Chhath Puja - Hindu Rituals for the Sun God

Chhath Puja, also known as Surya Shashti, is a popular Hindu festival celebrated in the northern regions of the India. These regions include Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Other places where Chhath Puja is observed are Chhattisgarh, Chandigarh, Gujarat, Delhi, Mumbai, Nepal and Mauritius. The word ‘Chhath’ has its origin in ‘sixth’ as it is celebrated on the 6th day or ‘Shasthi’ of the lunar fortnight of Kartik (October - November) in the Hindu calendar – six days after Diwali, the festival of lights.

The origin of Chhath Puja dates back to Vedic times, as Vedic texts contains rituals associated with the worshipping of Sun. It is also believed that Draupadi, from the epic Mahabharata, used to perform similar rituals. Some people also believed that Chhath Puja was started by Son of Surya, Karna from Mahabharata. Chhath Puja is not only religiously significant, but also has several mental and physical benefits. Physically, the practice of Chhath facilitates in improving the immunity of the devotee. It is also believed that light rays emitted by sun are quite beneficial for the normal maintenance of the body. Being antiseptic in nature, the safe radiations from sun can help in curing fungal and bacterial skin infections. Sunlight received during Chhath provide energy that when get combined with blood streams enhances the performance of white blood cells, which further leads to improving fighting power of blood.

How Chhath is Celebrated
Chhath can well be regarded as the state festival of Bihar, where it goes on for four days. Outside of India, Chhath is mainly among celebrated by the Bhojpuri and Maithili speaking community apart from the Nepalese Hindus. It assumes a joyous and colorful form as people dress up in their best clothes and gather by rivers and other water bodies to celebrate Chhath. Many devotees take a holy dip at dawn before preparing the ritual offerings or ‘Prasad,’ which mainly comprising ‘Thekua,’ a hard and crude but tasty wheat-based cake usually cooked on traditional earthen ovens called ‘chulhas.’ The divine offerings are placed on circular trays woven out of bamboo strips called ‘dala’ or ‘soop.’ Women adorn new clothes, light lamps and sing devotional folk songs in honor of ‘Chhat Maiya’ or the holy river Ganga. After sunset, devotees return home to celebrate ‘Kosi’ when earthen lamps or ‘diyas’ are lit in the courtyard of the house and kept beneath a bower of sugarcane sticks. Serious devotees maintain a strict anhydrous fast of three days.

Legend
While the exact origins of Chhath Puja remain undefined and ambiguous, some believe it dates all the way back to Hindu epics, Ramayana and Mahabharata. 

The two legends associated with Chhath Puja are as follows:
Ramayana
Said to be a descendant of the Sun god, some say Lord Rama has a lot to do with the inception of Chhath Puja. On returning to Ayodhya after the exile, Lord Rama and Sita observed a fast in honour of the Sun god and broke it only at the break of dawn next day--a ritual that subsequently evolved into the Chhath Puja.

Mahabharata
Prominent mythological character Karna is said to be the child of Sun god and Kunti. It is said that Karna religiously offered his prayers while standing in the water and distributed prasad among the needy. 

Yet another story mentions how Draupadi and the Pandavas performed a similar puja to win their kingdom back. 

The 4 Days of Chhath

Day 1: Naha Kha/ Nahaye Khaye

On the first day of Chhath, devotees do not consume food before taking a bath, after which they prepare food items like chane ki daal, kheer, kaddu ki sabzi among others. 

Day 2: Kharna

Devotees fast till the Kharna puja concludes. After which a combination of jaggery-laden kheer and puris is offered to the gods and distributed among those who'd observed the fast.

Day 3: Pehla Arghya

The toughest and third day of Chhath has devotees--mostly women--observe a rigid fast where they neither consume water nor food. Dedicated to Sun god's consort, Chhathi Maiya this day is marked with folk songs and taking dips in the holy waters of Ganga, Kosi and Karnali--that go on till the sun sets.

Day 4: Doosra Arghya/ Paaran

Devotees break their long fast after offering prayers to the rising Sun.

Republic Day

Republic day in India is celebrated every year with great honour on 26th of January to honour the Constitution of India as it came into force on the same day in the year 1950. It had replaced the Government of India Act, 1935 into the governing document of the India. At this day, a national holiday is declared by the Indian Government. The new Indian constitution was sketched and approved by the Indian Constituent Assembly and decided to celebrate it on 26th of January every year as India became a republic country.


