CHHATH : MY INTERFACE WITH THE HOLIEST POOJA

Apart from appreciable state of peace and amity during this period, crime rate too dips in course of this holy spell in the month of Kartick.

Everyone generally refrains from ON LINE. Only Single Line is followed, that is : Look for a house wherein Chhath is being planned and volunteer help by taking bath every day and getting into fresh clothes to perform tasks, such as, watering and drying of wheat and rice, render assistance in trying “Jata”, go to Atta Chakki for grinding of wheat, help in collection of fire wood (Aam Ki Lakri), cooking of delicious Thekua etc.

Notable Role of Muslims

It is the only Puja in which Muslims too take part either as assistants or service providers on the one hand and becoming actual devotees like the Hindu women and men, on the other. In a few interviews, Muslim men & women have been reported to be impressed with Chhath’s philosophy of further cementing family bond and welfare of children.

Chhath Maha Parva Is Jeevan Parva

One should NOT comment on sanctity, longevity and ever green significance of Chhath, unless same has been properly verified from our Mythology and History. This is the holiest and most difficult Puja of Hinduism, emanating from the days of Mata Sita.

Goddess Sita is reported to have performed it in a temple surrounded by water in Monghyr District of Bihar. This Vrata was also observed by Lord Ram on his return to Ayodhya, Mata Kunti and Danvir Karan, apart from many other dignitaries, such as, President Draupadi Murmu.
Everyone, even if he or she wishes, can not perform this Maha Parva involving 60 hours of fasting in two spells : 24 hours and 36 hours without water. Its a question of Faith, Astha and Viswas which ensures smooth sail through.

Profound Philosophy & Eco Friendly Approach

It has been felt that Sun sets to rise again. In the same way, if a civilisation comes to an end, another one will spring up. If someone dies, a rebirth will happen. Chhath revolves firmly around this time tested philosophy. Therefore, one should worship End as also Beginning.

Chhath is not only Maha Parva, it is Jeevan Parva. Herein no statue worship is needed. So no question of creation of any dust or air pollution.

Chhath is also eco friendly in the sense that small bamboo pieces or similar products are used for making” Daura” and “Sup”. Former is used for carrying essentials for “Aragh” while Thekua and seasonal fruits are kept in latter for making rounds inside water for worshiping the almighty of the day.

Jampacked Chhath Trains Proceed to Bihar, U.P. & Jharkhand

Much before Diwali ends, migrant labourers and office goers alike, begin planning for taking part in Chhath with their families of Orientation. Since it is a sacrosanct annual feature, it requires the attention it deserves.

In view of ad hocism on the part of the Government, many railway stations and bus stands, especially in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai witness confusion, chaos, and helter skelter scenes.Railway stations of a few North Eastern states too have to face such embarassing situations.

While travellers to three states invest a major part of their savings in this annual ritual, Ministry of Railways is found refraining from advance preparation and pro active thinking.

Excerpts From A National Daily

Following relevant information has been culled out from a report dated October 25 of D. Tiwari of Indian Express :

• No office boss or head of a real estate or general business set up refuses leave for the period of Chhath,

• Trains may be packed to the brim but that does not become a detterance factor for determined passengers,

• As it is a matter of profound faith and rejoining with family, Chhath travellers donot mind resorting to sharing of berths and seats,

• In almost all East bound trains, floors, passages, toilets and berths get cluttered with bundles, boxes, air bags etc.These have gifts for the relatives : utensils, blankets, glasses, pressure cookers etc.

• If Railway authorities do their job properly, such a discomfort may not happen, year after year. Dates of Chhath, afterall, are known to everyone in advance,

• A poor old man was right in uttering : Governments come and go but we would keep travelling like this,

Another person blared out, out of disgust: Bihari is used as an abuse in NCR region but we bear it for the sake of our family members (Unfortunate indeed).

• When dinner time approaches, in extreme congested situation, men open their food boxes or packets to begin sharing rotis, sabji and pickles, cutting across barriers of caste, creed, class and religion.Its an unbreakable uniting force that is visible in the name of Chhath.

PERSONAL EXPERIENCES

When we were children, say in early sixties, we did not have a swanky swimming pool to use for doing Chhath. We would make “Ghats” on the banks of rivers or lakes or ponds and reserve the place in advance. At times, night vigil was also required to avoid encroachers. In absence of these, nearest community well was used on one to one basis.

During Chhath, 2025, I was privileged to perform it for the second time. My maiden attempt was in 2020 when I did half , i.e. 36 hours of water less FAST, without offering “Aragh” to Sun God. This year by grace of almighty, I not only fasted for 60 hours but also offered Aragh on both the auspicious days. Jayshree, my spouse of 37 years, relatives, friends, well wishers etc had genuine apprehensions about strength and determination of this 67 year old man. But I was able to sail through without having or feeling any headache, hunger, visible tension, loss of sleep etc. Rather, to keep myself busy, I kept pursuing my usual hobby of part Yoga, morning walks & exercises and could also mansge to publish two articles.

It is humbly felt that if one is determined, no power on earth can shake, impede or deter you.

Between 6.30 & 6.40 a.m. on October 28, I had the pleasure and privilege to worship rising Sun, a living God closely, bereft of usual service of a Priest. To my surprise, I turned out to be the only male in the dedicated comity of atleast 35 to 40 females to do Chhath and became the oldest member of my two families to have accomplished this difficult task so late in life. It is said- all is well that ends well.

When I looked around upon getting out of water, the smile, applause, love and affection that I received was simply unimaginable and unthinkable.

I took a vow to repeat my performance if my body permits.

Jai Ho Surya Devta

Jai Chhathi Mata

(The author is former Chief Secretary, Sikkim)