Chhath puja
Which god worship on the occasion of Chhath puja?
Lord Surya and Goddess Chhati Maiya worship on the occasion of Chhath puja.
What are the other names for this puja? (If any)
Chhath Parv, Chhathi, Dala Chhath, Chhath Puja, Surya Shashthi, Dala Puja are the other names for this puja.
History of the above occasion
On this occasion, Lord Surya worshipped so its origin lies in the Rigveda as it is having hymns for praying the same god and rituals related to that. It is also related to Mahabharata due to Draupadi and Pandavas who were observing rites very much similar. Dhaumya, the noble sage advices Draupadi and Pandavas to perform the puja of Chhath so that Pandavas can re-occupy their power and their problems can be resolved.
Its history is old as Vedas texts. The method of obtaining energy from the rays of sun was used by yore rishis as they were not taking the food and this leads to the popularity of Chhath method which leads to the puja as Lord Surya is related to sun.
What is the significance of the above occasion?
Chhath Puja has a great significance as it indicates that we all are very thankful to the Lord Surya as he bestow life on earth and also fulfilling our certain wishes. It helps in curing various diseases and promote prosperity, well being and progress of ourself and our friends, relatives and family members.
What are the things or material required for the worship of this puja?
There is not a specific things or material required for the worship of this puja , however it includes Prasad comprises of puris, kheers, bananas, sweets.
What is the vidhi (method) of worship?
The puja completes in 4 days. On the first day, the worshipper dip in the rivers such as Ganga, Karnali and carry the holy water of the same to prepare what they want to offer to god. People keep their house clean and observe fast on this day.
On the second day, people observe fast which ends after sunset. Then worship takes place and puris, kheers, bananas are enjoyed by the friends and family members. Then people go on a fast for 36 hrs without water after having Prasad of kheer in evening.
On the third day, Prasad is prepared at home for offering to god. And today people worship to the setting sun only. The day is like a carnival and people enjoy the folk songs.
On the fourth day, before sunrise, people along with their friends, members and others reach to the river bank to offer arghya to the rising sun. They break their fast and give Prasad to everyone to end this festival.
How to celebrate this occasion?
This occasion is celebrated by having holy bath, by keeping fast, standing in the water for a long period, worshipping god, offering arghya to the rising and setting sun and Prasad. The worshipper put himself out of his house for 4 days and used a single blanket on the floor to sleep. First he offer their prayer to the setting sun and then to the rising sun. The occasion is celebrated in the form of carnival and people sung folk songs and enjoy a lot.
What are the timings to celebrate this puja or occasion in a year?
This puja starts before 2 days of Kartik Shashthi and ends on the next day of Kartik Shashthi. As per the Gregorian calendar, it usually comes in October or November. But the exact date on which this festival is celebrate, it is in the hands of the Central Division of Janakpurdham situated in Nepal and this is applicable across the world.
It also comes on Chaitra Shasthi in summers, in March or April.
In which parts of the country, this puja is considered as more important?
In Jharkhand, Bihar, Terai region of Nepal and Eastern UP, this puja is considered as more important.