KKN Gurugram Desk | Chaiti Chhath, a significant festival of faith, commences today, Tuesday, with the traditional ritual of Nahay Khay. This festival, which spans four days, is marked by rituals performed with utmost purity, where every action is carried out with strict adherence to cleanliness and devotion. Unlike other festivals, Chhath is a unique occasion where participants, especially the Chhathvratis (the individuals observing the fast), ensure that every task is performed in the most sacred manner, upholding the sanctity of the occasion.

Significance of the Nahay Khay Ritual

The Chhath festival holds immense spiritual and cultural importance, particularly in the Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh regions, though it is celebrated widely across India. The first day of Chhath, Nahay Khay, sets the tone for the following days. On this day, Chhathvratis bathe in the sacred Ganges or any other pure water source, marking their entry into a state of ritual purity.

The food offerings made on this day are significant as well. A traditional pumpkin curry, chana dal, and arwa rice (unpolished rice) are an essential part of the Nahay Khay feast. In some regions, this day is also referred to as Kaddu Bhat (pumpkin rice), reflecting the importance of the pumpkin in the food offerings. The food is prepared with great care and devotion, maintaining the highest level of cleanliness, and offered to the gods as part of the rituals. After performing prayers and rituals, the food is consumed by the family members and shared with friends and relatives as prasads.

The Role of Cleanliness in Chhath

What truly distinguishes Chhath Puja from other festivals is the emphasis on purity. Every aspect of the festival, especially during Nahay Khay, revolves around cleanliness. The Chhathvrati is expected to take a holy bath either in the Ganges or a river known for its purity. This bath is seen as a process of spiritual purification, which prepares the devotee to take part in the subsequent rituals.

The Nahay Khay rituals begin at the break of dawn, where Chhathvratis and their family members gather at Ganga ghats (riverfronts) or other sacred riverbanks. Here, they perform prayers and offer their prayers to the Sun God, seeking blessings for health, prosperity, and well-being. It is important to note that family members who are preparing the offerings also ensure they are in a state of cleanliness, preparing the prasads with utmost devotion and following strict hygiene practices.

Ganga Water and Its Significance

As a part of the purity rituals, many people choose to use Ganga Jal (water from the Ganges) in the preparation of food offerings. This water is considered sacred, and its use in the preparation of prasads is thought to invite divine blessings. However, in areas where Ganga water is not easily accessible, many people opt for clean well water or pure water from a nearby source to maintain the purity of the food. This practice reinforces the significance of the ritual of Nahay Khay, symbolizing the importance of maintaining cleanliness in every act of devotion.

The Cultural and Social Importance of Chhath

Chhath is not just a religious ritual; it is a deeply cultural event that brings together family and community. The Nahay Khay ritual often involves the entire family, where family members gather to share the experience of preparing and consuming the sacred meal. This is a time when people invite friends and relatives to partake in the sacred meal, further fostering a sense of community and togetherness. This ritual also marks the beginning of a period of fasting and prayer, culminating in the offering of prayers to the Sun God, seeking blessings for the well-being of loved ones.

Looking Forward: The Rituals of the Following Days

After Nahay Khay, the second day of Chhath is celebrated on Wednesday, April 2 – Kharna. The Kharna ritual is another essential element of the Chhath celebration. On this day, the Chhathvrati observes a full-day fast, consuming no food or water throughout the day. In the evening, the devotee prepares a special kheer (rice pudding) and roti (flatbread) with Gur (jaggery) and milk, offering it to the Sun God and consuming it as part of the fast-breaking ritual.

It is important to note that after consuming this prasadi food, the Chhathvrati refrains from eating anything further and abstains from drinking even water. The Kharna ritual is symbolic of the spiritual discipline and self-control that one must exercise during the entire Chhath festival.

The Purity and Dedication of the Chhath Festival

The Chhath festival is not just a series of rituals; it is a manifestation of pure devotion, discipline, and commitment to maintaining spiritual and physical cleanliness. Each step of the festival, from the Nahay Khay to Kharna and beyond, emphasizes purity in both body and spirit. The festival is a reflection of the faith of devotees, who undergo physical hardship and fasting to seek divine blessings for the prosperity and well-being of their families.

The purity of the festival also extends to the social fabric of communities, with families coming together, sharing food, and engaging in collective prayers. The festival fosters unity and strengthens bonds among individuals, communities, and even regions.

The Spiritual and Religious Significance of Chhath

The Chhath festival is dedicated to the Sun God, considered the source of all life and energy. By observing this festival, devotees seek the Sun God’s blessings for the well-being of their families and the prosperity of their households. The rituals are deeply spiritual and are believed to provide an opportunity for devotees to connect with the divine, purify themselves, and seek divine intervention in their lives.

Moreover, Chhath also promotes environmental consciousness. The offerings to the Sun God, often made with natural, eco-friendly ingredients, and the preference for natural water sources such as rivers and wells rather than artificial sources reflect a deeper respect for nature and the environment.

In conclusion, Chhath Puja is not just a religious observance; it is a celebration of faith, purity, discipline, and devotion. Starting with Nahay Khay today, the festival progresses through a series of sacred rituals that serve to purify the body, mind, and spirit. It is a festival that not only seeks blessings from the Sun God but also strengthens the ties of family and community.