As Independence Day in India is celebrated to enjoy the freedom of India from the British Rule, Republic Day in India is celebrated to commemorate the coming of its own constitution into force. Officially it is celebrated every year in the national capital of India (New Delhi) at the Rajpath in the presence of the President of India. Mini celebrations are also take place in the state capitals in the presence of the governor of the state by spreading out the National Flag of the country.

January 26 is declared as the gazetted holiday all over the country by the Government of India. It is celebrated throughout the India with great enthusiasm by the students and teachers in the schools, colleges, universities and other educational institution.

An excellent parade and salute event is held by the military team at the Rajpath in front of the India Gate in the New Delhi, India.

How Republic Day is Celebrated:
Events and celebrations are organized with great effort by the Government of India already to celebrate the Republic Day in the Capital. A huge and grand military parade is held in the New Delhi at Rajpath as well as the state capitals. Participants from the Indian Army, Air Force, Navy and traditional dance group takes part in the parades.

Parade held in the New Delhi starts especially when prime minister of the India offer garland at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at the India Gate. It is done to commemorate all the sacrifices of the Indian army soldiers while saving their country. The military salute is taken by the President of India during the parade in the Capital whereas military salute is taken by the state governors in the state capitals. At this special day, a foreign head of the state become chief guest of the president.

National awards (Maha Veer Chakra, Ashok Chakra, Param Veer Chakra, Veer Chakra) and bravery medals are also distributed at this day to the soldiers of armed forces, common people and students from the school. Armed forces helicopters do parade in the surrounding area of the India Gate to shower the rose petals over audience. A dance parade by singing patriotic songs is also performed by the school children. Armed Forces staff performs the motorcycle rides whereas the staff from the Indian Air Force perform fly parade through the fighter planes (making tri color of the Indian Flag by the smoke) for offering the honor salute to the president.

A range of traditional and cultural programs are performed by the professionals from different states to focus the history and culture of the country. During this grand celebration, a prime minister’s rally and Lok Tarang-National Folk Dance Festival is also held from 24th of January to the 29th of January.

All the Government and non Government offices of the nation and state including post offices, banks are closed at this day. Special security is organized at this day because of the huge crowed and prevent the common people from any problem.

History of Celebrating Republic Day:
India got freedom from the British Rule on 15th of August in the year 1947. At that time, there was no any permanent constitution of the country. First time, the first draft of the Indian Constitution was presented by the drafting committee to the national assembly on 4th of November in the year 1947. The first draft of the Indian Constitution was signed by the national assembly in both version, the English and the Hindi on 24th of January in the year 1950.

Then the Constitution of India came into effect on the Republic Day means 26th of January in 1950. From then, the 26th of January was started celebrating as the Republic Day in India. At this day, India was declared as the Purna Swaraj Country thus it was started celebrating every year as the anniversary of the Purna Swaraj Day.

The Constitution of India brought the power to the Indian citizens to select their own government. The oath was taken by the Dr. Rajendra Prasad as a first president of the India at Durbar Hall in the Government House. India has big history behind celebrating the Republic day.
Importance of Celebrating 26 January

Republic Day is the symbol of true spirit for the independent India where military parades, exhibiting military equipment's, salute to the national flag by the Indian president and variety of events are take place at this day. Indian national flag has horizontally tricolor (upper saffron, middle white and bottom of dark green color divided in the equal proportion) and a wheel (navy blue color, having 24 spokes) in the centre representing the Sarnath Lion Capital of Ashoka.

India is a country having people of different cultures, societies, religions and languages who interplay with each other harmoniously. Independence to the India is the great pride as it was obtained over years after facing a

Republic Day Parade:
This is the real picture of the Republic Day parade at the Rajpath by the President’s Body Guards, coming out from the President’s house, wore the winter ceremonial dress. The Bodyguard of the President of the India becomes a specially selected Indian Army from cavalry regiment, based in the Rashtrapati Bhawan, New Delhi and a senior most unit of the Indian Army. The Bodyguards of the Indian President becomes fully responsible for guiding and protecting the President of India. They become fully equipped with equipment's, BTR-60 vehicles to use in any combat and ride horses.

