Why Chhath is more popular in Nepal?

 The Hindus of Mithila regions of Nepal and India celebrated the Chhath festival.The Sun God also known as "Surya Bhagwan"is worshipped.The Sun God,god of energy and life force is worshipped to promote well being,prosperity and progress.In Himduism,the sun is worshipped to help clear number of diseases such as leprosy and helps to ensure longevity and prosperity of family,friends and relatives.Chhath is a festival which is all about purity, devotion and offering prayer to Sun God

The exact origin of this festival is not clear but there are certain believes which connects to Hindu epics. Ramayana and Mahabharata are the two epics which are associated with Chhath Puja.It is believed that Lord Rama is associated with the inception of Chhath Puja. It is said that when Lord Rama returned to Ayodhyana then he and his wife Sita observed a fast in honor of the Sun god and broke it only with the setting sun. It is one such ritual which is subsequently evolved in Chhath Puja.Famous Mahabharata character Karna is said to be the child of Sun god and Kunti. It is said that Karna usually use to offer prayer while standing in the water.This is how the chhath was originated. However, there is another story which mentions how Draupadi and the Pandavas also performed the similar puja to get their kingdom back and for the prosperity and abundance.

Chhath is a four days festival.The very first day starts with bath and eat that marks the beginning of Chhath Puja.The second day of this festival involves a day long fast or vrat till evening puja or worship. On this day devotees or vrattis do not take food and water until the evening worshipping of Chhathi Maiya. Rasiao is made with puris or chapattis as Prasad which is offered to the Chhathi Maiya during evening worship this day and with the same Prasad, vrattis break their day long fast.Third day involves preparation for Puja Samagri, Prasad and offerings for Evening Arghya to Sun God.Last and final process is to offer Suryodhaya or Bihaniya Arghya to Sun God. This day the rising sun is worshiped, devotees break their 36-hour long fast and then Prasad is distributes among family and friends.

Chhath was only celebrated among Mithilas group of Nepal and it covered the majority parts of Terai region only but nowadays it is celebrated among all the parts of Nepal.It is because many Indians and the Mithilas group migrated to various parts of Nepal and influenced them to celebrate it creating the cultural influence.Next reason would the influence of social media as well as national media.These medias are becoming a driving force in the present context as a lot of people are influenced by it.Therefore celebrating chhath has created an influence in people through social media and they are more inclined to celebrate it.Some people connect it with spirituality as it is associated with detoxification.As the sun would help to get rid of toxicants of our mind and soul.

Chhath is a one of the most auspicious festivals of Hinduism.Celebrating Chhath in various parts of Nepal is an indication of adapting to a new culture.Celebrating Chhath countrywide will help to preserve our culture and pass it to the future generations.




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