People of Northern states, mainly Bihar have engrossed themselves in the celebration of the festival of Chhath Puja, dedicated to the worshipping of Lord Sun and his consort diety Usha. Lord Sun is the prime source of life on earth and this festival is celebrated since ancient time to show gratitude to lord sun for sustaining life cycle. It is believed that devotees who perform the Chhath puja or Dalla Chhath are bestowed with long life, prosperity, happiness, and health as we all know offering Jal (water) daily to lord sun during sunrise helps in treating many ailments.
On the auspicious occasion of Chhath Parva, Chhath Maiya or Devi Usha is worshipped along with lord Sun. it is believed that childless couple who observe fast and execute the puja with purity is blessed with a new life as offspring. During Chhath puja, people prepare bhog to offer to Lord Sun, give Argha and take holy dips at the banks of holy Ganga rivers. As you are observing fast this year and don’t have much idea what things should be taken care. Read the things to do and avoid during the celebration of Chhath festival.
Do’s
• Women who undergo fast are known as Vrattin. One must help the vrattin in cleaning, washing and drying the wheat required for making Prashad.
• The kitchen or the place where you are preparing food items should be neat and clean.
• Remember to wash your hands before arranging puja items.
• Wash your hands and feets before making Prashad
• Wear new and unstitched clothes while carrying out the rituals of the puja.
• Take bath before conducting puja at the bank of holy river Ganga.
• Sleep on the floor or on the blanket if you are observing fast.
• Give Argha and worship lord sun at dawn with great devotion as it said lord sun and Chhathi Maiya fulfills the wishes of each devotee.
Don’ts
• Avoid touching any item belong to puja without washing your hands.
• Do not smoke or drink alcohol and eat non-veg if someone is observing fast in your house.
• Don’t use onion, garlic or egg and non-vegetarian food while cooking Prashad.
• Instruct your kids and family members to not eat fruits and bhog before finishing the puja.
• Don’t wear dirty clothes during four days.
•Don’t scatter puja things here and there. Keep them in one place.
•Don’t use common salt while preparing Prashad (offering).
Rituals and traditions should be followed with affection and purity to show gratitude to any deity or God. These are few do’s and don’t which must be followed strictly in order to seek holy blessings of the lord and Chatti Maiya for happiness and prosperity.