga Puja, it is the biggest goddess festival in West Bengal and is celebrated with zestfulness. It is believed that worshipping Goddess Kali cleanses the body and the surroundings of all evil and negative energy. The blessings bestowed by Kali provide longevity and happiness to the worshipper and his family. It is with the same purpose that many a worshippers begin the night long ritual.

But before it all commences, devotees establish clay idols and images of Goddess Kali in their homes and the pandals (temporary shrines or open pavilions). In many homes and pandals, idols and images of Lord Shiva are also established for the reason that He was a consort of Kali. Also, Lord Shiva helped her regain her senses by throwing Himself in the way at the time when she lost sight of what and whom she was destructing in her quest to save the heaven and earth from the demons. Alpana, which are floral designs, are drawn at the entrance of the homes of the devotees, the pandals, or the shrines to welcome the Goddess. Offerings such as red hibiscus flowers, fruits, sweets, sweetmeat, and rice and lentils are also made to her. Some households also follow the tradition of ritualistically dressing Kali in her form of Adya Shakti Kali.

The ritual of sacrificing an animal and offering it to the Goddess Kali, though diminished over the years, still prevails in some parts and is followed by some devotees. At the Kalighat Temple in Kolkata, thousands of devotees gather to offer sacrifices to the goddess. Most of the day is spent in preparing the offerings, sacrificing, decorating the entrances with alpanas, decorating the households and pandals with lights and candles, and eating and celebrating with the family and friends. At night before the puja commences; fireworks, magic shows, and theatre are common sights in the pandals and nearby. All these activities continue through the night. Also, devotees keep moving from one pandal to the other, offering their prayers to the Goddess. At night, the puja commences with tantric rites and mantras that are recited throughout the ritual, till dawn. All this has hardly changed over the period of time and the festival continues to be ever popular among the Bengali and devotees from neighboring states of Orissa and Assam.

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Kali Puja Customs

Kali Puja, also known as Shyama Puja, is a festival dedicated to the Hindu Goddess Kali. Celebrated on the new moon day of the Hindu month of Ashwin in Bengal, on the night of Kartik Amavasya according to the Bengali calendar, Kali Puja coincides with the festival of Laxmi Puja or Deepawali in the month of October or November, a few days after Durga Puja. Born from the forehead of the Goddess Durga, Kali, also known as Mahashakti, was the first of her 10 avatars. The avatar of Kali came into existence for the purpose of destroying the demons that had been troubling the Gods. Such was the havoc caused by the demons that the Gods were forced to hide in the Himalayan Mountains for survival. To serve the purpose, Kali started killing the demons in a rage but got completely carried away. As a result, anyone who came in her way died at her hands. To put an end to this destruction, Lord Shiva, her consort, threw himself in her path. Accidently stepping on the chest of Lord Shiva, Kali stopped then and there, with repentance.

This image of Goddess Kali, wearing a garland made of the heads of demons she slain, with one foot on the chest of Lord Shiva, has been depicted time and again in many images and been made into idols. Across the country, there are many shrines and temples with the same image that is worshipped by the devotees. The Kali Puja, just like Durga Puja, is a ritual performed by the devotees in their homes and in the pandals (open pavilions), particularly at every corner of Bengal. It's with tantric mantras and rituals that the clay idols and images of Goddess Kali are worshipped. It's a custom to make offerings of red hibiscus flowers, sweetmeats, rice and lentils. Animal sacrifices used to be a common practice that, though lessened in extent, has not completely vanished yet. It's also a tradition that the worshipper should meditate throughout the night, till dawn.

