CHHATH: THE GRAND FESTIVAL OF SUPERNATURAL SIGNIFICANCE

At a time when the entire world stands on the brink of destruction, haunted by the terror of wars and the collapse of humanity; when terrorism, through its brutality upon innocent people, has created an atmosphere of fear and dread; when violence and injustice have become the hallmarks of our era and society; when the dignity of women and the innocence of children are under grave threat; when the purity of our thoughts is being corrupted, and the sacred mantra of human virtues seems to be fading away; when the stream of human relationships and compassion has begun to diminish — it is precisely then that the human spirit of resilience and profound hope continues to live on.

- DR. MANISH KUMAR CHAUDHARY

A festival scene

The festival that celebrates this living spirit of harmony, equality, goodwill, participation, and purity is known as Chhath.

This is not merely a festival; it is a sacred dialogue and engagement with the eternal Sanatan (Hindu) culture.

According to its legends and folk traditions, the energy of the Sun — the central deity of this festival — originates from his consorts, Usha and Pratyusha. During Chhath, along with the worship of Lord Bhaskar (the Sun God), these two divine feminine forces are also venerated. The setting Sun (Pratyusha) and the rising Sun (Usha) are both offered Arghya (ritual offerings of water), signifying the balance and reverence for both aspects of solar energy. Thus, this festival is a celebration of the union between energy (Shakti) and prayer.

The auspicious journey of this sacred festival began in the Vedic period and continues vibrantly today, as attested by ancient scriptures such as the Rigveda, Vishnu Purana, Bhagavata Purana, and Brahma Vaivarta Purana. The tradition of Sun worship in Hinduism is as ancient as it is vast and profound. The Sun is one of the few deities who is visible, tangible, benevolent, and universally revered. Unlike most gods, the Sun can be directly seen, and his light and warmth benefit the entire world.

Passing through countless legends and luminous traditions, this festival of Sun worship represents the grand confluence of folk culture and science — of faith and reason. One legend holds that on the day of Kartik Shukla Shashthi and Saptami, following the establishment of Ram Rajya, Lord Rama and Mother Sita observed a fast and offered prayers to Lord Bhaskar. After worshipping both the setting and the rising Sun, they received divine blessings.