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Embrace the divine light of the Hindu festival, Chhath Puja, celebrated on November 7! This annual festivity, with roots dating back to ancient Vedic times, is dedicated to the sun god, Surya, and his wife, Usha, to express gratitude for their blessings on life, health, and prosperity. This colorful and vibrant celebration is rich in tradition, with four days of joyous rituals, sincere offerings, and melodious folk songs. Citizens across the globe come together to celebrate, turning bodies of water into spectacle of twinkling lights, fragrant flowers, and blend of vibrant hues. As part of our beautiful global tapestry, immerse yourselves in the benevolent spirit of Chhath Puja, spreading the sun god’s love and light everywhere. So, come along, join the festivity, pay homage to Surya, and bathe yourselves in the radiance of the solar deity, igniting warmth, positivity, and life energy within and around you!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1790s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Documented References to Chhath Puja</div><div class='timeline-text'>In the late 18th century, British writers noted the Chhath Puja rituals being celebrated, marking the earliest known written record of the festival.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1881</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Published Mention</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first scholarly mention of Chhath Puja can be traced to "The Tribes and Castes of Bengal", authored by H.H Risley.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1950s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Post-Independence Revival</div><div class='timeline-text'>After India's independence, there was a cultural revival that led to increased awareness and widespread celebration of Chhath Puja around the country.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2007</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Chhath Puja in Bihar's Public Holidays</div><div class='timeline-text'>The festival is declared as a public holiday in Bihar, marking its national importance and recognition by the state government.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2016</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>International Recognition</div><div class='timeline-text'>Chhath Puja is celebrated at the United Nations for the first time, marking its global acknowledgment.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2020</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Widespread Virtual Celebrations</div><div class='timeline-text'>Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many of the celebrations are held virtually, showing the resilience of traditions in the face of adversity.</div></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Create a home shrine</h3><p class='facts-text'>In the spirit of Chhath Puja and to honor Surya, set up a small shrine in your home dedicated to the sun god. You could decorate it with sun-related art, flowers, and even family pictures capturing moments in the sunshine.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Cook a festive meal</h3><p class='facts-text'>Make a festive meal using ingredients sacred to the festival such as rice, ghee, and fruits. This will help you engage with the ancient rituals of Chhath Puja and share the traditional flavors with friends and family.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Host a sunrise and sunset picnic</h3><p class='facts-text'>Since Chhath Puja is about honoring the sun, plan for a sunrise and sunset picnic during the festival. This will allow you to directly appreciate the beauty of Surya's dawn and dusk and signifies paying respect to the cycles of nature.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Organize a Charity drive</h3><p class='facts-text'>In keeping with the festival's spirit of gratitude and spreading positivity, initiate a charity drive. Collect clothing, food, or donations for those in need, reflecting the fundamental principles this festival stands for.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Learn and perform traditional songs and dances</h3><p class='facts-text'>Music is integral to Chhath Puja celebrations. Learn tradition folk songs sung during the festival, and if possible, initiate a cultural exchange by performing dances in community celebrations. This embodies the joyous spirit of Chhath Puja, connecting people through cultural expressions.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Celebration of Gratitude</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Chhath Puja is a moment of thanksgiving for the life, health, and prosperity that the sun god, Surya, bestows upon us. This deep sense of gratitude brings us joy and serves as a reminder of the many blessings we often take for granted.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Cultural Exchange</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>By learning the traditional folk songs and dances, and sharing these practices with others, we can participate in a vibrant cultural exchange. This deepens our understanding of Hindu tradition and promotes unity and camaraderie within the community.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Spread Positivity and Love</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The festival’s central message is about spreading love, light, and positivity just like the sun itself. By participating in Chhath Puja, we can contribute to the outpouring of positive energy, nurturing a profound sense of community spirit and shared joy.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Chhath Puja is an Integral Part of Bihar's Cultural Identity</h3><p class='facts-content'>Over the years, Chhath Puja has become synonymous with the cultural identity of Bihar, with the state declaring the festival as a public holiday. The grand celebrations painted in local art forms and music add to the festival’s vibrancy and allure.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Chhath Puja is an Eco-friendly Festival</h3><p class='facts-content'>All elements used in Chhath Puja rituals and ceremonies are natural. Materials like bamboo baskets, earthen pots, and fruits contribute to the eco-friendly nature of the festival, demonstrating respect for Mother Earth.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Chhath Puja Significantly Contributes to Vishnu Worship</h3><p class='facts-content'>Even though the central deity of worship is Surya during Chhath Puja, it’s often associated with worshiping Lord Vishnu, the protector in Hindu trinity. The sun, considered as an aspect of Vishnu, reinforces this bond.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Chhath Puja Braids Together Various Hindu Epics</h3><p class='facts-content'>Origins of Chhath Puja can be traced back to various Hindu epics like Mahabharata and Ramayana, tying the festival to significant events in each epic, making it an example of cultural and religious interlacing.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Chhath Puja is a Testament to Human Endurance and Devotion</h3><p class='facts-content'>Given the rigorous fasting and discipline involved, Chhath Puja is a testament to human endurance, showing a devotee's unwavering devotion and commitment to seeking blessings and expressing gratitude to the sun god.</p></div></div>
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