It is believed that for the first time, Kali Puja was ceremoniously started by the Maharaja Krishnachandra of Navadvipa, somewhere around the early 18th century. The tradition was taken forward by his grandson Ishwarchandra. Over the period of years, Kali Puja became one of the famous Goddess festivals in Bengal, along with Durga Puja and Laxmi Puja. On the day of Kali Puja, customs like fireworks, magic shows, and theatre have also gained popularity. Off late, a new custom to drink wine has also emerged. On this day, millions of people visit the temples and shrines dedicated to the Goddess Kali; some of the famous ones being the Kalighat Temple and Dakshineshwar Kali temple in Kolkata. A day before the Kali Puja, homes are decorated with 14 candles or clay diyas and on the day of Kali Puja, homes are adorned with beautiful lightings: artificial and candles. It is believed that the ritual, if performed with dedication and reverence, frees the mankind from all evils: inside and outside, and bestows eternal blessings and happiness to the worshippers.

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Kali Puja Date

Kali, the foremost of the ten incarnations of the Goddess Durga, is regarded as her aggressive form. It's the ancient texts of Devi Mahatmya composed in the 5th and 6th century that made her popular. In these texts, she is described to have been born out of Durga's brow or forehead during one of her battles with the demons. The legend has it that in the ancient times, demons had disturbed the peace of Gods, so much so that the latter had to hide in the Himalayas for survival. As such, they turned to Goddess Durga for help and Kali was born. Along with two of her escorts, Dakini and Jagini, Kali set out to kill demons, to restore peace on Earth and in Heavens. But she got so immersed in slaughtering the demons that anyone who came in her path was also destroyed. And to stop her, Lord Shiva blended with the demons and threw himself in her path.

Performing the dance of victory, she destroyed everyone and everything in sight. She, then, accidently stepped on Lord Shiva. Shocked at the sight of Lord Shiva lying under her foot, her tongue out, and with repentance, Kali came to her senses. It's this image, which has been made famous through years of depiction in paintings and idols that is worshipped by the devotees on the night of Kali Puja and otherwise. Millions of people, particularly in West Bengal, Orissa, and Assam, celebrate this festival with much fervor and spirit. Apart from homes, thousands of pandals (open pavilions) are set up across these states. Devotees visit these pandals throughout the night. Offerings of red hibiscus flowers, sweets, sweetmeat, and rice and lentils are made to the Goddess. Some homes also practice the tradition of ritual dressing of Goddess Kali in her form of Adi Shakti.

It's on the new moon day of the Hindu month of Ashwin in Bengal, on the night of Kartik Amavasya in October or November, a few days after Durga Puja that the ritual of Kali Puja is performed by the worshippers. It is believed that worshipping her helps one maintain sanity in the inner world, as much as it helps in elimination of evil from the outer world and bringing peace. Along with the idols of Goddess Kali, in many pandals and homes, the devotees also house images and idols of Lord Shiva, her consort. Before the puja begins, people also partake as performers and audience in magic shows and theatres. Fireworks run through the night! The puja commences at midnight and carries on till dawn. It's prescribed that the worshipper should carry on through the night, reciting mantra and performing rituals. In 2012, the Kali Puja falls on 13 November.

Kali Puja in 2012: 13 November

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Kali Puja History

On the day of Deepawali, along with the pan Indian Laxmi Puja, another Goddess is worshipped for the purpose of destroying all evil that is in the outside world and the world within us. She is altogether ferocious, associated with eternal energy, and is literally the redeemer of the universe. She is the Goddess Kali. Also known as Kalika, she is the first among the Dasa Mahavidyas, the ten fierce Tantric Goddesses. Her name is derived from Kala, which is name for Lord Shiva, meaning black, time, and death. It's because of this that she's also referred to as the consort of Lord Shiva.

The popular image that depicts Goddess Kali, wearing a garland of decapitated heads of demons and standing with one foot on the chest of Lord Shiva, originates from a legend. It's a legend, according to which, in the mythological times, two demons named Shambhu and Nishambhu, started creating havoc and disturbed the peace of Indra, the King of Gods, and his empire in heaven. Over a period, the demons grew stronger and the Gods had to take refuge in the holy mountains of Himalayas, the home of Lord Shiva and Parvati. There, they sought help from Goddess Durga.

