Kera je pharal ghaurme ohipar suga madarai
Marbou re sugaba dhanusha se suga gire murajhai
This song narrates the story of a parrot attempting to eat
bananas meant for the Chhath festival, which is observed with great care and
purity. Chhath celebrations revolve around offering homage to the Sun.
According to popular legends, if someone contaminates the offerings by
consuming them before they are presented to the gods, they risk being cursed
with skin diseases like leprosy. Even the parrots flying around the plantain
tree are criticised in the song.
Throughout
this festival, all activities are accompanied by specific songs whether it's
the preparation of worship materials or visits to ponds and rivers for sun-god
worship. These songs convey messages of fraternity, love, non-violence,
humanity and companionship. The Chhath Festival, predominantly celebrated by
Hindus in
Mithila
has a rich cultural heritage dating back to the ancient times. Its vibrant
culture is also distinctly unique. Throughout the year, Maithili life pulses
with the anticipation of numerous festivals, demanding thorough preparation.
The locals eagerly look forward to these festivities, with Chhath being one of
the grandest celebrations.
Janakpur celebrates this festival splendidly, contributing to
the flourishing tourism in the region. The festivities primarily take place at
sacred ponds and rivers such as Ganga Sagar, Dhanush Sagar, Aragaja Sar,
Dasharatha Talaw, Biharkunda, Agnikunda, Dudhamati and the
The
Sun holds a revered place in all civilisations as a visible deity. While the
rising sun is worshipped universally, Maithili individuals also worship the
setting sun. On the day of Chhath, devotees enter the water to offer prayers to
the setting sun. They spend the entire night on the banks of ponds or rivers
and offer prayers to the rising sun the next morning. Alongside the sun, they
worship Chhath Parameshwari (goddess), seeking her blessings for a healthy and
happy life. The goddess is believed to protect against leprosy and skin
diseases, bless infertile couples with children and ensure overall well-being,
fraternity, prosperity, social goodwill, happiness and peace for her devotees
and the community as a whole.
The
festival spans four days, starting from the fourth day of the waxing moon to
the seventh day in the month of Kartik, as per the lunar calendar. It's also
observed in the month of Chaitra, known as Chaitee Chhath, but with less
grandeur compared to the Kartik celebration.
The
initial day of the festival, called Nahan-Khan or Arba-Arbain, marks the devotees getting
their nails cut. From this day onwards, they abstain from fish, meat, onion,
millet and lentils. Purification is sought through bathing. The second day,
known as Khadana, involves devotees
refraining from both food and water. Molasses pudding is prepared in a new oven
at night, and devotees offer it as prasad,
sharing it with their neighbours and relatives.
On the third day of the festival, known as Sajhuka-Arghya, people make offerings to the
setting sun. The entire village gathers near ponds, rivers, and streams,
carrying worship materials in bamboo baskets filled with treats like thakuwa,
bhushwa, perukiya and khajuriya made from rice and wheat flour. The basket
includes fruits such as bananas, sugarcane, apples and coconuts, all presented
to the setting and rising sun. Various worship materials are required, such as
koshiya, kurbar, dhakana, kantari and suppa (nanglo), as well as dagari and
changera, with the former made of soil and the latter from bamboo.
The
final day of the festival, known as Bhoraka-Arghya or Paran, repeats the rituals of the third day.
The only distinction is that while the setting sun is worshipped on the third
day, on the final day.
Legend has it that Sati Anasuya, the wife of sage Atri,
celebrated the Chhatha festival, leading to her having a truthful, cheerful and
dutiful husband, and a blissful conjugal life. Similarly, Draupadi worshipped
Chhathimaiya for the safety of the Pandavs when they were in hiding in the Mahabharat,
leading to the recovery of their lost kingdom.
Traditional
folk musicians play instruments like dhol, pipahi and sahenai at the banks of
rivers and ponds. Women narrate stories related to the Sun, and devotees can be
seen in the middle of rivers or ponds, joining their hands in concentrated
prayer.
To
truly comprehend the mysterious and intricate Maithili culture, one must
experience it by stepping onto its soil and spending some time living among the
Maithilis.
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