About Chhath Puja

A light into the Festival and its importance

Chatth- The devotion to the Sun God

Chhath is an ancient Hindu festival devoted to the Sun God, Surya, and is the only Vedic festival of its kind. It is a way to express gratitude to Surya for sustaining life on Earth and seeking blessings for specific desires. The Sun is worshipped during this festival as it symbolizes energy and life force, and it is believed that worshipping it can promote well-being, prosperity, and progress. The rigorous four-day rituals involve activities like holy bathing, fasting (Vratta) without drinking water, standing in water for extended periods, and offering prayers and offerings (Prashad and Aragh) to the rising and setting sun. These rituals also have the belief that they can help cure diseases and ensure the well-being and prosperity of family, friends, and elders.

Chhath is a festival mainly celebrated in places like Bihar, Jharkhand, Eastern UP, and Nepal’s Terai regions. But it’s also celebrated in many other parts of India, including the Northeast, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Chandigarh, ujarat, Delhi, and Mumbai. It’s even celebrated in some other countries like Mauritius, Fiji, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Suriname, and Jamaica. In recent years, people in Ponda, Goa, started celebrating Chhath pooja with devotion. Initially, only 2 families began the celebrations in 2011, and as years passed, Chhath Puja Seva Samiti Ponda Goa was established. now more than 1000 families join the celebration every year with devotion and enthusiasm. We initiated this group to promote cultural and social activities and with time, Chhath Puja Seva Samiti Ponda Goa became a registered organization.

Date of festival

Chhath puja is held on the sixth day of the Hindu month of Kartika Shukla paksha ( sixth day of deewali ) which usually falls in October or November on our english regular calendar. It’s also celebrated in the summer, a few days after Holi in March or April, known as Chaiti Chhath. The Kartika version is more popular because it’s easier to observe during the winter, which is a festive season in India. During Chhath, people fast without water for about 36 hours continuously.

The word “chhath” means the number six in Hindi, and the festival is named after the sixth day of the Hindu lunar month Kartika. The word “chhath” comes from the Sanskrit word “Cachi,” which also means “six.”

Chhathi Maiyya

The Goddess worshipped during the famous Chhath Puja is known as Chhathi Maiya. Chhathi Maiya is also referred to as Usha in the Vedas and is believed to be the companion of Surya, the sun god. Some scholars believe she is Surya’s beloved, while others think of her as his wife.

In the Vedas, Usha symbolizes the dawn, which is the first light of day. But in the Rig Veda, she carries a deeper, symbolic meaning. Symbolically, Usha represents the dawn of divine consciousness in an individual seeker.

During Chhath Puja, Chhathi Maiya is invoked to bestow upon us this divine consciousness, which helps us overcome the challenges in the world. This blessing is believed to lead us towards Moksha or liberation.

Benefits of Chat Puja and Process

Benefits of the Chhath Process

Detoxification of Body and Mind:

Chhath Puja involves a rigorous process that includes fasting and maintaining mental discipline.
The focus on cleanliness and purity in rituals and offerings during Chhath helps detoxify the mind.
Mental moods can trigger biochemical changes, and the practice of mental discipline during Chhath can result in a detoxification effect.

Physical Detoxification:

The fasting aspect of Chhath allows the body to undergo physical detoxification.
During the fast, the body starts eliminating toxins and cleansing itself at a material level.

Enhanced Flow of Prana:

Detoxification through Chhath helps in regulating the flow of prana, which is the life force or vital energy in the body.
As toxins are eliminated, the body becomes more energetic, and individuals may feel rejuvenated.

Improved Skin Health:

Detoxification can have a positive impact on the skin’s appearance.
Clearing toxins from the body may result in healthier, more radiant skin.

Better Eyesight:

Some practitioners have reported an improvement in eyesight as a result of Chhath.
Detoxification and overall well-being can contribute to enhanced vision.

Slower Aging Process:

The detoxification process initiated during Chhath may slow down the body’s ageing process.
By eliminating toxins and maintaining physical and mental discipline, individuals may experience a more youthful and healthier state of being.

Chhath Puja’s rigorous rituals and practices contribute to both mental and physical detoxification. This detoxification process can lead to increased vitality, better skin health, improved eyesight, and a slower ageing process, ultimately promoting overall well-being and health.

The benefits of Chhath Puja on Physical and Mental health

Physical Benefits (Photo-Electro-Chemical Effects):

Improved Immunity: Chhath practices enhance the immunity of those observing the Vrat (fasting). This means their body is better equipped to defend against illnesses and diseases.
Antiseptic Effect: Exposure to the safe radiation of sunlight during Chhath can help in the treatment of fungal and bacterial skin infections. Sunlight acts as a natural antiseptic.
Enhanced Blood Quality: Chhath energises the bloodstream, leading to an improvement in the performance of white blood cells. This, in turn, increases the body’s ability to fight off infections.
Balanced Hormone Secretion: Solar energy influences the glands, resulting in a balanced secretion of hormones. This equilibrium in hormone levels contributes to overall well-being.
Direct Solar Energy Supply: Solar energy is directly harnessed during Chhath, fulfilling the body’s energy requirements. This process aids in detoxifying the body and maintaining vitality.

Mental Benefits (Photo-Electro-Psychic Effects):

Creative Calmness: Chhath induces a state of creative calmness in the mind. A balanced pranic flow contributes to mental peace and tranquillity.
Reduction of Negative Emotions: Many negative emotions have their roots in disturbances in the flow of prana. Regularized pranic flow, as achieved through Chhath, reduces the frequency and intensity of emotions like anger and jealousy.
Awakening of Psychic Powers: With the patient and sincere practice of Chhath, individuals may experience the awakening of psychic powers such as intuition, healing abilities, and telepathy. The degree of awakening depends on the practitioner’s level of concentration and commitment to the practice.

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॥ ॐ भूर्भुवः स्वः तत्सवितुर्वरेण्यं भर्गो देवस्य धीमहि धियो यो नः प्रचोदयात् ॥

Chhath Puja 2024 on Thursday 7th November evening from 4.00 pm to 8.00 pm and on Friday 8th November morning 5.30am to 8.00am

About Chhath Puja