To restore peace in heaven and on earth, Kali was born, out of Durga's forehead. Kali, with her two escorts: Dakini and Jagini; set out to end the war by killing the demons. After slaughtering all the demons, she made a garland of slain demon heads and wore it around her neck. But in her mission, she lost control and started killing anyone who came in her way. To put an end to this carnage, Lord Shiva devised a plan to come in between the rampaging path of Kali. It's when Kali unknowingly stepped on him that she recovered her senses.

This is the moment depicted in many images with her tongue hanging out, when she accidently stepped on Lord Shiva and repented. Although the legend is ancient, the festival is not from the ancient times and stared being celebrated only at the dawn of 18th century in Bengal by King Krishnachandra of Navadvipa. In the 19th century, the festival began to be celebrated on a grand scale. It was King Krishnachandra's grandson, Ishwarchandra, along with elitist and wealthy landowners of the Bengal who took the tradition forward. And slowly, Kali Puja, along with Durga Puja became the biggest Goddess worship festival in Bengal.

It has now become one of the most powerful forms of goddess worship in India, more so in the parts of Bengal, Orissa, and Assam. In spite of her fearful appearance, the worshippers share a very loving and intimate bond with her, like that of a mother and her child. Believed to be a manifestation of the supreme power, Goddess Kali is worshipped by many at various temples, shrines, and pilgrimages dedicated to her. But more than on any other day, it's the Kali Puja, a worship ritual celebrated on the new moon day of the Hindu month of Ashwin in Bengal, on the night of Kartik Amavasya in October or November, which is considered the greatest form of Kali worship.

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Kali Puja Significance

Kali Puja is a ritualistic worship of Goddess Durga's foremost avatar, Goddess Kali. Performed on night of Kartik Amavasya in the Hindu month of Ashwin according to the Bengali calendar, Kali Puja coincides with another popular Hindu festival called Deepawali in the month of October or November; a few days after the Durga Puja celebrations. Though mostly celebrated in the states of West Bengal, Orissa, and Assam; it is celebrated in other parts of the country as well. However, it wasn't until the early 18th century that Kali Puja began to be celebrated. It's believed that Maharaja Krishnachandra of Navadvipa started the first of the ritual and then ordered everyone in his domain to follow suit. The tradition of annual Kali Puja was taken forward by his grandson Ishwarchandra and the elite class of the Bengal of that time. Soon, along with Durga Puja, Kali Puja became one of the biggest festivals to be celebrated in Bengal.

The ritual of worshipping Goddess Kali, on the night of Deepawali, is performed with much gusto and millions of devotees make themselves a part of it; in their homes, in temples and shrines, and in pandals (temporary shrines or open pavilions) that are set up at every nook and corner of the streets. In each of these places, the clay idols and images of Goddess Kali are ritualistically established. In some places, idols and images of Lord Shiva are also established, since He is believed to be the consort of Kali. The puja begins late in the night, and goes on through the night till dawn with meditation and chanting of mantras. Offerings of red hibiscus flowers, sweets, sweetmeats, and flowers are made to the Goddess. And on the night, people decorate their homes with lights and candles. Firecrackers, magic shows, and theatre also common on the Kali Puja.

On this night, even when most of the country is engulfed in worshipping Goddess Laxmi, the significance of performing Kali Puja is no less for the millions of devotees. Despite her fearful appearance, the relationship that devotes share with her is that of a loving and caring mother. She is considered a manifestation of supreme power; the deity of time and eternity. It's believed that worshipping her cuts down all impurities, consumes all inequity and the darkness within the devotees. Moreover, with her eternal blessings, all the sorrow, misfortunes, and sufferings are wiped clean. It is also believed that worshipping her destroys all evil, both, that lies inside and outside of her devotees. Daily, but specifically on the day of Kali Puja, many devotees visit the Dakshineshwar Temple and Kalighat Temple in Kolkata, and Kamakhya Temple in Assam; dedicated to Goddess Kali.

