Chhath Mahaparv 2023: महापर्व छठ को लेकर विशेष तैयारी

Chhath Mahaparv, also known as Chhath Puja, is an ancient Hindu festival dedicated to the Sun God, Surya, and his sister, Chhathi Maiya. This festival is celebrated with great fervor and devotion in the Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh, as well as in the neighboring country of Nepal. The festival is marked by a series of rituals and offerings made to the Sun God, and it holds significant cultural and religious importance for the people who celebrate it.

घर से लेकर घाट तक को सजाया गया

During Chhath Mahaparv, elaborate preparations are made to decorate homes and ghats, and to perform the various rituals associated with the festival. The preparations begin several days in advance, and each step is carried out with great attention to detail and tradition.

घर की सजावट

• **Cleaning**: The first step in preparing for Chhath Mahaparv is to thoroughly clean and decorate the home. This includes sweeping and mopping the floors, dusting and arranging furniture, and adorning the walls with intricate rangoli designs.
• **Decoration**: Homes are adorned with vibrant colors, traditional artwork, and festive ornaments. The entrances are embellished with torans (door hangings) and marigold garlands, and oil lamps are lit to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
• **Preparation of Prasad**: Special offerings, known as prasad, are prepared, which include sweets, fruits, and other traditional delicacies. These are offered to the Sun God during the rituals.

घाटों की सजावट

• **Cleaning and Decoration**: The ghats, or the riverbanks, where the main rituals of Chhath Mahaparv take place, are cleaned and decorated with colorful flags, banners, and lights. The steps leading to the water are adorned with flowers, and makeshift shelters are constructed for the devotees to perform their rituals.
• **Arrangement of Offerings**: Offerings such as fruits, sugarcane, and earthen lamps are arranged at the ghats, along with other essentials for the rituals. Devotees also bring traditional items such as bamboo baskets, brass pitchers, and coconut shells for the worship.
• **Security and Amenities**: Special arrangements are made for the safety and comfort of the devotees, including the provision of security personnel, first aid services, and temporary restroom facilities.

उत्सव के दिन

On the day of the festival, the preparations reach their peak as the devotees gather at the ghats to perform the rituals and offer their prayers to the Sun God.

सूर्योदय से पहले

• **Holy Dip**: Before sunrise, the devotees take a holy dip in the river, and then offer water to the Sun God. The entire process is carried out with strict adherence to traditional customs and rituals.
• **Sandhya Arghya**: Devotees prepare offerings of cooked rice and lentils in earthen pots, which they offer to the setting sun, accompanied by Vedic hymns and chants.
• **Community Participation**: Chhath Mahaparv is a community celebration, with families and friends coming together to perform the rituals and share the festive spirit. The atmosphere at the ghats is filled with music, dance, and a sense of unity.

सूर्यास्त से पहले

• **Ritual Fast**: Devotees observe a strict fast throughout the day, abstaining from food and water, and praying for the well-being and prosperity of their families. The fast is broken only after the sunset rituals are complete.
• **Offerings to the Sun God**: As the sun begins to set, the devotees offer arghya, or offerings, of milk and water to the Sun God, expressing their gratitude and reverence.
• **Illumination and Devotion**: Thousands of earthen lamps are lit at the ghats, creating a mesmerizing sight as the devotees offer their prayers amidst the glowing light and the serene waters of the river.

निष्काम सेवा और समर्पण

Chhath Mahaparv is also known for the spirit of selfless service and devotion exhibited by the devotees, who strive to fulfill their religious duties with utmost sincerity and dedication.

सेवा का भाव

The devotees engage in various seva (service) activities, such as cooking prasad, cleaning the ghats, and assisting the elderly and infirm with their rituals. The sense of collective responsibility and empathy is evident as everyone comes forward to contribute to the festive preparations.

ध्यान और मनन

Chhath Mahaparv is a time for reflection and introspection, as the devotees immerse themselves in the worship of the Sun God and seek spiritual enlightenment. The rituals are performed with deep devotion, and the atmosphere is filled with a sense of profound reverence and humility.

उत्सव का समापन

As the day of the festival comes to a close, the devotees express their gratitude and bid farewell to the Sun God, marking the culmination of the Chhath Mahaparv celebrations.

विसर्जन का अनुष्ठान

The devotees gather at the ghats for the morning rituals, where they offer arghya to the rising sun, expressing their heartfelt gratitude and seeking blessings for their families and loved ones. The atmosphere is charged with emotions as the devotees bid adieu to the Sun God, until the next year’s festivities.

समाजिक संबंध

The festive spirit continues as the devotees exchange greetings and blessings, and share the prasad with their friends and neighbors. The community bond is strengthened, and the festive spirit lingers on as everyone rejoices in the blessings of the Sun God.

समाप्ति

Chhath Mahaparv 2023 is a time of extraordinary devotion and preparation, as the devotees wholeheartedly engage in the festivities to honor the Sun God and seek his blessings for the welfare of their families and communities. The elaborate preparations, the meticulous rituals, and the spirit of selfless service come together to create a truly magnificent celebration that showcases the cultural richness and spiritual fervor of Chhath Mahaparv.