With reference to the Chhath Puja, consider the following statements:1...
The four-day Chhath Puja celebrations began across the country on October 28.
- Dedicated to: Chhath is a Hindu festival dedicated to the Sun god and his wife Usha in order to thank them for bestowing the bounties of life on earth. The Goddess who is worshipped during the famous Chhath Puja is known as Chhathi Maiya (also known as Usha, wife of the sun god).
- Meaning of word chhath: The word chhath means sixth and the festival is celebrated on the sixth day of the month Kartika of the Hindu lunar Bikram Sambat calendar.
- Rituals: The festival is observed over a period of four days. They rituals include holy bathing, fasting, standing in water for long periods of time, and offering prayers and food to the setting and rising sun.
- Who observe it? The main worshipers, called Parvaitin, are usually women. However, many men also observe this festival as Chhath is not a gender-specific festival.
- Regions: The festival is observed most elaborately in Mithila Province of Nepal, Terai-Madhesh region of Nepal, Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand and UP. It is also more prevalent in areas where migrants from those areas have a presence.
Hence both statements are correct.
With reference to the Chhath Puja, consider the following statements:1...
Chhath Puja - An Overview
Chhath Puja is a significant Hindu festival celebrated primarily in the Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh, as well as in certain regions of Nepal. It is observed to worship the Sun god, also known as Surya, and his wife Usha, in order to express gratitude for bestowing the bounties of life on earth. The festival holds immense cultural and religious importance among the people of these regions.
Statement 1: Chhath is a Hindu festival dedicated to the Sun god and his wife Usha in order to thank them for bestowing the bounties of life on earth.
This statement is correct. Chhath Puja is dedicated to worshipping the Sun god and his wife Usha. The Sun god is considered as the source of life, energy, and vitality, and Chhath Puja is performed to express gratitude and seek blessings for the well-being and prosperity of individuals and their families. Devotees offer prayers, perform rituals, and observe fasting during this festival.
Statement 2: The word "chhath" means "sixth" and the festival is celebrated on the sixth day of the month Kartika of the Hindu lunar Bikram Sambat calendar.
This statement is also correct. The term "chhath" refers to the number six in the Hindi language, as the festival is celebrated on the sixth day of the month Kartika in the Hindu lunar calendar. The Kartika month generally falls in October or November according to the Gregorian calendar. The festival lasts for four days, with the main rituals being performed on the third and fourth days.
Conclusion
Both the statements provided in the question are correct. Chhath Puja is a Hindu festival dedicated to the Sun god and his wife Usha, observed on the sixth day of the month Kartika in the Hindu lunar calendar. It holds immense cultural and religious significance, and devotees express gratitude and seek blessings for the well-being and prosperity of their families and communities.