Today I am going to mention such a worship which is still unknown to several people worldwide. This worship is dedicated to the Sun known as Chhath Puja. Chhath puja is a great festival for Indians and Nepalese. It is mainly celebrated by North Indians. This puja actually continues for four days which includes bathing, fasting and arghya while setting and rising sun. During this period devotees cannot eat or drink anything. So this is very hard for them to spend this period. Chhath does not include any idol worship. This puja is mainly dedicated to the Sun and his wife Usha. Devotees request or pray them to grant some wishes. Prostration march is also done by some devotees while moving to riverside.
We are from Bihar and celebrate Chhath Puja every year. This year we also celebrated Chhat Puja and prepare Prasad which is dedicated to the Sun. Here goes the recipe:
- Wheat flour
- Sugar
- Refined oil
This is a mixer of wheat flour, sugar and some refined oil
This shape is given by hand
This is also made by hand. There are also available different frames made of wood which are used to give this shape. If you don't have, then nothing to worry; you can give this shape by your hand.
In order to fry, these are poured into hot refined water as it is shown in the above picture.
After fry, these are ready to use
devotees on the river bank
Devotee is in river water and praying
Image credit Many devotees praying to the Sun
Image credit Arghya giving to the Sun
Now you can understand how much it is important for North Indians.
All pictures are sourced by me except last two. Some pictures are already shared in facebook.