What sets will rise again

Chhath Puja is an important Hindu festival mainly celebrated in parts of Nepal, the Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand, Purvanchal (Eastern Uttar Pradesh), and the diaspora in various parts of the world. This ancient festival pays tribute to the Omnipresent Sun God (Surya) and his consort, Chhathi Maiya (Usha & Pratyusha), highlighting gratitude, health, and prosperity. Chhath Puja exemplifies unity among various castes and communities, as people unite to partake in the rituals, transcending their social standings. In this four days long festival, the last rays (Pratyusha) and the first rays (Usha) of the Sun God are worshipped starting with the Setting Sun followed by the Rising Sun giving a deep philosophical message of the non-permanence nature of the downfall. The festival features the preparation of special offerings or prasad, which typically includes traditional thekua, fruits, vegetables, and other vegetarian delicacies. The types of prasad can differ based on local geography, incorporating specific ingredients that reflect the region's agricultural outputs. For instance, in the fertile plains of Purvanchal & Bihar, thekua made from wheat flour and jaggery is a staple, while in areas with different agricultural resources, other local grains and fruits may be featured.

Essential aspects of the Chhath Mahaparv:

1.???? One who has fallen will rise anew.

2.???? Promotes equality & fraternity, transcending the caste system in the following ways:

?????????????????????????????? i.??????????? Similar Offerings & Place of Worship: Devotees of all classes & castes prepare similar offerings and bow in front of the Sun God at the same ghat.

???????????????????????????? ii.??????????? ?Soop & Daura (Bamboo containers): The most essential items for the Chhath Puja, the Daura (bamboo basket) used to keep the prasad and the Soop (Bamboo Pan) used for morning Argh to the Sun God are knitted by the Dom Community, reinforcing the social cohesion in the diverse tapestry of Indian society.

????????????????????????? iii.??????????? No priests are required: Chhath puja is probably the only religious ceremony where puja does not require any Purohit (priest) based on caste. The morning and evening Argh can be initiated by any person who is fasting irrespective of caste or gender.

3.???? Gender Neutral: Chhath Puja embodies gender neutrality, though predominantly observed but not restricted to women, men also observe it with the same spirit. However, men who do not observe fast also play vital roles in supporting the efforts especially taking responsibility for household chores be it cleaning or cooking meals, demonstrating a shared responsibility for familial and societal well-being. This collaboration underscores the festival's inclusivity, where both genders unite in reverence and devotion.

4.???? Reverence for local produce: The prasad (offerings) in Chhath Puja are made from locally grown produce or sourced from nearby markets. These offerings support the local economy and encourage self-sufficiency & self-reliance.

5.???? A lesson for the younger generations to express gratitude to nature, the ultimate source of energy and life on Earth.

In conclusion, Chhath Puja serves as a profound testament to the unity and inclusivity inherent in Indian culture. By transcending social and gender boundaries, it not only honours the Sun God but also fosters a spirit of community and cooperation. Through its rich rituals and offerings, Chhath Puja strengthens bonds among individuals, promoting harmony and gratitude in society while celebrating the diversity of regional traditions.

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