Chhath Parva, also known as Chhath Puja, is one of the most ancient and significant festivals celebrated in Nepal, particularly by the Madhesi community and people living in the Terai region. It is a unique Hindu festival dedicated to the Sun God (Surya) and his consort Usha, observed with intense devotion, fasting, and offering of prayers for the health, prosperity, and well-being of family members.
Chhath Parva is not only a festival of religious significance but also a testament to the harmonious relationship between humans and nature, as it primarily involves worship of the sun, water, and natural elements. The festival holds an essential place in Nepali society, particularly in the southern plains, where it is celebrated with vibrant rituals, devotion, and communal harmony.
Origin and Historical Background
Chhath Puja is believed to be as old as the Rigvedic period, where people worshipped the forces of nature, particularly the sun, as a source of life and energy. The festival is mentioned in ancient texts and epics, such as the Mahabharata, where it is believed that Kunti and Draupadi performed the Chhath rituals. It is also linked to King Karna, the son of Surya (the Sun God), who was a great devotee and performed this festival in reverence to his father.
In Nepal, the festival holds a significant place in the Terai region, where people have celebrated it for centuries. The rituals and customs of Chhath Parva have been passed down through generations, making it a deeply rooted cultural tradition.
The Religious Significance of Chhath Parva
Chhath Parva is dedicated to the worship of Surya, the Sun God, who is considered the source of all life and energy on Earth. According to Hindu beliefs, the sun’s rays have the power to cure diseases, grant longevity, and bestow health and wealth. Hence, devotees pay homage to the sun during this festival to express their gratitude and seek blessings for themselves and their families.
The festival is also an expression of reverence for Chhathi Maiya, believed to be the sister of the Sun God, who symbolizes health, prosperity, and protection from evil. The devotion to Chhathi Maiya is a central aspect of the festival, and her blessings are sought for the well-being of children and the family.
The Observance of Chhath Parva
Chhath Parva is celebrated over four days of intense fasting, rituals, and prayers. The days are marked by purity, cleanliness, and strict discipline. The festival is known for its simplicity, as there are no idols or elaborate decorations involved. Instead, the rituals focus on nature and the elements—water, sunlight, and earth.
Day 1: Nahay Khay
The festival begins with Nahay Khay, which literally means “bath and eat.” Devotees start the festival by taking a ritual bath in a river or pond, symbolizing purification. The water used for the bath is considered sacred, and the ritual is performed at sunrise to pay homage to the Sun God.
After the bath, the devotees prepare simple vegetarian meals, which are eaten only after offering prayers to the Sun God. The food is cooked with great care, ensuring that it is pure and untainted.
Day 2: Kharna
The second day is known as Kharna, where devotees observe a day-long fast without consuming even a drop of water. In the evening, after offering prayers to the setting sun, the fast is broken with a simple meal that usually includes kheer (a sweet rice pudding), chapati, and fruits. This meal is shared with family members and neighbors as part of the communal spirit of the festival.
Kharna is significant as it marks the beginning of the main rituals of Chhath Parva, where devotees strengthen their spiritual discipline through fasting and self-purification.
Day 3: Sandhya Arghya
The third day is the most important day of the festival, known as Sandhya Arghya or the evening offering. Devotees prepare special offerings, known as arghya, which include fruits, sweets, and thekua (a traditional Nepali sweet made from wheat flour and jaggery). These offerings are placed in baskets made of bamboo and taken to a nearby river, pond, or any water body.
As the sun sets, devotees gather on the banks of the water to offer the arghya to the setting sun. This ritual is performed with great devotion, and it is believed that offering prayers to the setting sun brings peace, prosperity, and happiness to the family.
The entire community participates in this ritual, and the atmosphere is one of reverence and festivity. Devotees stand waist-deep in water, holding their offerings while they chant prayers and hymns in praise of the Sun God.
Day 4: Usha Arghya
The final day of Chhath Parva is known as Usha Arghya or the morning offering. Before dawn, devotees return to the riverbanks or water bodies to offer prayers to the rising sun. This ritual symbolizes the beginning of a new day, and devotees seek blessings for health, prosperity, and longevity.
After offering prayers to the rising sun, the devotees break their fast by sharing the prasad (sacred offerings) with family members, friends, and neighbors. The prasad includes fruits, sweets, and thekua, which are distributed as blessings from the Sun God.
The conclusion of the Chhath Parva is marked by joyous celebrations, as families and communities come together to celebrate the end of the festival with feasts and cultural performances.
Rituals and Traditions of Chhath Parva
Chhath Parva is known for its unique and strict rituals, which are followed with great discipline by the devotees. Some of the key rituals include:
- Fasting: Devotees observe a strict fast, refraining from consuming food or water for extended periods. The fasting is seen as a form of self-purification and a way to demonstrate devotion to the Sun God.
- Offerings: Special offerings, known as arghya, are prepared with great care. These offerings include fruits, sweets, sugarcane, and thekua. The offerings are considered sacred and are presented to the Sun God during the evening and morning prayers.
- Ritual Bathing: Devotees take ritual baths in rivers, ponds, or any water body before performing the main rituals of the festival. Bathing in the water is believed to purify the body and soul, preparing the devotees for the prayers and offerings.
- Communal Participation: Chhath Parva is a communal festival, where families, friends, and neighbors come together to celebrate. The entire community participates in the rituals, and the atmosphere is one of unity, devotion, and celebration.
- Prayers and Hymns: Devotees chant prayers and hymns in praise of the Sun God during the arghya rituals. These prayers are recited with deep devotion, seeking the blessings of Surya for health, prosperity, and happiness.
Symbolism and Cultural Significance
Chhath Parva holds profound cultural and symbolic significance in Nepal. The festival emphasizes the importance of nature, the environment, and the harmonious relationship between humans and the elements. The worship of the sun, water, and natural resources reflects the deep connection between human life and the forces of nature.
The festival also symbolizes the power of discipline, purity, and devotion. The strict fasting and rituals observed by the devotees demonstrate their unwavering faith and commitment to seeking divine blessings.
Chhath Parva is also a celebration of family and community. The rituals and prayers are performed not only for personal benefit but also for the well-being of loved ones and the community at large. The festival fosters a sense of unity and collective devotion, bringing people together in a spirit of love, care, and mutual respect.
Conclusion
Chhath Parva is a unique and ancient festival that holds a special place in Nepal’s cultural and religious landscape. It is a celebration of devotion, discipline, and reverence for the Sun God and the forces of nature that sustain life on Earth. The festival’s rituals and customs, deeply rooted in tradition, reflect the harmonious relationship between humans and the environment.
As Chhath Parva continues to be celebrated in Nepal, particularly in the Terai region, it remains a vibrant expression of cultural identity, communal harmony, and spiritual devotion. The festival’s timeless appeal lies in its simplicity, its connection to nature, and the powerful message of gratitude and reverence that it conveys.
References:
- “Chhath Festival: Origin, History and Significance”. Nepal Aarthik Samachar. Available at Nepal Aarthik
- “The Legend of Chhath: Mythology and Worship of Surya”. My Republica. Available at My Republica
- “The Rituals and Practices of Chhath Puja”. Kathmandu Post. Available at Kathmandu Post
- “Celebrating Chhath: Traditions and Devotion in Nepal’s Terai”. BBC Nepali. Available