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Two Days Of Kali Puja

Kali Puja is an auspicious Hindu festival dedicated to goddess Kali. Goddess Kali is the symbol of dark side of life and epitomizes strength. Kali Puja day falls on the new moon day of Ashwin in the month of October or November. According to a popular legend, goddess Durga and her assistants were fighting demon Raktabija and tried every way possible to kill the demon. The demon instead of getting killed or hurt was becoming strong as every drop of blood split from him was producing a clone of his. Thus, very soon the battlefield became filled with clones of Raktabija that were attacking goddess Durga and her assistants. In this hour of need, goddess Durga called Kali. Kali killed the demon, Raktabija by sorrying his blood and putting all his clones in her gaping mouth. It is said that Kali became so much engaged in killing that she went on to kill everything at sight. To stop this killing spree, Lord Shiva threw himself on her feet. The act of disrespecting her husband shocked her so much that out popped her tongue in repentance. It is this image of Kali that is seen in most of the temples and pandals. Kali Puja is also celebrated on other new moon days, prominent of these occasions being Ratanti Kali Puja and Phalaharini Kali Puja. Read further to know briefly about these two occasions.

Two Days Kali Puja Celebrations

Ratanti Kali Puja
Ratanti Kali Puja is celebrated on the new moon day of the Hindu month of Margashirsha. On this auspicious day, the goddess Kali is evoked with much pomp and show. The devotees arrange picnic on the temple courtyard of the goddess Kali. The next day, the puja committee offers meals to poor. A good number of devotees gather near the temple courtyard on this occasion. The offerings to the goddess include children's hair, goats, sheep, pigeon, blood in gold pots, eye made of gold and silver, and clothes. People seek blessings for their desires. Barren women come to the temple and bathe in nearby pond. They hang a piece of stone or brick on the bat tree adjacent to the temple and pray the goddess for children. Women who are blessed with offspring due to blessing of goddess Kali, visit temple and perform Mansik Puja. Apart from barren women, women whose children do not survive long, also visit the temple for long living offspring.

Phalaharini Kali Puja
Phalaharini Kali Puja is a religious occasion dedicated to goddess Kali and is observed on the new moon night of Jyeshtha in the Bengal and Hindu calendar. On this day, special puja rituals are performed in Bengal and in other Eastern parts of the country. In the famous Dakshineswar Kali Temple, Phalaharini Kali Puja begins at 9.00 pm and continues well past 1.00 am. The offerings to the goddess at the temple include goats, vegetables, sugar cane and chalkumra, a kind of pumpkin.

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Chhath Puja Celebration

Chhath Puja is a festival of rituals and celebrations. This ritual is religiously carried on every year in the northern states of India since times immemorial. Chhath Puja is a demonstration of gratitude towards the Sun God, considered God of Energy and of the life-force. It is a festival of penance and prayers. The festival is special because prayers are offered to the setting sun and the rising sun, which is symbolic of death and rebirth. Not only Sun God is expected to bestow the worshippers with prosperity, progress and well-being, it is also said to cure a variety of diseases, including leprosy, and ensure the longevity and prosperity of family members, friends and elders.

During these days, celebrations take place in almost all the metros of India with similar spirits. In Patna, the festival is celebrated on the banks of pious River Ganges, while in Delhi; the festival takes place on the banks of River Yamuna. People propose offerings to the solar deity with open arms. The atmosphere becomes enchanting with the lines of earthen lamps floating on the evening waters of the rivers. Unlike the other festivals that require priest to sanctify the ceremony, Chhath Puja is a personal celebration and does not require a priest. However, given the fact, it should not be thought that following the rituals of Chhath is easy. In fact, the rituals which are followed are quite tough and need innate courage and will power. The four days of Chhath are celebrated with non-violence, forgiveness and compassion.

The four days of festival are divided on the base of the rituals that are followed on the particular day. The first day is devoted to cleansing hence the devotees go to any of the major rivers in their city/state, and take a dip in the holy water of the river. They also bring with them little containers filled water to prepare Prasad. The second day is reserved for fasting and worshiping the Sun God. The main fast starts from this particular day after the sunset. On the third day, the Parvaitin, along with the family members, leave for the pond/river where the Chhath Puja is supposed to be organized. The Parvaitin performs the sacred rites and folk songs are sung by the crowd.

