After the lights and smiles of Dashain and Tihar, the lights of Chaath festival knock on the door of Nepalis. Best wishes for Chaath festival this year!
All the festivals and powers of the Vedic Sanatan Dharma revolve around nature and the earth, the experimental significance of which is extremely scientific. The Chaath festival is a ritual of the Sun God.
Role of the Lord Sun in the Sanatan philosophy
The role of the sun on this earth is super significant, including the rising sun in the morning, the light that penetrates through the corners of the windows, the sun that nurtures the plants, the sun that creates clouds, the sun that gives warmth, and the interdependent relationship between humans and the sun.
It is believed that the name of this festival is Chaath as it is celebrated on the 6th day (Sasthi) of the lunar calendar. The Chaath festival, which is celebrated in the Terai region, is now becoming popular in the mountains, hills, and the Terai. Symbol of harmony and brotherhood, this festival is celebrated with great joy and rejoicing.
It is customary to bring the offerings given by the neighbors such as banana, coconuts, sugarcane, and other fruits to the Chaath fasting person's ( Vratalu's) house. It is customary to take the fruits brought home in the morning on the last day of Chaath after seeing the rising sun. Devotees have taken vows for the fulfillment of various aspirations for Chaath and accordingly, the practice of offering prasad on Chhath has continued.
Chaath is a purely religious festival and there is no tradition of slaughtering animals or sacrificing animals.
Four Days of Chaath festival explained:
The first day of this four-day festival is called Arba or Nahai Khay, the second day is called "Kharna", the third day is called "Sanjhiya Arghya" Chhath because the third day of this festival starting from Kartik Shukla Chaturthi is Chaath i.e. Shashti and the last day is called "Vihaniya Arghya" Paran.
On the day of Araba, it is customary for the youth of the village to celebrate Chaath by cleaning the banks of rivers or lakes or ponds, scraping the grass, and purifying the water. While cleaning the pond in this way in the Terai, a boat made of banana pillars is made that does not drown in water.
On the third day, "Sanjhiya Ghat", in the evening, the Vratals offer milk Argha to the sun being half-submerged in the water. And on the morning and evening of the fourth day, before the sun rises, it is customary to reach Chaath Ghat and end the fast by offering argha to the rising sun.
Mahabharata and the citation of Chaath festival
In the Mahabharata, it is said that the immense wealth and power attained by Karna was all due to the effect of the Chaath fast, while it is mentioned that Draupadi also took the Chaath fast.
A unique example of nature and civilization. Happy Chaath Festival to all! All of us human beings are forever blessed by the radiant presence of the sun and the grace of the sun god towards us.
Good luck to everyone! May there be life in the creature and may religion triumph! May the chaath mother bless everyone!
Suyog Dhakal
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