Chhath Festival Concludes in Mithila Region with Offerings to the Rising Sun

Mahottari. Devotees in the ancient Mithila region of Madhes concluded this year's Vasanti Chhath festival this morning by offering Arghya (offerings) to the rising sun. The devotees, who offered the first Arghya to the setting sun on Tuesday evening, completed the festival today by offering the second Arghya as the sun rose.

In Mithila, Vasanti Chhath is colloquially known as 'Chaiti Chhath.' Elderly Maithils explain that it is called Vasanti Chhath because it is celebrated during the spring season (Vasanta Ritu). RamAyodhya Sah (75) of Hatia, Bardibas-14, states that it is commonly called 'Chaiti Chhath' because it is observed during the bright fortnight of the month of Chaitra.

This four-day festival spans from Chaitra Shukla Chaturthi (fourth day) to Saptami. This year, the 'Nahay-Khay' ritual was performed on Sunday, Chaitra Shukla Chaturthi, and the devotees completed the 'Kharna' ritual on Monday, Panchami Tithi. Similarly, on Tuesday, observing a fast on Shashti Tithi, devotees offered the first Arghya to the setting sun in the evening. This first offering is locally called 'Sajhuka Arakh.' Likewise, the ritual of offering to the rising sun today is called 'Bhoraka Arakh' or 'Paran.'

The first day of the festival involves bathing and eating clean food. On this day, foods considered impure in the fast, such as garlic, onion, and millet, are not consumed. Since rice made from unparboiled grains (Arwa chawal) is eaten, this day is also called 'Arba-Arbain.' On the second day, 'Kharna,' devotees fast all day and then eat Kheer (sweet pudding) cooked with jaggery, offered to the deity, at night. After consuming this Prasad, the Nirahar Vrat (fast without food or water) begins. On Shashti Tithi, after observing a Nirahar fast, there is a tradition of offering the first Arghya to the setting sun at a ghat constructed in a sacred water body in the evening. During this process, baskets containing fruits, Thakuwa (a sweet dish made from wheat flour), Bhusuwa (Kasar), and other delicacies are held up and shown to the Sun God. The tradition involves offering Arghya while submerged up to the waist in water. On the fourth day, Saptami Tithi, devotees will conclude the fast by offering Arghya to the rising sun in the morning with the same Prasad materials.

Chhath, celebrated twice a year during the Sharad (autumn) and Vasanta (spring) seasons, is considered a festival of worshipping the Sun God and his consort Shashti. The festival is observed with the same rituals from Kartik Shukla Chaturthi to Saptami in the Sharad season, and from Chaitra Shukla Chaturthi to Saptami in the Vasanta season.

It is believed that the effect of this fast fulfills every desire. In Mithila, this festival is believed to have originated during the Dvapara Yuga when Shri Krishna's son, Samba, performed it to cure leprosy. There is also a legend that the Pandavas worshipped the Sun God for the success of their exile during the Mahabharata period, and that Sati Anusuya also performed Sun worship. It is also a popular belief that the effect of this fast prevents skin diseases.