In the
ecumenical spirit of democratic federalism, which has been blowing in
the wind lately, it behooves us to recognize the four day festival of
Chhath, although it does not appear in the canons of Mary Anderson and
Jim Goodman.
Chhath is an important festival
that originates in the Terai, particularly in the district of
Mithila. It is observed on both sides of the border. With
the sizeable imigration of people from the Terai here, and an influx of
tradespeople from India (Bihar), since the last twenty years the
festival has gained momentum, and is now observed communally in large
numbers on the bank of the Bagmati opposite the Ram Temple at
Kalmochan ghat. It has started to gain adherents from other
communities, who always welcome another opportunity to pray for wealth
or a son..
Chhath is a one of the most important festivals of the
Terai region. People fast on this day to please 'Chhathi Mata' and sing
hymns. Since it falls on the sixth day of the month of Kartik
(September-October), it has got the name 'Chhath' (Chhathi - is sixth
in Maithili).
Those who take fast, especially women, gather near rivers or ponds with puja thalis early in the morning and in the evening. The prayers are addressed to 'Chhathi Mata' and the Sun god.
It is popularly believed that Dropadi, wife of the Pandavas was the first to initiate the celebration of the festival. The legend states that she began this form of worship for success over the troubles she along with her husbands faced during their 12 years in exile.
Another version of the initiation of the Chhath festival is appears in the 'Skanda Purana'. The Purana states that years ago during the Satya Yuga a group of sages held a meeting to discuss the problem of atheists who were less concerned about anything. In the meeting, the sage Pulastya tells an ancient story about how a man started the festival of Chhath. The story goes this way - A sinner because of deeds in his past life suffered from leprosy. It was suggested to him by a Brahmin to fast on the day of Chhat, since that would make the Sun god happy, and would ease all his troubles.
After the sinner's wish was fulfilled, from that day onwards others too, started worshipping on Chhath, The festival is very popular among the people because those who wish for something and fast on the day, have their wish fulfilled.
This festival devoted to Sun god, is gaining popularity among the other ethnic communities of Terai region although it is mainly observed by the Maithali community. These days, the festival is also celebrated by people from Marwadi, Brahmin, Kshetri and Gurung communities. Even some Muslims are seen celebrating the festival which holds high significance among the festivals in the Terai.
Those who take fast, especially women, gather near rivers or ponds with puja thalis early in the morning and in the evening. The prayers are addressed to 'Chhathi Mata' and the Sun god.
It is popularly believed that Dropadi, wife of the Pandavas was the first to initiate the celebration of the festival. The legend states that she began this form of worship for success over the troubles she along with her husbands faced during their 12 years in exile.
Another version of the initiation of the Chhath festival is appears in the 'Skanda Purana'. The Purana states that years ago during the Satya Yuga a group of sages held a meeting to discuss the problem of atheists who were less concerned about anything. In the meeting, the sage Pulastya tells an ancient story about how a man started the festival of Chhath. The story goes this way - A sinner because of deeds in his past life suffered from leprosy. It was suggested to him by a Brahmin to fast on the day of Chhat, since that would make the Sun god happy, and would ease all his troubles.
After the sinner's wish was fulfilled, from that day onwards others too, started worshipping on Chhath, The festival is very popular among the people because those who wish for something and fast on the day, have their wish fulfilled.
This festival devoted to Sun god, is gaining popularity among the other ethnic communities of Terai region although it is mainly observed by the Maithali community. These days, the festival is also celebrated by people from Marwadi, Brahmin, Kshetri and Gurung communities. Even some Muslims are seen celebrating the festival which holds high significance among the festivals in the Terai.