Chhath Festival Celebration in Nepal

 Happy Chhath Puja

The Hindus among Maithili regions of Nepal and India celebrate Chhath festival, which is also known as Surya Shashti. The Sun, considered as the god of energy and of the life force, is worshipped during the Chhath festival to promote well-being, prosperity and progress. In Hinduism, Sun worship is believed to help cure a variety of diseases, including leprosy, and helps ensure the longevity and prosperity of family members, friends, and elders.

Chhath Parva is observed for 4 days from Kartik Shukla Chaturthi to Kartik Shukla Saptami. This festival falls in October or November in the English Calendar. Chhath is also celebrated on Chaitra Shashti, the early summer about March or April, and is called Chaiti Chhath. They include holy bathing, fasting and abstaining from drinking water (Vratta), standing in water for long periods of time, and offering Prasad (prayer offerings) and Arghya to the setting and rising sun. Chhath Festival is mostly celebrated in the Terai part of Nepal.

Legends Behind the Festival Celebration

There is a legend that Chhath was celebrated because the times of Mahabharat, Draupadi, the wife of Pandava Kings, performed Chhath Puja. Once during the long exile from their kingdom, thousands of wandering hermits visited their hut. Being devout Hindus, the Pandavas were obliged to feed the monks. But as exiles, the Pandavas were not in a position to offer food to so many hungry hermits. Seeking a quick solution, Draupadi approached Saint Dhaumya, who advised her to worship Surya and observe the rituals of the Chhath for prosperity and abundance.

Some texts linked with the Holy epic Ramayana resembles the association of Lord Rama and Sita. According to the texts, Rama and Sita offered prayers to the god of light-sun after getting back from the 14 years long exile. On the month of Kartika Shukla Paksha, Rama and Sita offered their prayers to Sun from Ayodhya. This festival then emerged as a significant tradition of worshipping the Sun. This festival is remarkably observed after Deepawali and lasts for four days. 

Chhath Festival is one of the most important festivals celebrated by the Tharu community in Nepal. The festival, which is also known as Surya Shasthi, is dedicated to the worship of the Sun God and is celebrated over a period of four days.

The festival is celebrated during the month of October or November, depending on the lunar calendar. The preparations for the festival start a month before the actual festival date. The Tharu community members clean their homes and surroundings, decorate their houses with colorful rangolis, and make traditional delicacies like Thekuwa, Selroti, and Khajuri.

The festival begins with Nahay Khay, which is also known as the Bathing Day. On this day, the devotees take a holy bath in a river or a pond and start their fast. They offer prayers to the Sun God and seek blessings for their family's well-being.

The second day of the festival is known as Kharna. On this day, the devotees break their fast after offering puja to the Sun God. They prepare special food items like rice, dal, and sweets, which are offered to the Sun God and then consumed by the devotees.

The third day of the festival is the most important day, known as Chhath Puja. On this day, the devotees wake up before dawn and go to the river or pond to offer prayers to the rising Sun. The devotees offer fruits, flowers, and sweets to the Sun God and pray for the well-being of their family members.

The final day of the festival is known as Paran. On this day, the devotees break their fast after offering prayers to the rising Sun. They distribute Prasad to their family members and friends and seek blessings from their elders.

The Tharu community celebrates the festival with great enthusiasm and fervor. The festival is an occasion for the community members to come together and celebrate their cultural heritage. The festival is also an opportunity for the community members to showcase their traditional attire and jewelry.

In addition to the rituals, the Tharu community also performs traditional dances like Tharu Nach and Jhumar. The community members also organize cultural programs, fairs, and exhibitions, which are open to the general public. These events provide an opportunity for visitors to learn about the Tharu community's culture and traditions.

The Chhath Festival is an integral part of the Tharu community's identity and cultural heritage. The festival is not only a religious event but also a social occasion for the community members to come together and celebrate their traditions. The festival is a symbol of the Tharu community's resilience and unity.

In conclusion, the Chhath Festival is a significant event in the Tharu community's cultural calendar. The festival is an occasion for the community members to offer prayers to the Sun God and seek blessings for their family's well-being. The festival is also an opportunity for the community members to come together and celebrate their cultural heritage. The festival is a testament to the Tharu community's resilience, unity, and strong sense of cultural identity.

The Tharu community's celebration of the Chhath Festival is not limited to Nepal. The festival is also celebrated in parts of India, particularly in the states of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand, where there is a significant population of Tharu people. The festival has now become a part of the cultural heritage of these states as well.

The festival's significance lies not only in its religious and cultural aspects but also in its environmental impact. The festival's rituals involve the use of natural resources like water, sun, and fruits. The festival also promotes cleanliness and hygiene as the devotees clean their homes and surroundings before the festival. The use of eco-friendly materials for decoration is also encouraged during the festival.

Apart from its environmental impact, the festival also has economic significance. The festival provides an opportunity for the local artisans and traders to showcase and sell their products. The festival also attracts tourists from all over the world, who come to witness the unique cultural celebrations of the Tharu community.

In recent years, the Chhath Festival has also been recognized by the government of Nepal as a national festival. The government has taken various measures to promote the festival and ensure its smooth conduct. The government has also provided financial assistance to the Tharu community members to help them organize the festival.

Despite the festival's growing popularity and recognition, there are still some challenges that the Tharu community faces. The community is facing the threat of cultural assimilation due to the increasing influence of modernization and globalization. The younger generation is often more interested in western culture and is less aware of their cultural heritage.

To address this challenge, the Tharu community is taking various steps to promote their cultural heritage and traditions. They are organizing workshops and seminars to educate the younger generation about their culture and traditions. The community members are also using social media platforms to showcase their culture and reach out to a wider audience.

In conclusion, the Chhath Festival is not just a religious event but also a symbol of the Tharu community's cultural identity and heritage. The festival's celebration brings the community members together and promotes unity and harmony. The festival's significance lies not only in its religious and cultural aspects but also in its environmental and economic impact. The festival's recognition by the government of Nepal is a testament to its growing importance and significance. The Tharu community's efforts to promote their cultural heritage and traditions will ensure that the festival continues to be celebrated for generations to come.

In addition to the efforts of the Tharu community, the government of Nepal is also taking steps to preserve and promote the Tharu culture and traditions. The government has established museums and cultural centers to showcase the Tharu community's art, craft, and folklore. The government is also providing scholarships to Tharu students to encourage them to pursue studies in the field of cultural studies and arts.

Furthermore, the Tharu community's celebration of the Chhath Festival is not limited to their homes and localities. The festival has become a significant event in the country's tourism industry, with tourists from different parts of the world coming to witness the unique cultural celebrations. The festival's popularity has helped in promoting Nepal's tourism industry and has brought economic benefits to the country.

In conclusion, the Chhath Festival is a significant event in the Tharu community's cultural calendar, and it plays a vital role in preserving and promoting their cultural heritage. The festival's celebration brings the community members together and promotes unity, harmony, and environmental sustainability. The festival's recognition by the government of Nepal and its growing popularity in the country's tourism industry are a testament to its importance and significance. The Tharu community's efforts, along with the government's support, will ensure that the festival continues to be celebrated and cherished by generations to come.