Patna: ‘Chhath’ puja, the great festival of folk faith, will begin on November 5 with ‘Nahay Khaye’. Before this, the brightness of the markets in Bihar’s capital Patna has increased. Before ‘Chhath’, ‘Kosi’ is being purchased extensively in the markets of Patna. Kosi has a special significance in ‘Chhath’ puja. The tradition of ‘Kosi filling’ is considered very important on this festival. It is believed that if any wish is not being fulfilled or there is an incurable disease, then a pledge is taken to fill ’Kosi’, which not only fulfills the wishes but also gives relief from troubles, hence every year on the festival of ‘Chhath’, by filling Kosi. Gratitude is expressed to Chhathi Maiya.
Why is Kosi filled during Chhath Puja?
Lakshmi Devi of Patna told about the importance of ‘Kosi’ whose wishes are fulfilled by Sun God or Chhathi Maiya. They offer Arghya on an elephant made of clay. ‘Kosi’ is filled only by those people whose wishes are fulfilled, not everyone follows this process.
Kosi is available for Rs 400-600
He further said, ’Every year Kosi is purchased extensively in the market. Some buy one Kosi and some buy many Kosi and take them to their home. This time also there is a lot of demand for Kosi. Its price starts from Rs 400 to Rs 600. The ordinary Kosi costs Rs 400, while the colorful Kosi costs Rs 600. This time the demand for Kosi is much higher than last year.
Kosi definitely has four legs
‘Kosi’ are like the idol of Lord Ganesha, but have 4 legs. Also, lamps are installed above the statue. The price of Kosi in the markets depends on its design and colours.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Chhath Puja Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome to our special segment on cultural festivals, where we dive deep into the significance and practices of various traditions around the world. Today, we’re focusing on a remarkable celebration in India – Chhath Puja. Joining us is Dr. Anjali Kumar, a cultural anthropologist with extensive research on Indian folk traditions. Thank you for being here, Dr. Kumar!
Dr. Anjali Kumar: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss Chhath Puja, a festival that holds immense significance in the lives of many.
Editor: Absolutely! Chhath Puja is set to begin on November 5 with the ritual of ‘Nahay Khaye’. Could you explain what ‘Nahay Khaye’ entails and its importance in the overall celebration?
Dr. Kumar: Certainly! ‘Nahay Khaye’ marks the beginning of Chhath Puja. On this day, devotees take a holy dip in a river or any natural water body to purify themselves. This is followed by preparing a meal consisting primarily of rice and lentils, which is eaten by the family. It’s a day of cleanliness and purification, setting the tone for the days to come, which are filled with devotion and rituals.
Editor: That’s fascinating! Chhath Puja is known to be a festival that emphasizes environmental consciousness as well. How do these rituals align with that aspect?
Dr. Kumar: That’s an important point! Chhath Puja symbolizes the connection between worship and nature. Devotees perform rituals near rivers, considering water as sacred. The offerings, including the famous ‘Thekua’, are often made using ingredients sourced from nature, and the entire festival encourages respect for the environment. This connection to nature is a marvelous aspect of the celebration, demonstrating how deeply-rooted folk lifestyles can promote ecological awareness.
Editor: It sounds like the festival is not just a spiritual experience but also a means of fostering community and environmental respect. As the festival progresses, what can we expect in the following days?
Dr. Kumar: Following ‘Nahay Khaye’, devotees will observe ‘Kharna’, where they fast throughout the day and break their fast at night with offerings of jaggery and rice. The penultimate day is dedicated to worshipping the Sun God at sunset while offerings are made, and this culminates in another significant ritual at sunrise on the last day, when devotees perform ‘Arghya’. Each of these rituals deepens the sense of devotion and communal togetherness.
Editor: It’s captivating how Chhath Puja is both a personal journey and a community celebration. What cultural insights does this festival reveal about the people who observe it?
Dr. Kumar: Chhath Puja showcases the values of resilience and devotion entrenched in folk culture. It reflects the agrarian roots of the society, highlighting gratitude towards nature and the cycles of life. It emphasizes family bonds as families come together to celebrate, often traveling long distances to participate in the rituals. This not only strengthens familial ties but also fosters a communal spirit that is at the heart of the celebrations.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Kumar, for sharing your insights on Chhath Puja. As we approach the festival date, it certainly gives us much to reflect upon about the intersection of culture, spirituality, and the environment.
Dr. Kumar: My pleasure! I hope more people engage with and appreciate the beauty of Chhath Puja and the values it embodies.
Editor: We look forward to celebrating Chhath Puja with a deeper understanding. Thank you again for your time, Dr. Kumar!
Dr. Kumar: Thank you! Happy Chhath to all!
This interview format presents a dynamic interaction, ensuring engagement while exploring key aspects of Chhath Puja in relation to cultural significance, community, and nature. Let me know if you need more details or a different angle!