How is Chhath Puja Related to Ramayana and Mahabharata ? : Significance and Food offerings of Chhath Puja ?, Written By-Rashmi Vajpayee
Every year Chhath Puja is performed on the Sixth day of Shukla Paksha of Kartik month. This year it will be celebrated on 20 November. Chhath Puja is an age-old Hindu festival which is dedicated to Lord Surya (Sun God) and Chhath Mata, who is known to be the sister of Lord Surya. This festival is unique to the states of Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and the country of Nepal. To express their gratitude towards Lord Surya women worship the sun god on Chhath and wish for a happy life for their family. Several Legends explain that Chhath Puja is originated from the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Let’s know the stories related to Chhath Puja-
1)Karna was the first who observed Chhath-
It is believed that Chhath fast is originated from Mahabharata. At that time the Sun God was first worshiped by Surya Putra Karna. Karna used to stand in water for hours every day and offer Ardhya (Offer Water) to Suryadev. By the grace of Suryadev, he became a great warrior. Since then, the tradition of worshipping Sun God during Chhath Puja has been going on.
2)Lord Ram and Sita Worshiped Sun God-
According to folklore, when Lord Rama conquered Ravana and established the Rama Rajya, Sita and Lord Rama fasted on Kartik Shukla Shashti (i.e. 6th Day of Shukla Paksha of Kartik month). They also worshiped the Sun God. Then at sunrise on Saptami Tithi, both of them performed the ritual again and got blessings from the Sun God.
3)Draupadi observed Chhath fast for Pandavas-
It is believed that Draupadi was a true devotee of the Sun god. Draupadi worshiped the Sun God and observes fast on Chhath for better health and prosperity of the Pandavas. Through her worship of the Sun God, Pandavas got their lost kingdom.
Food Offerings during Chhath Puja-
Food offering includes Sweets, Thekua (traditional biscuits of Bihar), sugarcane, Kheer, Green Chana masala, Puris, and Kasar Ladoo (Bihari recipe prepared from powdered rice and jaggery) all arranged in open flat baskets bamboo.
