- By Kashish Rai
- Tue, 05 Nov 2024 11:28 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Chhath Puja 2024: Chhath Mahaparv is a revered Hindu festival that honours the Sun God, Surya, and Goddess Chhathi Maiya. This ancient celebration acknowledges the sun's life-giving energy and its role in sustaining life on Earth. Devotees worship the sun, seeking blessings for health, prosperity, and happiness. Through rigorous rituals, prayers, and offerings, individuals express gratitude, seek forgiveness, and purify their minds and souls. This four-day festival culminates in the arghya ceremony, where devotees offer prayers to the setting sun, reaffirming their connection with the divine and nature's harmony.
During the 36-hour long fasting in Chhath Puja, people must follow certain dos and don’ts to escape misfortune. Check out the list of rules to follow during Chhath Puja below:
Chhath Puja 2024: Dos And Don’ts To Follow During Chhath Mahaparv
Do’s For Chhath Puja
Maintain Purity and Cleanliness
During Chhath Puja, maintain utmost purity and cleanliness. Take regular baths, wear clean clothes, and ensure your surroundings are tidy. This helps create a sacred atmosphere, conducive to spiritual growth. Avoid impure thoughts, actions, and substances, and refrain from consuming meat, alcohol, and tobacco. This purification process prepares your mind, body, and soul for spiritual connection.
Follow Traditional Rituals and Customs
Adhere to traditional Chhath Puja rituals and customs, passed down through generations. Perform puja, offer prayers, and make offerings to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya. Follow the prescribed schedule and procedures, including nahay khay, kharna, and arghya. This ensures the authenticity and effectiveness of the worship.
Fast and Detoxify
Fasting is an integral part of Chhath Puja. Abstain from food and drink for the specified periods, allowing your body and mind to detoxify. This fasting helps focus your thoughts, build self-control, and purify your system. Pregnant women, the elderly, and those with health issues should consult their doctor before fasting.
Offer Prayers and Gratitude
Chhath Puja is a time for gratitude and prayer. Offer heartfelt prayers to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya, expressing thanks for life's blessings. Pray for health, happiness, and prosperity for your family and community. Include prayers for forgiveness, self-improvement, and spiritual growth.
Respect and Involve Family and Community
Chhath Puja strengthens family and community bonds. Involve your family members in rituals and prayers, fostering unity and spiritual connection. Respect traditions, elders, and community leaders. Share prasad (offerings) with neighbours and friends, spreading love and harmony. This collective celebration enhances the festival's significance and blessings.
Chhath Puja honours the Sun God's life-giving energy, promoting gratitude, spiritual growth, and harmony between nature and humanity. (Image Source: Freepik)
Don’ts For Chhath Puja
Don't Consume Non-Vegetarian Food and Intoxicants
Refrain from consuming non-vegetarian food, alcohol, and intoxicants during Chhath Puja. These substances hinder spiritual growth and pollute the mind and body. Maintain a vegetarian diet, avoiding even onion and garlic, to preserve the purity of the festival. This detoxification enables devotees to focus on spiritual connection and receive blessings.
Don't Engage in Impure Thoughts and Actions
Avoid impure thoughts, actions, and behaviours during Chhath Puja. Refrain from gossip, criticism, and negative emotions, which can disrupt the sacred atmosphere. Maintain a calm, respectful, and compassionate demeanour, fostering spiritual growth and positivity.
Don't Disregard Traditional Rituals and Customs
Don't alter or disregard traditional Chhath Puja rituals and customs. Avoid using shortcuts or modernising practices that compromise the festival's authenticity. Respect the ancient traditions and procedures, ensuring the worship's effectiveness and spiritual significance.
(Disclaimer: This is based on general public information. Jagran English does not confirm its veracity. Before adopting any measures, consult an expert in the relevant field.)