Chhath : The Festival of Sun, goes beyond boundaries 

Is Chhath become a national phenomenon, due to the people who cares about it, ardently? Why a tradition that support harshest fasting, still lures millions? Bihar is known for the intellectual might it produced in past and still have a high aspirational value for government jobs. The self-esteem feeling of a region somehow get focused to a four day festival, that belongs to sun and known by a female connotation.

There are many stories about the advent of Chhath and many more about its mythological base. Even Wikipedia got two contrast mentions, Usha, wife of Sun is considered the reason of the festival and in Hindi Wikipedia version, sister of sun was quoted as Chatthi Maiyya. So the real story may be missing but many religious and cultural references support the ritual. Well in all, Sun seems genuine in the story and rest is debatable.

The way Chhath is celebrated can also raise some moral questions. Thirty six hours of tough fasting, which intend to fulfil a desire is not appreciable logically. When we can raise an eyebrow for Karvachauth and pray Goddess Durga, with more sumptuous dishes, a tradition that supports harsh fasting is considered inhuman. But the urge to appease deities and follow the social norm can support any harsh practice. Hindu religion has immense respect for nature.

The celebration unanimity of Chhath supports social equanimity. Everyone has the right to do the rituals and religious practices with same fervour. There is no class and mass divide. So it’s become a representation of cultural identity and regional power. The divide in the name of caste, class and creed hurts the lower level of society a lot. Somehow the festival of Chatth, gives a soothing balance to the rift of identities.

The simplistic way of this festival has come from the social realities. Four days of the festival has emphasised the value of penance and strict discipline. A society that churns with time and ideas, somehow relate to a common understanding for this. The state of Bihar has many layers of social structures. Surely the timing of Chhath has also significance. Five days after Diwali means the arrival of lights in life has a connection with sun and a prayer for the god of light is imminent.

Festivals are soul to Indian culture; they bring enthusiasm and energy in a monotonous life. There are days when we celebrate some festivals due to their astronomical value. And there are some which born from our mythological and cultural beliefs, like Bonalu, Shigmo, Thaipusam, Gangaur and Chatth. The relevance of a festival needs some mythological references. A community involvement in such local tradition becomes huge when people find their identity in them. Due to heavy migration Bihar take the tradition to the place they live for community bonding and Chatth is now known in many parts of the world.