Ghazipur

Ghazipur is a district of Uttar Pradesh state in northern India. The city of Ghazipur is the district headquarters. The district is part of Varanasi Division. The region of Ghazipur is mainly famous for production of its unique rose scented Spray called Gulab Jal and for the tomb of famous Viceroy of British India Lord Cornwallis who died here and his tomb which is situated in Western part of City is conserved by Archaeological Survey of India.The opium factory "Government Opium and Alkaloid works" situated in Ghazipur city is the biggest opium factory of Asia.

Ghazipur is famous for its opium factory, which is the largest legal opium factory in the world, started by British East India Company in 1820. It is home to handloom weaving and a perfume industry. The town is an important agricultural market.

History of Ghazipur :

The history of Ghazipur since the days of its traditional foundation by sayid Masood in 1330. According to legend the ancient name of city was Gadhipur.The mound found  in the city may be old dispensary stood is said to be the site of ancient mud fort , that is know as Fort of Raja Gadhi. In the south of city , The Cornwallis monument is present, where the Governor general of India is burried. It is heavy structure with a domed roof supported on twelve Doric columns. the floor is some four mt. higher than the ground and is of gray marble. In the center there is a cenotaph of white marble , bearing on the south side a medallion bust of Cornawallis. In the mid of city there is a tank close to road known as Pahar Khan's tank. The Chihul Satun or hall of 40 pillars, this being the place where Abdullah Khan is buried in the garden known as the Nawab-ki-Chahar-diwari. The Gateway of the palace is handsome but the residence itself is dilapidated. Opposite the chihal Satun a road leaves the main street on left and runs in a north-easterly direction, past the Jami Masjid.There is a Math of Pauhari Baba , great saint of there time is situated 10 Km. from city.As the Ghazipur is situated on the Banks of River Ganges ,hence there are some beautiful ghats , like Mahadeva Ghat, Dadri Ghat,Collector Ghat, Massol Ghat, Chitnath Ghat and Posta Ghat. ChitNath is the oldest one among them.

Kaushambi

Kaushambi is one of the districts of Uttar Pradesh state of India, and Manjhanpur town is the district headquarters, that attracts a lots of Buddhist pilgrims each year, and considered to be the place where Lord Buddha passed his sixth and Ninth year after attaining enlightenment. Thus the place is special, and linked to many sermons that were delivered by Lord Buddha. The city finds distinct place as the centre of Kuru's Dynasty in Mahabharata and later as a wealthy city during Buddha's time.

During Buddha’s time Kaushambi was one of the six most important and prosperous towns of India. It was a nerve center of ancient Indian communications as the principal routes from north to south and east to west met at the city. It was a terminus of river traffic and an important emporium of Madhyadesa. The city retained its importance at least up to the sixth century A.D.,as it was visited by the Chinese pilgrims Fa-Hien and Yuan-Chwang.

The ruins of the well-known site of Kaushambi (25o20’ 30”N., 81o23’12”E.) are situated on the left blank of the river Yamuna at a distance of 51.2 km from Allahabad in a south-westerly direction. The remains of the ancient city viewed from a distance give the impression of an imposing hillock, which, when approached nearer, reveals itself as a chain of rolling mounds, standing high above the surrounding plains, girdled on the south by the Yamuna. The Vindhyan range across the horizon at not a great distance beyond the river Yamuna provides the southern frame of the Panorama.

Places to see in Kaushambi :

Udyan Fort:- Built in 6th Century BC, the Fort is situated in the south-west corner of the ancient walled city. The fort was discovered during excavations, conducted by Cunningham & Archaeological Department of India in 1861. According to Cunningham the boundary wall of the fort was about four mile long & about 30.35 feet high & for security reasons trenches were dug all along the boundary wall of the fort. The layout of the fort is barrel shaped & having thick walls made up of exceptionally long & wide bricks.

Ashoka Pillar:- The Pillar, located on the eastern entrance of the Kaushambi city and was built by Emperor Ashoka in 232 BC, is also the main attraction of this archaeological site. Excavation of the area reveals that there was a Vihar around the pillar.

