Chhath Puja 2023: date of celebration, importance, and history - starzspeak

BY : STARZSPEAK

Chhath Puja 2023: On this day, devotees offer prayers to the God of Light, as it is considered the life force that unites the universe and energizes all living beings.

In Nepali and Hindi, Chhath means six, which means that this festival is celebrated on the sixth day of the month of Kartika. On this day, the faithful offer prayers to the God of Light, because he is considered the vital force that connects the universe and gives energy to all living beings. The faithful perform rituals and prayers for 4 days. Fasting is the most important part of the festival and people who fast on this day are known as "Navratri". This year, Chhath Puja is celebrated on Wednesday, November 19.

Another legend believes that in ancient times, the Draupadi and Pandavas used to celebrate Chhath to solve their problems and restore their lost kingdom. Another legend believes that Karna, the offspring of Lord Surya and Kunti, first performed Chhath Puja. Karna was the ruler of Anga Desh, which is currently in Bhagalpur in Bihar.

This festival is one of the few Hindu celebrations that does not involve idolatry. It is exclusively dedicated to the worship of chhath Maa and the Sun God Surya, along with their companions Usha and Pratyusha.

Chhath is considered the most eco-friendly festival, as its core is the worship of the elements found in nature and is often used to spread the message of nature conservation. Furthermore, Chhath is one of the few Hindu festivals that transcends the strict limitations of the caste system, which emerged in the post-Vedic period. It touched on the ideas of equality, brotherhood, unity, and integrity. Each devotee, regardless of his class or sect, prepares the same offerings to the sun god and comes to the banks of rivers and ponds to spread the prayer.

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