Biharis in Ahmedabad offer first prayers of Chhath

It may be celebrated mainly in Bihar and Jharkhand, but Chhath pooja is slowly gaining importance in Gujarat as well, given that a number of Biharis have made the state their home. And consequently, people taking the holy bath, waiting on the river banks the whole night, and breaking their fast early in the morning, are no longer an unusual sight in the city.

Chhath pooja, typically celebrated on the sixth day of the Hindu Kartik month, involves worshipping Surya (the Sun) early in the morning. Fasting is an important component too, and absolutely anyone, irrespective of their age and gender, can participate. People usually fast one whole day, visit a nearby water body such as a pond, a lake or a river, worship the sun, and return home, only to return the next morning to worship the sun again, at the time of sunrise.

Many people also choose to stay behind on the river banks at night, and return home only in the morning.

The festival is significant in Gujarat, due to the inflow of migrants from the two northern states. “In fact, it is so popular now that some 10,000-15,000 Amdavadis are seen thronging the Sabarmati's banks every year. Municipal authorities also cooperate with us and ensure adequate security arrangements,” said Mahadev Jha, member of Janki Sewa Samiti.

The Indira Bridge in the city, as well as the water body behind the Hanuman Camp temple, are two spots where thousands are expected to assemble today morning. “These two are the prominent sites. Some people also celebrate the festival in their respective localities,” said Jha.

Rajeshwar Jha, president of Janki Sewa Samiti, added that a musical band from Mumbai has been called in to entertain the people who will have to stay on the banks of the river the whole night, and perform the pooja early in the morning. "This is the first time that such a programme has been organised for devotees. The musical group will entertain them with bhajans, and songs in Bhojpuri and Maithili," he added.

Various delicacies and sweets have been prepared for the pooja, and will be consumed after the fast ends. Items like tikri, kasaar (made of rice and jaggery, among other items), akuli (made of moong dal), and other sweets are prepared for this festival. "All these items have to be home-made. We believe that only home-made sweets can be offered to God," said Mahadev Jha.

Rajeshwar Jha elaborated on the religious significance of the festival. "Manu bhagwan (Priyadutt) had a child that was born dead.

He was so aggrieved with his death that he didn't even cremate the child. Consequently, Chhati Devi (Goddess Chhati) appeared before him, placed her hand on the forehead of the dead child, and made him come alive. She also instructed Priyadutt that from that day, everybody worship her.

Hence, till date, people celebrate Chhath pooja in large numbers.