Though now days the folk songs are replaced by remixed Bollywood numbers, the crowd still seems to enjoy the atmosphere of celebration created by those songs. On the final day of Chhath Puja, the Parvaitins and their family members reach the river bank before dawn and start worshipping the Sun God during sunrise. After this, celebrations take a further leap as people are engaged in wishing each other the goodness of the festival. The Parvaitin breaks bread with the family and the Prasad is distributed among friends and family and the. With this the festival comes to an end. In short it can be said that Chhath Puja festival is celebrated with great pomp and show in northern India and forwards just the right mix of religious rites and extravagant celebrations.

[MysteRy]

Chhath Puja Custom

Only six days after Deepawali, another popular Hindu festival arrives, Chhath Puja. It is a festival dedicated to honoring and glorifying the Hindu Sun God (Surya), for sustaining all life on earth and also for fulfillment of certain wishes. A period of abstinence and ritualistic segregation from the main household for four days has to be followed by the worshipper. During this period, the worshipper observes ritual purity and sleeps on the floor on a single blanket. The celebrations begin two days before the actual worship when the devotees take a cleansing dip in the water, preferably on the banks of River Ganges, and bring back some water to prepare the offerings. The whole household and surroundings are thoroughly cleaned.

On the next day, a fast is observed by the devotees and is broken only in the evening, a little after sunset, after performing the worship at home. Offerings typically comprise of rice porridge, puris, and bananas that are shared among the family, friends, and relatives. From this moment onwards, till the next day (third day), when actual Chhath Puja is performed, a 36 hour long fast begins. Much of whole of the third day is spent by the family members in preparing the offerings at home. It's the women of the household who are indulged in the preparations. Before the offerings are prepared, the whole of the kitchen including the stoves, utensils, and frying pans are ritualistically cleaned. A bath before entering the kitchen is also a must for everyone.

In the evening, the devotees move towards the river bank, a pond or a common water body to offer prayers and praises and to make offerings to the setting sun. It is at this phase of Chhath Puja that families, friends, and relatives gather together to seek blessings from the worshipper. It's also a ritual that the regional folk songs that have passed on from generations are sung by the devotees. These songs reflect the history, culture, and mythology of each state in which the ritual is performed. Modern day Chhath songs are also commonly played but the old tradition is still followed with much sincerity. On the evening of this day, the colorful event called Kosi takes place, after prayers and offerings have been made to the setting sun.

As per Kosi, it is a custom, especially if a marriage or childbirth has took place in a family, to light the earthen lamps placed on five sugarcane sticks, representing five great elements: Earth, Fire, Water, Air, and Ether. On the fourth and final day of Chhath Puja, the devotees once again move towards the river bank or other water body to offer prayers and make offerings to the rising sun. It is after this that the 36 hour long fast is broken by the devotees by eating the same offerings or Prasad. After this, the Prasad is distributed among the family members and friends, or anyone who asks for it. These offerings consist of deep fried sweet rolls of ground wheat flour, grapefruit, coconuts, bananas, and grains of lentils. Watching this multitude of devotees performing the ritual at the break of dawn is a sight to behold.

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Chhath Puja Date

The Chhath Puja, also known as Surya Shashti, is a Hindu festival in which a Puja (worship ritual) is performed to offer thanks to the Sun God, Surya, for supporting all the life on Earth. The Puja is performed with spirited enthusiasm and reverence, on Kartik Shukla Shashti i.e. 6th day of the month of Kartik, according to the Hindu calendar, typically in the month of October or November (as per the Gregorian calendar), exactly 6 days after another famous Hindu festival called Deepawali. Interestingly, Chhath Puja is the only festival in the world where devotees offer salutations to the setting and rising sun to celebrate the significance of the cycle of birth, which starts with death. Being an age old festival, passed on from the Vedic age and the era of Mahabharata, Chhath Puja comprises of ritualistic abstinence from food and other worldly pleasures and comforts.

