CHHATH, A UNIQUE CONFLUENCE OF FAITH, PENANCE AND NATURE CONSERVATION: DEVANAND SINGH

CHHATH, A UNIQUE CONFLUENCE OF FAITH, PENANCE AND NATURE CONSERVATION: DEVANAND SINGH

13-NOV-ENG 2

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA-------------------------A defining characteristic of Indian culture is that nature is regarded not merely as the foundation of life, but as something worthy of worship. Rivers are revered as mothers, the Earth is Mother Earth, the air is the life-giver, and the Sun is considered the source of all energy in the universe. The Chhath Mahaparv represents a remarkable convergence of this reverence for nature, folk faith, and spiritual consciousness. It is a festival defined more by deep-rooted faith than by ostentation, more by penance than by outward display, and more by a spirit of collective well-being than by individual self-interest.

Chhath is considered the most significant folk festival dedicated to the worship of the Sun. Its unique aspect lies in the veneration of both the setting and the rising Sun. While people typically pay homage to the rising Sun—viewing it as a symbol of success and new beginnings—Chhath teaches us to hold the setting Sun in equal regard. This reflects an Indian ethos that honors every stage, every phase, and every contribution throughout the journey of life. The underlying message is profound: respect should not be reserved solely for success and progress; it must also be extended to the struggles, sacrifices, and every distinct phase of human existence.

Chhath holds religious, cultural, and scientific significance. According to religious beliefs, the Sun God is the source of health, energy, and life itself. The worship of Chhathi Maiya is performed to seek well-being and prosperity for one’s children and family, as well as the fulfillment of one’s wishes. In folk tradition, Chhathi Maiya is revered as the sister of the Sun God and a protective deity for children. Beyond these beliefs, it is essential to recognize that the festival’s core message is one of respect for nature and gratitude for life.

Spanning four days, this grand festival carries special significance at every stage. On the first day, known as 'Nahay-Khay,' those observing the fast commit themselves to a path of purity and *sattvic* (wholesome and virtuous) living. Homes are cleaned, and the rituals begin with the consumption of *satvik* (pure/wholesome) food, such as *lauki-bhaat* (bottle gourd and rice) and *chane ki daal* (split Bengal gram). On the second day, *Kharna*, the observers fast throughout the day; in the evening, *prasad*—consisting of *gur ki kheer* (jaggery-based rice pudding), *roti*, and fruits—is prepared. Following this, the observers begin a *nirjala* (waterless) fast, which lasts for approximately 36 hours.

On the third day, during *Sandhya Arghya* (evening offering), the banks of rivers, ponds, and other water bodies witness a remarkable display of faith. Carrying *thekua* (a traditional sweet snack), fruits, coconuts, sugarcane, and other ritual offerings in bamboo baskets (*soop* and *daura*), the observers offer *arghya* to the setting sun. The festival concludes on the fourth and final day with *Usha Arghya*, an act of worship directed toward the rising sun. Afterward, the observers break their fast (*paran*), and the *prasad* is distributed. This entire process serves as a profound example of discipline, restraint, purity, and collective participation.

Another significant hallmark of Chhath is its promotion of social harmony. During this festival, distinctions based on caste, religion, or economic status—whether rich or poor—fade into the background. Each individual participates according to their own capacity and devotion. Acts such as assisting one another at the *ghats* (riverbanks), distributing *prasad*, cleaning paths, and ensuring the comfort of those observing the fast strengthen social unity. Chhath is a celebration of folk culture that not only brings families together but also binds society into a single, cohesive thread.

Originating in Bihar and Jharkhand, the festival has now spread to various parts of India and to Indian communities living abroad. This stands as a testament to its cultural reach and the enduring power of folk faith.

However, in these changing times, it has become all the more essential to understand the core message of the great festival of Chhath. When we discard trash, plastic, chemical substances, and ritual offerings into the very water bodies—rivers and ponds—that we revere as sacred, it creates a contradiction between our faith and our actions. Chhath conveys a message of nature conservation; therefore, this festival should also serve as an opportunity to fulfill our responsibilities toward the environment.

Today, the pollution of rivers, the encroachment upon ponds, the shrinking of water sources, and the decline in groundwater levels are matters of serious concern. In such times, the message of Chhath inspires us to take concrete steps toward water conservation. The cleaning of riverbanks (ghats) should not be limited to just a day or two before the festival. Citizens and the administration must work together to keep water bodies clean throughout the year, prevent encroachment in their vicinity, and ensure the preservation of water sources. We should move away from the use of plastic and other polluting materials by opting instead for bamboo trays (*soop*), earthen lamps, and other natural items.

The role of the district administration and local bodies becomes crucial on this occasion. There must be robust arrangements for cleanliness at the Chhath ghats, including proper lighting, barricading, safety measures in deep-water areas, the deployment of divers, medical facilities, access to drinking water, and traffic management. It is particularly important to focus on the safety and convenience of women, the elderly, and children. Alongside administrative preparations, the participation of local committees and voluntary organizations must also be ensured. The success of a major public festival like Chhath is not defined merely by crowd management, but by the safety and comfort of the devotees and the maintenance of a clean environment.

The penance and dedication of women during this festival are especially noteworthy, though today, men also observe the fast and participate in the rituals with equal devotion. The rigorous *nirjala* (waterless) fast, the strict adherence to prescribed rules, and the prayers offered for the well-being of the family make this festival a symbol of sacrifice and self-discipline. At the same time, we must also remain mindful of the health of those observing the fast. A *nirjala* fast (fasting without water) is demanding; therefore, the elderly and those dealing with health issues should observe the fast only in accordance with their physical capacity and medical advice. Along with faith, it is also essential to prioritize health and safety.

The great festival of Chhath teaches us that nature is not the property of any single individual, family, or generation; rather, it is a trust held for future generations. Our gratitude toward the Sun—the source of our energy—the water that sustains life, and the Earth upon which our very existence depends, should be reflected not only during worship but also in our daily conduct.

Today, there is a need to view Chhath not merely as a religious observance, but as a movement fostering social consciousness, environmental conservation, and collective responsibility. The festival should encompass the cleaning of public spaces alongside our own homes, the protection of water bodies alongside our acts of worship, and a commitment to the welfare of society alongside the well-being and prosperity of our own families.

The true message of Chhath is that the setting sun deserves as much reverence as the rising sun; that for everything we receive from nature, we bear an equal responsibility to protect it; and that our faith should not be confined to rituals alone, but must be integrated into our everyday behavior.

Let us, on this auspicious occasion of Chhath, pledge to keep our rivers and ponds clean, protect the environment, strengthen social unity, and pass on this invaluable heritage of folk culture to future generations. This would be our most sincere form of devotion to Chhathi Maiya and the Sun God.

The light of faith finds its true meaning only when it is accompanied by a commitment to cleanliness, empathy, and the preservation of nature.