Why Is Chhath Puja Celebrated In Nepal? To honour the Sun God, Surya Dev, and Chhathi Maiya, showing gratitude for the sun’s life-giving energy and seeking blessings for health, prosperity, and well-being. The festival is particularly prominent in the Terai region and involves rigorous rituals such as fasting and making offerings to the setting and rising sun, symbolising purity, devotion, and nature’s life force.
However, the biggest and holiest of festivals in Nepal are celebrated all over the country with the same excitement and enthusiasm. One of such festivals is the festival of the Sun God, known as Chhath.
In recent years, Chhath Puja has grown in popularity across Nepal, with people from various regions joining in to celebrate this vibrant festival.
Chhath celebration
Day 1: Naha Kha
During the first day of the festival, devotees take a bath before consuming any type of food. The bath is normally taken at home or at the river banks of holy rivers such as Koshi, Gandaki or Karnali.
Day 2: Kharna/ Lohanda
During the second day of the festival, the fast taken by the females is broken during the evening after sunset. The fast is broken for the day by consuming Kheer (rice pudding), Puris and fruits after the Sun and the Moon are worshipped.
Day 3: Chhath
The main day of the festival sees families and worshippers prepare offerings or “Prasad” at home for the final day, which is also preceded by pujas around the household. On this day, the setting sun is worshipped, and offerings are made to reflect the belief of the devotees.
Day 4: Paran
During the final day of the festival, families and worshippers visit riverbanks before sunrise to offer the “Prasad” to the rising sun. The offerings are the same ones prepared on the day before. After the offerings are presented, the fast is broken and the festival is finally at a conclusion.
With such tolerance and respect for each other, the corresponding beliefs and rituals, Nepal is truly an ideal nation showcasing the vibrant integration of the multitude of religions and cultures, and Chhath is one such brilliant example.
Conclusion
Chhath Puja is also celebrated in this way. As given above, how can one make disciples in Nepal? This is a very important matter and is also played. Chhath Puja is also done by Nepalis by the river. On the day when people go to the river and worship, all their affairs are done here. This is also done in many places. On this day, many people go to the river and worship.