Significance of Chhath Puja

Posted on 02/11/2014 I by: Priya Sharma

Chhath, is a primitive Hindu festival celebrated in India dedicated to the Sun. Since, the Sun is considered the God of energy and life force. He is worshipped during the festival of Chhath to promote prosperity, well-being and progress.

The word 'Chhath' literally means six in Hindi. Chhath is celebrated on the sixth day of the Kartik month according to the Hindu calendar. Hence, the festival is termed as Chhath.

The first story of Chhath is related to the Chhathi Ma or the Goddess of Chhath. According to the Markandeya Purana, the origin of life began from a female cell, known as Prakriti (Nature). She divided herself into six parts and her sixth part is considered to be the form of mother who protects children from all ills.

It is also believed that the festival of Chhath was started by the Mahabharata hero Karna, who was the son of Kunti and Surya . Since Karna was the offspring of the Sun God, he performed the puja during this time. Since then, Chhath is celebrated.

Another deity worshipped on Chhath is known as the 'Chhathi Maiya' who is actually Usha, the divine consort of the Sun God. 'Usha' refers to the first light of the day which is said to invoke our divine inner consciousness.