Why is Chhath Called a Folk Festival and a Symbol of Communal Harmony

New Delhi- The grand festival of folk faith 'Chhath' will commence on November 5 with 'Nahay-Khay' (ritual bathing and eating). This magnificent four-day festival is celebrated in several northern Indian states, including Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand. This festival also exemplifies communal harmony. Let's explore why it's referred to as a folk festival.

The Chhath celebration spans from the fourth to the seventh day of the bright fortnight in the month of Kartik. This festival is dedicated to the Sun God. During this four-day folk festival, the first day involves ritual bathing and eating (Nahay-Khay), the second day is Kharna, and on the third day, offerings (arghya) are made to the setting sun. The fast concludes on the fourth day with water offerings to the rising sun.

This four-day folk festival, with its rich traditions, conveys a message of unity. The festival witnesses participation from both Hindus and Muslims, showcasing inclusive community participation. Although caste discrimination still persists in the country, Chhath is a unique festival where all caste barriers dissolve. Everyone plays a vital role - from the craftspeople who make winnowing baskets (soop-daala), farmers, fruit and vegetable vendors, to those who clean the streets and ghats (riverbanks).

Furthermore, this festival of folk faith strengthens the bonds between Hindus and Muslims. In Patna, Muslim women have been crafting clay stoves for decades, which are used to prepare the sacred prasad (offerings). Notably, these women abstain from garlic, onions, and non-vegetarian food for an entire month.

This is how it evolved into a folk festival. The worship is dedicated to the Sun God and his sister Chhathi Maiya, who is revered as the goddess of child-rearing. The Sun is also considered the deity of health, thus the Chhath festival is celebrated for the prosperity and well-being of family and household.

In Hindu Sanatan Dharma, both meditation (jap) and penance (tap) hold significant importance. While meditation is achieved through chanting mantras, penance involves worshipping the divine through physical hardship. Chhath represents this penance. People from all castes and classes observe this penance, and remarkably, no priest is required for offering arghya or chanting mantras - devotees simply offer milk or water to the Sun God with pure devotion.