The festival, spread over four days, starts with the worshipper taking a dip in the holy water of river Ganges or any water body at sunrise. Some of the holy water is brought home by the worshipper for preparation of offerings (Prasad). From this day onwards, the worshipper, to observe ritualistic purity, is segregated from the main household for four days and sleeps on the floor on a single blanket. The following morning, a fast is observed by the worshipper which ends a little after sunset. After eating, another fast that lasts 36 hours is observed by the worshipper. When the day of the ritual arrives, offerings (Prasad) are made to the setting sun and the rising sun, the following morning, and the fasting ends with distribution of the same offerings among the family, friends, and anyone who asks of it.

Apart from offering thanks and prayers to the Sun God for all the bounties of life, the worship is also believed to cure various diseases such as leprosy, and bestow long life, prosperity, and blessing to all the family and friends of the worshipper. It's not just the worshipper that partakes in the ritual; other members of the family contribute to it too. While women dedicate their time to prepare the offerings, children and other members too contribute by way of taking over the daily chores and cleaning the whole household. Though more ornately celebrated in Bihar and Jharkhand, it is also celebrated in many other part of the country like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chandigarh, Gujarat, Delhi, Mumbai, and Northeast regions of India. The important dates of Chhath Puja 2012 have been mentioned below.

Chhath Puja Vrat 2012

November 17, 2012 - Naha Kha (bathe and eat)
November 18, 2012 - Kharna/Lohanda (fasting, ending after sunset, followed by 36 hour long fast)
November 19, 2012 - Sandhya Argh (evening offerings)
November 20, 2012 - Suryodaya Argh (next morning offerings)
November 20, 2012 - Paran (breaking of the fast)

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Chhath Puja Fast

Chhath Puja falls on the sixth day of the Kartik month of Hindu lunar calendar and somewhere in the month of October or November according to the Christian calendar. The words Chhath means the number six of the Indian numeric system, as festival is celebrated on the sixth day of the Kartik month. The Chhath Puja has roots deep rooted in the Hindu mythology and there are different legends too which speak about such festivals. Rigveda the first Veda contains hymns which can be sung for worshipping the Sun God and it also describes some rituals which are similar to the Chhath rituals. The epic Mahabharata contains depictions of princess Draupadi observing similar rites on advice of the sage Dhaumya to regain the lost kingdom. A legend also states that Karna was the one who started the ritual of Chhath for pleasing his father the Sun God. In the ancient times, the rishis used to conduct the ritual of Chhath to gain energy directly from the sun and not from any other available source.

Chhath Puja vrat or the Chhath Puja fast is a ritualistic practice followed enthusiastically during the festival of Chhath. Also known as Dal Chhath, the festival is dedicated to Sun God. Sun is a major source of energy and hence is considered as a symbol of sustenance of life. Apart from it, Sun is also considered as the generous God of Prosperity and Wisdom. The rituals which are performed during the worship of the Sun God are supposed to cure leprosy and help the devotees in living a long prosperous life. The festivities consist of four days meant for fasting and penance by standing inside the water for long times. Chhath Puja vrat is observed for three days, starting from the second day. Worshippers observe fast or upvaas, known as Kharna, from sunrise until the evening, when the sun sets. Puja is performed and the deities are offered with kheer, sweets and fruits.

On the first day of Chhath, the Parvaitins are supposed to take only one meal during the day that too after the sunset. On the second day, the Parvaitins are supposed to fast the whole day and are supposed to break bread only after the sunset when they are done with the Puja. Thereafter, Parvaitins go on a fast for next 36 hours, without food and water. They open their fast on the fourth day after they offer prayers to the rising sun in the morning. Parvaitins along with their family members visit River Ganges before sun rise. With folded hands, they welcome the Sun, offering sandalwood, vermillion, rice and fruits covered in saffron colored cotton cloth. Chanting of the mantras and hymns are done continuously. Fasting, thus, is an integral part of this festival which is observed rigorously by the Parvaitins.

