Chhat Festival : Festival of God Sun

Chhath Parva is one of the important Hindu festivals specially celebrated by natives of Mithila region. This festival is dedicated to god Sun. The Sun is called Surya in Sanskrit and Chhath Parba is thanks giving to lord Surya for sustaining life on earth and to worship him to provide his continuous blessings to mankind.

Janakpur during Chatth Festival. Photo By: Sunit Shekhar

The Sun, source power of nature, considered the god of energy and lord of the life-force, is worshiped in Chhath to promote well-being, prosperity and progress. Hindu people believe sun helps to cure many illness and diseases. Sun is considered as source of healing too. Sun is also considered as token of stability and prosperity. Therefore, people worship sun to ensure the longevity and prosperity of family members, friends and beloved ones.

Rani Pokhari during Chatth Festival. Photo By: Sajan Maharjan

The rituals of the festival are rigorous and are observed over a period of four days. They include holy bathing, fasting and abstaining from drinking water (Vratta), standing in water for long periods of time, and offering prashad and arghya to the setting and rising sun.

Rani Pokhari during Chatth Festival. Photo By: Sajan Maharjan

Chhath Matra (छठ मन्त्र)

एष ब्रम्हा च विष्णुष्च शिव: स्कन्द: प्रजापती: ।

महेन्द्रोधनद: कालो यम: सोमो ह्यपाम्पति: ।।

एनमापत्सु क्रिच्छेषु कन्तारेषु भयेषु च ।

किर्तयन पुरुष्: कष्चिन्नवसिदती राघव ।।।

आदित्य्म सर्बकर्तंरं कलाद्वदाद्शम्युतमं ।

पद्महस्त्द्वयं वन्दे सर्वलोकैकभस्करमं ।।