Chhath (Hal Sashti): History and Observances

Chhath (Hal Sashti) History & Observances

Chhath also known as Hal Sashti is a traditional Hindu festival celebrated mainly in the Indian states of Bihar Jharkhandand Uttar Pradesh. It is dedicated to the worship of the Sun God Suryaand his sister Chhathi Maiya. The festival is observed over a period of four days with devotees offering prayers & performing rituals to seek blessings for the well being & prosperity of their families.

History

The origins of Chhath can be traced back to ancient Vedic texts where the Sun God is revered as the source of life & energy. The festival is believed to have been started by Draupadi the wife of the Pandavas who performed the rituals to seek the blessings of the Sun God for the well being of her family. Over time the festival gained popularity & became an integral part of the cultural heritage of the region.

Observances

Chhath is celebrated with great fervor & devotion by millions of people across the country. The festival begins with devotees taking a holy dip in the river at sunrise followed by offering prayers to the Sun God. They fast for the entire day & break their fast in the evening after performing the evening rituals. On the second day known as Kharna devotees prepare special offerings known as prasad which include sweets fruitsand other traditional dishes. The prasad is then offered to the Sun God during the evening rituals.

The third day of Chhath is known as Sandhya Arghya where devotees offer prayers to the setting sun. They stand in waist deep water & offer water milkand fruits to the Sun God seeking his blessings for their families. The final day of the festival known as Usha Arghya is celebrated at sunrise where devotees offer prayers to the rising sun & conclude the festival with a special puja.

Chhath is a festival that symbolizes purity devotionand gratitude towards nature. It is a time for families to come together & celebrate the blessings of the Sun God. The rituals & traditions associated with Chhath have been passed down through generationsand continue to be observed with great enthusiasm & reverence.

For those interested in astrology & horoscopes astromiracle.in offers free kundli online services where you can get complete details about your astrology needs. Whether you are looking for guidance on your future or seeking answers to your questions astromiracle.in provides a platform for all your astrological queries.

In conclusion Chhath is a festival that holds great significance in the hearts of millions of people. It is a time to express gratitude towards the Sun God & seek his blessings for the well being & prosperity of our families. The festival is a reminder of the importance of nature & the elements that sustain life on earth. Let us celebrate Chhath with joy & devotionand may the blessings of the Sun God shine upon us all.