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Chhath Puja Significance

Chhath Puja, also known as Surya Shashti, is a popular Hindu festival celebrated in the northern regions of the India. These regions include Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Other places where Chhath Puja is observed are Chhattisgarh, Chandigarh, Gujarat, Delhi, Mumbai, Nepal and Mauritius. Chhath is dedicated to Sun God which people believe sustains life on earth. Chhath Puja is also performed to seek blessings from the Sun God to promote prosperity and progress. The festival falls in the month of October or November. The traditional rituals followed by people are quite strenuous in nature and are observed for a period of four days. The customs associated with Chhath Puja include holy bathing, fasting and refraining from even drinking water. It also includes rigorous physical customs like standing in water for extended periods, and offering prayer and Prasad during the sun rise and sunset.

The origin of Chhath Puja dates back to Vedic times, as Vedic texts contains rituals associated with the worshipping of Sun. It is also believed that Draupadi, from the epic Mahabharata, used to perform similar rituals. Some people also believed that Chhath Puja was started by Son of Surya, Karna from Mahabharata. Chhath Puja is not only religiously significant, but also has several mental and physical benefits. Physically, the practice of Chhath facilitates in improving the immunity of the devotee. It is also believed that light rays emitted by sun are quite beneficial for the normal maintenance of the body. Being antiseptic in nature, the safe radiations from sun can help in curing fungal and bacterial skin infections. Sunlight received during Chhath provide energy that when get combined with blood streams enhances the performance of white blood cells, which further leads to improving fighting power of blood.

It is also believed that sunlight has significant effect the glands and helps in proper secretion of body hormones. The solar energy received from sunlight also meets the energy requirements of the body. The practice of Chhath also helps in providing a state of mental calmness. The regularized pranic flow of air during Chhath can help in reducing the frequency of anger, jealously and other negative emotions. The whole process of Chhath Puja leads to detoxification of the body and mind. Detoxification further enhances the energy levels in the body. The increased energy and immunity system serves in fighting the harmful toxins in the body. Some people believe that the Chhath process can improve eye sight, enhance the appearance of skin, and facilitate in slowing the ageing process. The devotees who sincerely and patiently practice the rituals of Chhath Puja are benefited by several psychic powers such as intuition, healing and telepathy. So, the next time when Chhath Puja comes, observe the fast and follow the rituals religiously and note that you would be benefited in more ways than one!

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Chhath Puja in Bihar

Chhath is a major Hindu festival celebrated in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, along with other North Indian states. This festival is celebrated after the completion of Diwali, which generally falls in the months of October and November. Chhath Puja is dedicated to Sun God for supporting life on earth and ensuring prosperity and happiness in life. The history of the Chhath Puja dates back to ancient Vedic times as the hymns associated with the worshipping of Sun God are present in Vedic text Rigveda. Some people also believe that the rituals of Chhath Puja were started by Draupadi of epic Mahabharata. There is another theory regarding the origin of Chhath Puja, which also relates from Mahabharata. It is believed that Karna, the great warrior and the son of the Surya started the rituals of Chhath Puja.

According to Hindu calendar, Chhath Puja is celebrated on the sixth day of Kartik month. Chhath Puja, also known as Surya Shashti, is a bathing festival followed by a four day period of abstinence and ritual purity. This festival is widely observed in Bihar where a large number of sun temples are present. These sun temples are generally surrounded by a surajkund, also known as sacred pool of sun, which constitute of the place of worship for the devotees. Traditionally, Chhath Puja is performed by women, however large number of men also register their presence during this festival.

Chhath Puja is a four-day long strict and spiritual observance. The first day of the Chhath Puja includes taking a dip in the holy river Ganges. People also take the water of Ganges to their home to perform special offerings and rituals. Houses are thoroughly cleaned on this day. The second day of Chhath, also known as Kharna, involves devotees to observe a day long fast which is broken in the late evening after performing the worship of Mother Earth. The offerings to the God include rice pudding (kheer) and fruits, which is distributed among family members and friends. The third day of Chhath goes in the preparation of the prasad (offerings) for the evening offerings, also known as Sanjhiya Arghya.

