Bihar Celebrates Chhath Festival with Devotion and Tradition

Patna, November 14 (Daily Kiran) : The Chhath festival, deeply rooted in devotion and purity, has entered a significant phase with the observance of ‘Kharna’ on Saturday in Patna. This four-day celebration began on November 13 with the traditional ‘Nahay-Khay’ ritual.

On the second day, devotees commenced a challenging 36-hour fast without water. During ‘Kharna’, participants fast throughout the day, refraining from food and drink. In the evening, they bathe and don clean clothes to worship the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya, followed by preparing the ceremonial offerings.

The main offerings typically include sweet rice made with jaggery and wheat flour rotis. The sweet rice is usually prepared with unpolished rice and cow’s milk, substituting sugar with jaggery. In some traditions, sugarcane juice is also used in the preparation.

Throughout the offering process, cleanliness and purity are paramount. Ingredients like wheat, rice, and milk are selected with care, while onions and garlic are strictly avoided. The cooking adheres to traditional sattvic rules.

After completing the evening prayers, those observing the fast are the first to partake in the ‘Kharna’ offerings, followed by other family members. A unique aspect of this ritual is that the fasting individual must eat in complete silence. If any noise or disruption occurs during the meal, they pause their eating.

Once the offerings are consumed, participants commit to the 36-hour ‘Nirjala’ fast, abstaining from both food and water until the conclusion of Chhath. Following ‘Kharna’, preparations for the remaining rituals ramp up.

Devotees and their families prepare traditional dishes such as ‘Thekua’, ‘Gujia’, and ‘Tikri’, alongside gathering fruits like bananas, apples, and oranges, as well as flowers and other essential items for worship. These offerings are traditionally arranged in bamboo baskets and containers.

Devotees then carry these items to the banks of rivers, ponds, or other water bodies to offer ‘Arghya’ to the setting sun. Each item and ritual associated with Chhath carries its own cultural significance.

During ‘Nahay-Khay’, pumpkins hold special importance, while ‘Kharna’ features the preparation of sweet rice and wheat rotis. These customs reflect the purity, discipline, and folk traditions that have been passed down through generations.

On November 15, devotees will offer ‘Arghya’ to the setting sun and pray. The festival will culminate on November 16 with offerings to the rising sun, concluding with the traditional ‘Paran’ ceremony.

On the final day, devotees will pray to Chhathi Maiya for the prosperity of their families, the health of their children, and the welfare of society.

‘Kharna’ symbolizes not just an offering of food but marks the beginning of the most arduous phase of the Chhath celebration. From meticulously preparing offerings to enduring a prolonged fast, every aspect reflects profound faith, self-discipline, gratitude towards nature, and unwavering devotion to Chhathi Maiya and the Sun God.