Here’s What To Do And What To Avoid During The Festival News24 –

Chhath Puja is a very big festival that is observed in reverence to the Sun God, Surya and Chhathi Maiya, the Goddess Shashti. It is done with utmost devotion across North India, particularly in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh. It is a four-day festival symbolizing thanksgiving to the Sun for providing life to the earth and requesting it for prosperity and good health.

Chhath Puja is unique as it focuses on worshiping the natural sources of energy, particularly the Sun, who is revered as the giver of life, health, and happiness. The festival emphasizes purity, simplicity, and gratitude. Devotees believe that worshipping the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya ensures good health, prosperity, and harmony in their families. The Sun’s powerful energy is honored for its role in sustaining life on Earth and providing growth and vitality.

Dos For Chhath Puja

–Cleanliness is the core principle of Chhath Puja rituals. Devotees are expected to maintain impeccable hygiene while preparing prasad or other ritual items. Before starting any preparation, ensure that your hands and surroundings are clean, as any impurity is believed to disrupt the sanctity of the puja.

–Chhath Puja involves a series of precise rituals, each holding spiritual significance. The most important of these include observing fasts, standing in water to offer arghya (offering to the Sun), and performing Sandhya Arghya (evening offerings) and Usha Arghya (morning offerings). Follow each step with care, devotion, and respect, as these are central to the spirit of Chhath Puja.

–Since many devotees perform Chhath Puja rituals in rivers, lakes, or public water bodies, keeping these spaces clean is crucial. Dispose of any waste appropriately, and if possible, encourage others to do the same. By helping to maintain the cleanliness of public areas, you contribute to the collective respect and sanctity of the puja.

Don’ts For Chhath Puja

–During Chhath Puja, devotees often observe a stringent fast, sometimes lasting for over 24 hours without food or water. Breaking the fast is considered disrespectful to the ritual. Ensure you are physically prepared for this commitment, and seek medical advice if you are unable to observe a full fast for health reasons.

–Once prasad is prepared, it must remain untouched and pure until it is offered in the rituals. Avoid tasting or touching it unnecessarily, as this is believed to compromise its sanctity. Prasad symbolizes offerings to the gods, and any impurity may diminish the devotion intended in the ritual.

Chhath Puja is a very religious festival. Following these dos and don’ts helps in maintaining purity and sanctity of these rituals as well as showing respect towards fellow devotees.