Staff Reporter
Dimapur, November 17
Thousands of people from the Bihari and other Hindu community today paid obeisance to Sun God as they observed Chhath Puja at the banks of River Dhansiri and other water sources here.
Observed on the 6th day of the Lunar month after Diwali, Chhath festival is celebrated as a thanksgiving to the Sun God for giving the bounties of life on earth and for fulfillment of wishes of believers. It is a festival of reverence to the solar deity, the only festival in the world where devotees offer salutations to the setting sun and then again ends with offering prayers to the rising Sun the following morning.
Women fast continuously for 3 days and break their fast on the 3rd day after offering prayers to the rising sun.
Thousands of devotees today gathered on the banks of river Dhansiri here to offer the prayers. In the afternoon, clad in beautiful clothes women, children and men carrying baskets full of fruits, sweets and preparations made of wheat reached the river banks where they prayed to the Sun God till sunset.
After sunset, they returned to their respective homes, where another rituals were conducted. In this particular ritual, women prepare a canopy of sugar-cane and underneath, they light earthen lamps and sings hymn in praise of the Sun God and Chhat Maiya maintaining strict fast.
Early Wednesday morning, the devotees would go back again to the riverbanks and welcome the sun with folded hands. The offerings include sandalwood, vermilion, rice, fruits, covered usually covered with saffron colored cotton cloth. They offer ‘Arghya’ and chant mantras and hymns from the Rig Veda and commence the puja. The devotees break the fast after the Sun rises.
Chhath is the festival of truth, non-violence, forgiveness and compassion. Chhath is the only time when the setting sun as opposed to its rising is celebrated for its glory as the cycle of birth starts with death.
Over the years, the number of people celebrating this festival in Dimapur has increased, which is evident from the congregation of the devotees at the banks of Dhansiri River near ISBT, Oriya Colony and other places. The festival, significant to the people of North India has been traditionally important to the migrant population, who reside in and around Dimapur, but people from other community have also joined the celebration in the recent years.
Nagaland Bhojpuri Samaj and Chhath Puja Committee have made all arrangements at the banks of River Dhansiri for the devotees to offer prayers.
