What Is Chhatt Pooja & Why Is It Celebrated?

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The Diwali festival just went by and the whole of North India is gearing up for another important festival called Chhatt Pooja.

Chhatt Pooja is celebrated across North India with much fervour. It is a four-day-long festival which happens during the Shukla Chaturthi of the Month of Karthik.

It is celebrated widely in the state of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Chhatt Pooja is observed in the worship of the Sun God who is the source of all the energies of the world. Sun god is worshipped extensively on all the four days flowed by dips in the holy waters of Ganga.

Legend Behind The Festival:
Though the exact origin of the Chhatt Pooja is not known, it is said that the festival originated during the time of Ramayana. Lord Ram and Sita observed a fast to please the Sun God right after they returned from Vanvas. They abstained themselves from food and water for the entire day and broke the fast only on the dawn of the next day. Thus, this tradition was carried on by their devotees.

Another legend says that Karna, who was the son of the Sun God, kept a fast and offered prayers to the God.

During the Chhatt Pooja, the sister of the Sun God called Chhatt is also prayed. She is known to have a short temper, so the Chhatt Pooja should be done very carefully.

On the first day, it is important to eat only after taking a bath. The second day is dedicated to the preparation of kheer with jaggery and pooris.

On the third day, a strict fast is observed to please the Sun god and his sister. Folk songs are sung and people dip themselves in the holy waters. The fourth day is dedicated to the extensive pooja of the rising sun.

The Chhatt Pooja is considered to be a very auspicious time to receive the blessings of the Sun God. Pleasing him with a pooja will ensure that you are blessed with lots of luck and happiness. Include these things in your Chhatt Pooja celebration and invite happiness and prosperity into your homes.

1) Thekua:
Thekua is a popular snack made in North Bihar. It is made of jaggery and wheat flour and is a must have ingredient during the Chhatt Pooja.

2) Sugarcane:
Sugarcane is a very important take of the Chhatt Pooja ritual and also in the making of the Prasad. They are used on the Ghat when taking a dip in the holy waters.

3) Coconut:
Coconut is considered to be very auspicious by the Hindus and it finds its way into most of the poojas. It is very important in Chhatt Pooja as well, as it is the major component of the Chhatt Prasad. Make sure to buy fresh coconuts before beginning the pooja of the Sun God.

4) Sandalwood Powder:
Sandalwood powder is another important element of the Chhatt Pooja. The fragrance of the powder is said to impress the gods. After waking up in the morning of the Pooja, take a bath and keep sandalwood paste in your mouth until the sun rises. This pleases the Sun God and hence allows him to shower his blessings on you.

5) Bamboo Basket:
A bamboo basket is very important in Chhatt Pooja. Every item related to the pooja should be stored in a bamboo basket. Women start weaving and buying bamboo baskets long before the start of the festival.