Ghositram Vihar:-The Vihar has got special mention in Buddhist literature and was one of the four major Buddhist Vihars of Kaushambi. Ghositram, a businessman of Kaushambi, built the Vihar to provide lodging to Buddha & his disciples and hence the name Ghositram Vihar. At the entrance of the Vihar there are remains of the shrine of Hariti, which was renovated later and existed till Gupta period. The area was under the reign of terror of Hariti, who was supposed to have been a man eater but had a complete change of heart through the sermons of Lord Buddha. A temple in her name exists here.

Digamber Jain Temple:- (Temple timings: 6am-8pm) This temple was built in 1834 by late Prabhudas & later renovated in 1919. This is the birth place of 6th Jain Thirthankar Padam Prabhu, who received his education, practiced meditation and got enlightenment here. The temple houses his idol made of white marble & foot marks, which are worth watching.

Sheetla Temple:- The Sheetla is a goddes associated with power and the worshipping of the goddess is said to impart powers to the devotees. The temple, by river Ganga, is a famous Shktipeeth well revered by all Hindu Devotees. The ruins of the fort of Hindu King Jai Chand are still lying near the temple.

The Durga Devi temple:- The Navaratri is the special festival of this temple in which lots of people gather during the festival. The temple houses a black stone idol of Goddess Durga and Lord Shiva, which is quite beautiful.

Prabhosha :- Prabhosha or Prabhashgiri, Famous as the place where Lord Krishna died of an arrow, is considered as a holy place. The other important aspects of this place includes the Jain temple and the cave, which are both ancient and worth a visit.

Besides these attractions, there is the Kamasin Devi Temple, Kaushambi, and Shri Ram Temple of Bajha, The Ashoka pillar (in ruins) and the Ghositaram monastery, which are also good places to visit.

How to reach Kaushambi  :

 
Air : There is an airport in the Allahabad region, called Bamrauli. However this could be a hectic journey. Better option could be the Varanasi airport.

Rail : Allahabad is a well-linked station in U.P railway map. There is no railhead at Kaushambi, probably due to sustenance of Buses.

Road : Regular buses run to Kaushambi from Allahabad. This is the most reliable source of travel, however, private taxis are also available.

Hanuman Jayanthi

Hanuman Jayanthi falls on the full moon day of Chaitra maasa. It is the day on which Lord Hanuman was born. Lord Hanuman, who surrendered completely to Lord Rama, is a perfect example for a great devotee. The qualities that make Lord Hanuman great are: Pure heart, obedience to his master, courage, enthusiasms to serve his lord, self control, intelligence, Vedic qualifications, ability to speak in an articulate manner, etc. Several stories are there to say who the Lord Hanuman is. One among them is that Lord Hanuman was born with the amsha(power) of Lord Shiva. He is the son of Vayu, the wind god. Lord Hanuman was instrumental in finding out Lanka, the place where Sitha Devi was hidden by Ravana. Lord Hanuman was a humble devotee who never claimed that it was him who did great things like crossing the great ocean, defeating Ravanas demon warriors, located Sitha Devi, etc. but he always admitted sincerely that it is Lord Ramas grace that enabled him to do all great activities.

Lord Hanuman is such a great devotee that Lord Rama, Sitha Devi, and Lakshmana are in his heart all the time. After the coronation ceremony Lord Hanuman tears his heart and shows to everyone how Lord Rama, Sitha Devi and Lakshmana are in his heart. For his devotion and service to Lord Rama, he was given the boon of living until the name of Rama exists in this universe. Since the name of Lord Rama can never disappear from this universe, Lord Hanuman will live eternally. It is strongly believed that lord Hanuman still lives in the Himalayas chanting the name of Lord Rama.
In Kali Yuga chanting the name of Lord Rama just like lord hanuman will help us to overcome day to day challenges and pave the way towards Sri Vaikuntam, the abode of Lord Rama who is the incarnation of Lord Vishnu Himself.

Chant the following manthra everyday to overcome day to day challenges, receive spiritual wealth and peace in your life. Important of all Lord Ramas blessings will be with you. Also, lord Hanuman will continue to protect those who chant the sacred name of Lord Rama, because he will be with those who chant the name of Lord Rama.
ApadaamapHartharam Daathaaram Sarva Sampadaam|
LokabhiRamama SreeRamam Bhuyo Bhuyo Namamyaham||

Hanuman Jayanthi Date: 15 April , 2014