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Why is the Chhath festival celebrated in Nepal? Its history and significance

Why is the Chhath festival celebrated in Nepal

In the Terai region of Nepal, culturally rich Mithila society celebrates the Chhath festival for about four days, from Kartik Shukla Chaturthi to Kartik Shukla Saptami. Besides Nepal, people of  Bihar and Uttar Pradesh of India also celebrates this festival. Chhath Puja has great historical beliefs and significance among people. If you want to know in detail about the Chhath festival in Nepal and its significance, then keep on reading.

Chhath festival in Nepal

The Chhath festival is also known as Surya Shashti because the Sun, a source of energy, is worshipped as God to spread prosperity and progress among people and society. Hindu mythology believes worshipping of Sun will help cure different kinds of diseases and promote the longevity of relatives and family members.

Chhath festival in Nepal completes in four days with different rituals. Furthermore, married women take fast for the longer and better life of their family members. Besides, people take a holy bath in the river believing you can get rid of all of your sins. There is another saying, the rituals during the Chhath festival will cleanse germs and boost your body for the coming winter as the festival occurs in November.

Chhath in Janakpur
Charm of Chhath Puja in Janakpur/ Pinterest

Why celebrate Chhath festival in Nepal? Significance in Nepalese culture

Chhath Puja in Nepal is one of the great festivals that all Nepalese respect and enjoys the rituals. However, it is originally celebrated in the Mithila community living in the Terai region of Nepal. The Puja not only brings harmony to society but also is eco-friendly. Because it doesn’t add any pollution, rather people respect natural resources like a river and show gratitude by cleaning and decorating it.  

Moreover, the Chhath Puja teaches us to show our respect for the things that nature has given us freely. Similarly, it will help in healing the soul and get mental purity and peace. Besides, the lord Surya is worshipped during morning and evening, i.e. at sunrise and sunset. At this hour, safe radiation will come from Sun, thus helping boost the immunity power of devotees.

Chhath Puja also provides mental peace by eliminating all the negative energy and rage. And, prayer also has some healing and purifying impact on devotees.

Chhath festival in Nepal
Chhath festival in Nepal/ Wikipedia

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The history behind Chhath festival in Nepal

The exact origin of the Chhath festival is not clear but Hindu holy books Mahabharat and Ramayana has mentioned it. The holy book Mahabharat describes Draupadi and Pandavs performing Chhath Puja for the first time after returning to their Kingdom by defeating Kauravs in the fight.

Similarly, in Ramayana, Lord Ram and Goddess Sita are also associated with the Chhath festival. When Lord Ram returned to Ayodhya from a 14-year long exile, he, along with Goddess Sita, took fast and worshipped lord sun. After then, people started celebrating Chhath festival in Nepal every year after Dipawali that lasted for four days.

Chhath Puja in Nepal 2021

Like other festivals in Nepal, Chhath brings joy, harmony and peace to the family and society each year. However, this year 2022, celebrate the Chhath Puja by following safety precautions because there is still a high risk of getting COVID-19. Although most people are vaccinated, we have to be careful with elder members in the family. If possible, try making fewer crowds and sanitize yourselves frequently. But, do not let the excitement and energy level go down.

Each festival has its unique significance and importance among Nepalese. Mainly in the eastern Terai region, people celebrate Chhath festival in Nepal. However, on occasion, Rani Pokhari of Kathmandu is also decorated, and non-Mithila people also exchange greetings. Like Chhath Puja, all other festivals brings joy and excitement; we should preserve our culture and heritage.

At last, we are wishing you all Happy Chhath Puja 2021! 

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