JANAKPURDHAM: Devotees are performing rituals along riverbanks, streams and other water bodies on Sunday, the main day of the Chhath festival.
During the four-day festival, devotees stand in rivers or ponds and offer prayers to the setting and rising sun. Rituals began across the country early on Sunday morning, with people gathering along riverbanks with offerings and other puja items. They offer prayers to the setting sun on Sunday evening and the rising sun on Monday morning.
According to the ancient Hindu epic Mahabharata, Draupadi and the five Pandavas worshipped the Sun God while living in exile in disguise, praying for the successful completion of their period in hiding. The epic mentions that the Pandavas were staying at King Birat’s palace at the time. According to popular belief, the tradition of celebrating Chhath began around that period.
The Surya Purana says that Anusuya, the wife of sage Atri, was the first to observe the Chhath fast. As a result, she was blessed with lasting marital happiness and devotion from her husband. The text says the tradition of celebrating Chhath began from that time.
All material development in the world is believed to depend on the sun. Without solar energy, trees, plants, humans and other living creatures cannot survive. Several medical practitioners have written books on the therapeutic properties of sunlight. The healing power of the sun’s rays has also been explored in the treatment of several serious and incurable diseases.
The Puranas also recount the story of Samba, who suffered from leprosy after being cursed by his father, Lord Krishna, and sage Durvasa. He was said to have been cured through worship of the Sun God.
There is a popular belief that observing the Chhath fast brings relief from suffering and poverty. Devotees also believe that offering clusters of fruits during the festival pleases the Sun God and brings prosperity to the families and children.
Those who are unable to observe the fast themselves seek to have their wishes fulfilled through someone who is observing it.
Meanwhile, the Ganga Sagar ghat in Janakpur has been bustling with activity since early morning. The pond’s banks have been decorated and devotees have gathered in large numbers for the rituals.
