Chhat Parwa in Nepal

Chhat Parwa, also known as Chhath Puja, is an ancient Hindu festival dedicated to the Sun God, Surya, and his sister Chhathi Maiya. It is a significant festival in the Terai region of Nepal and in some parts of India. The festival typically takes place in October or November, a few days after Diwali.

History and Significance

The origins of Chhat Parwa are rooted in Hindu mythology and it is believed to date back to the Vedic times. The rituals are geared towards thanking the Sun God for sustaining life on earth and for granting health, prosperity, and well-being.

Traditions

During Chhat Parwa:

• Fasting: Devotees observe a rigorous fast for four days. The fast includes abstaining from drinking water (Nirjala Vrat) during certain periods.
• Ritual Baths: Participants take holy baths in rivers or ponds and offer prayers to the rising and setting sun.
• Offerings: Offerings (prasad) such as fruits, sweets, and home-cooked food are prepared and offered to the Sun God.
• Surya Namaskar & Arghya: Devotees perform prostrations and offer 'arghya' to both the setting and rising sun using water alongside flowers and fruits.

Activities

On Chhat Parwa:

• People create makeshift ghats along riverbanks or pond shores for performing rituals.
• Women are typically at the forefront of the ceremonies.
• Folk songs dedicated to Surya and Chhathi Maiya are sung.
• Homes and surroundings are cleaned as part of the preparations.

The festival is a time when people come together regardless of caste or social hierarchy, emphasizing equality before the Sun God. It showcases a blend of ecological awareness, health practices, and social reform within its traditional framework.