NEWS

Politicization of Ban on Chhath Pooja is being witnessed

ABOUT

• Hindu festival dedicated to the Sun god and his wife Usha in order to thank them for bestowing the bounties of life on earth.
• The Goddess who is worshipped is known as Chhathi Maiya (also known as Usha, wife of the sun god).
• Meaning of word – sixth
• Festival is celebrated on the sixth day of the month Kartika of the Hindu lunar Bikram Sambat calendar.
• Rituals:
  • Observed over a period of four days.
  • Include holy bathing, fasting, standing in water for long periods of time, and offering prayers and food to the setting and rising sun.
• Who observe it – The main worshipers, called Parvaitin, are usually women. However, many men also observe this festival as Chhath is not a gender-specific festival.
• Regions: The festival is observed most elaborately in Mithila Province of Nepal, Terai-Madhesh region of Nepal, Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand and UP. It is also more prevalent in areas where migrants from those areas have a presence.