LIFESTYLE
For those far from home, Chhath Puja is a bittersweet reminder of devotion, family bonds, and the deep-rooted traditions that connect them to their heritage.
Babu Ji Gelthun Kelwa Kinaye, Patna Bajarwa Se Nemua Le Aaye
Father went to buy bananas, He brought lemons from the Patna market
Phalwa Se Babuni Bahangi Sajaye, Phalwa Ke Bharwa Se Lachkat Jaaye, Bahangi Lachkat Jaaye…
Babuni decorated the basket with fruits and flowers, The basket filled with fruits swung back and forth, The basket keeps swinging…
Paani Me Khada Hoke Varti, Maange Aashish Apaar, Maange Aashish Apaar
Standing in the water, devotees perform the ritual, They seek boundless blessings
Such songs in Maithili, Magahi, or Bhojpuri are played everywhere around this time of year, echoing with nostalgia and devotion. For many, this marks the arrival of Chhath Puja, a festival deeply rooted in Bihar, Jharkhand, parts of Uttar Pradesh, and even Nepal. The divine significance of celebrating ‘Chhath’ can only truly be understood by Biharis, especially those who can’t return home for this festival. I, for one, am one of them, feeling that yearning for home, the Kharna prasad, and the peace of offering ‘arghya’ to Surya Dev or Lord Sun. It’s been ages since I last celebrated Chhath in my hometown, and for us Biharis, this isn’t just another festival – it’s a powerful way of connecting to our roots. It’s a call from our mothers, a devotion-filled, 36-hour fast where vratis (people who fast) pray for their families' well-being and the long lives of future generations.
This year, I feel a strong pull to go back, but circumstances aren’t in my favour, and it’s making my heart ache. It’s like a piece of my soul is missing, and I can’t shake this deep emotional longing. I miss the early morning rush for Paarun Parv, the anticipation building up to the first bite of warm ‘thekua’, and the collective energy of my family, all bound by love and faith. While I can’t be there physically, I hold tight to memories of celebrating this sacred festival with my loved ones.
To those unfamiliar with Chhath, it’s one of the most significant festivals celebrated by people from Bihar, Jharkhand, parts of Uttar Pradesh, and Nepal. Its origins go back centuries, rooted in ancient Vedic traditions honouring Surya (the Sun God). Chhath Puja symbolises gratitude towards the sun, a life-giver, asking for its blessings for health, prosperity, and longevity. Through the centuries, it has grown to be one of the biggest festivals for Biharis, a tradition that connects us to our culture, our heritage, and our families.
The festival spans four days, each marked by a unique ritual. The first day is ‘Nahay Khay’, a day of purification where homes are cleaned, and a simple meal is prepared and eaten after bathing in a holy river. On the second day, ‘Kharna’, devotees observe a rigorous fast without water and break it only after the evening rituals, partaking in prasad such as rice pudding and ‘thekua’. Then comes the heart of Chhath, the third day’s ‘Sandhya Arghya’. As the sun begins to set, devotees offer prayers by the water, dressed in traditional attire. The atmosphere fills with devotional songs, and this day marks the height of the celebration. Finally, on ‘Paarun Parv’, the last day, families gather at dawn to offer ‘Usha Arghya’ to the rising sun, breaking their 36-hour fast afterward and sharing blessed prasad among family and friends.
“Chhath ke Bartiya nari, bhukhal piyasal…”
This line, meaning "The woman observing Chhath fasts, hungry and thirsty," reflects the devotion of those fasting. For 36 hours, they go without food or water, demonstrating faith that defies physical limitations. It’s no wonder that Chhath Puja is considered one of the toughest festivals globally. Beyond the rituals, the songs sung during Chhath carry an emotional significance, passed down for generations. These songs are more than music; they’re expressions of love, sacrifice, and devotion. From tales of the Sun God's blessings to the heartfelt cries of a mother praying for her children, these songs echo the festival's essence.
Chhath Puja is not just a festival but a living, breathing tradition that binds us. It’s one of the rare times in the year when families reunite, offering strength, devotion, and love in one beautiful celebration. While I may not be physically there, in my heart, I’ll always be by the water’s edge, offering ‘arghya’ to the sun, with my family and the Chhath songs filling my soul.