In the evening, large numbers of devotees gathers on the banks of river Ganga and make offerings (Arghya) to the setting sun. The folk songs are played in the evening displaying the culture and history of Bihar. Nowadays popular Bollywood songs are remixed and played during this occasion. The night of the third day witnesses a colorful event known as Kosi. A canopy is made from five sugarcane sticks and lighted earthen lamps are place inside canopy along with baskets filled prasad. On the fourth and final day of Chhath, family members and friends go to the banks of river before sunrise and make offerings (Aragh) to the rising sun. After this ritual, devotees break their fast and distribute prasad to neighbors and relatives.

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Four Days Of Chhath Puja

Chhath Puja is a major festival which is celebrated in Northern India a few days after the Festival of Light, Diwali. The festival of Chhath Puja revolves around worshipping the Sun God and following a strict regimen of fasting and penance. Sun is a symbol for life hence the worshippers pray to both the setting and the rising sun; the setting sun thus meaning death and the rising sun meaning the rebirth. Many northern states of India have temples with ponds dedicated especially to the Sun God where the rituals related to this festival are conducted. The prime worshippers on this festival are women but a number of men too take part in the festivities. The festivities go on for four days and these days are called the four days of Chhath Puja.

Four Days Of Chhath Puja Festival

Day 1: Naha Kha
The first day on which festivities start is called Naha Kha, which literally means to bathe and eat. On this day, devotees go to a sacred river in their place and take a dip in the river, hence completing the first part of the ritual, snanam or bathing. Later on, devotees take home some water from the holy river to prepare offerings for the day. Preparations need to be done before the offerings are prepared. The house and compound nearby is conscientiously cleaned. The person who is fasting on this day, Parvaitins, is supposed to meal once this day.

Day 2: Kharna
On Pancahami, the fifth day according to the Hindu solar calendar, the Parvaitins observe fast for the complete day. They are not supposed to eat anything before the sunset. Just after sunrise, Mother Earth is worshipped and the offerings which comprise of Rasiao-kheer, puris, and bananas are distributed among the friends and relatives. After this, the Parvaitins break bread. From this time the Parvaitins go on a fast for the next 36 hours not even drinking a single draught of water.


Day 3: Chhath
The day is divided into to main parts which are called by two separate names depending on the time of the day these rituals are performed at.

Sanjhiya Arghya: The term Sanjhiya Arghya literally means evening offerings. The entire day is spent resting and preparing offerings at home. In the evening, the entire household accompanies the Parvaitins to the pond or a reservoir devised for the particular reason where he or she makes offerings to the setting sun. The whole atmosphere is that of a carnival. A huge crowd is present to receive blessing of the Parvaitins. Folk songs are sung which are passed from generation to generation through oral rendition. These folk songs reflect the culture, social structure, mythology and history of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.

Kosi: On the night of this third day an exotic and elaborate event is conducted. A canopy is made with the help of five sugarcane sticks; lighted lamps are put inside this canopy. These five sticks symbolize the five basic elements of nature from which the human body is cast, Panchatattva. This ritual is especially followed by the families where childbirth or marriage has taken place quite recently. The earthen lit lamps are symbolic of the solar energy which helps the sustenance. Firstly, the ritual is conducted in the courtyard of the house, making offering to the setting sun. Later, this is taken to the banks of a river where the ritual is continued and ends with worshipping the rising sun.

Day 4: Parna
The offerings given to the sun in the morning are called Bihaniya Aragh. The Parvaitin and the family members visit the bank of the sacred river before the sunrise to make offerings to the rising sun. The festival is concluded after the Parvaitins break their fast and the Prasad is distributed among the friends and family who visit the home of the Parvaitins.

The tradition is performed and followed by great reverence and after the festival is finished Prasad, consisting of sweets and fruits, is given to friends in small bamboo winnows. Emphasis is on purity of food, as no onions, garlic or table salt is used in the preparation of the Prasad.