Abhishek Gupta and Onevision Media: Scaling brands on social media
Video shows Korean girl eating jalebi for first time, her reaction to Indian sweet goes viral
Cristiano Ronaldo confirms THIS YouTube star as his next guest, says, 'Will break Internet'
Delhi Assembly Elections: AAP releases first list of 11 candidates for 2025 polls
Adani Group's FIRST REACTION after US indicts Gautam Adani in alleged bribery case
Instagram introduces new feature, know how to reset app's algorithm, change your feed
Oppo Find X8 and X8 Pro launched in India, check specifications, price, other details
Charges against Gautam Adani: BJP's scathing attack on Congress, questions timing of development
Jasprit Bumrah's BIG statement on taking up Perth test captaincy, says, 'tactically better...'
Blackout on breaks: Company imposes no-sick-leave policy until 2025
Drug-laden terrorists on India's western, northern frontiers
Mohammad Shami trolls Sanjay Manjrekar over IPL auction bid prediction, says, 'Baba ki...'
IND vs AUS Test: When and where to watch 1st match of Border-Gavaskar trophy, know details here
CAQM amends Grap Stages III, IV, enforces stricter measures in Delhi-NCR amid air pollution woes
Malayalam actor Meghanathan passes away at 60 after suffering from...
Adani Green Energy's FIRST reaction after US indicts Gautam Adani in alleged bribery case
'Keep me out of...': Pakistani Instagram star Mathira on MMS leak controversy
Delhi Air Pollution: AQI marginally improves from 'severe' to 'very poor' category
'I love him, he loves me! Why hurt...': Rekha's bold confession about Amitabh Bachchan goes viral
Meet man, IITian who built Rs 5493 crore firm, has this Mukesh Ambani connection, he is from...
Shillong Teer Results TODAY November 21, 2024 Live Updates: Check winning numbers here
‘I didn’t have time to…’: When AR Rahman revealed having ‘agreement’ before marriage to Saira Banu
Viral video: Woman's sizzling belly dance to 'Namak' impresses internet, watch
Hardik Pandya banned, Mumbai Indians captain to miss first match of IPL 2025 due to...
Meet man who studied at IIM, IIT, then built Rs 1160000000 company, got inspired by…
Meet woman, who quit as dentist for UPSC exam, became IAS officer with AIR...
Viral video: Little girl steals hearts with her adorable dance to 'o meri cutie', watch
Gautam Adani's company signs another pact to acquire 100% stake in...
CBSE Date Sheet 2025 announced: Class 10, 12 board exams to begin from...
Apollena: Aditi Sharma on how space-based drama encourage young girls, says 'no matter how many...'
Is Mia Khalifa dating ex-Man City star Julian Alvarez? Former adult star says 'It certainly...'
IPL 2025 auction RTM rule: How this year’s right-to-match card is different from previous seasons
'Virat Kohli is trying to...': Shoaib Akhtar makes BIG statement on Champions Trophy 2025
Maharashtra Election 2024: Mukesh Ambani and family cast their votes in Mumbai
Centre revises performance-linked incentive scheme for THESE employees; check details
Manipur violence: Prohibitory orders to be relaxed in Imphal Valley for 7 hours
Jharkhand Exit Poll Results 2024: 36-41 seats predicted for BJP, JMM to secure…
Elon Musk faces big threat after million of users switch from X to Jack Dorsey's Bluesky
ICC Rankings: Hardik Pandya reclaims No. 1 T20I all-rounder spot, Tilak Varma enters top 10
DNA Verified: Is retirement age for central govt employees increasing to 62? Know truth here
Android 16 preview unveiled by Google: Who can access it? Here's all you need to know
Anti-pollution diet: Foods that can help fight air pollution naturally
Tech millionaire Bryan Johnson's face 'blows up' after anti-aging experiment; here’s how
Expanding Horizons: GOCL Corporation’s Strategic Diversification in Electronics and Metal Cladding
TrezarBit App Review 2024: Legit Trading Platform? Quick Facts!
Meet man who worked closely with Isha Ambani, Mukesh Ambani, set to take new role as...
Meet man, lifted bricks 8 hours a day, cracked NEET by studying on broken phone, he scored...
US embassy in Kyiv shuts down after receiving warning of 'potential significant' Russian air attack
Anil Ambani's next BIG step, Reliance Group announces new plan for...