While Chhath Puja is traditionally associated with Bihar, Jharkhand, and eastern Uttar Pradesh, it has found a dedicated following across India and even in parts of Nepal. Each region has its distinctive traditions and customs, adding unique cultural flavors to this age-old festival.
1. Bihar and Jharkhand: The Heartland of Chhath Puja
- Traditional Practices: In Bihar and Jharkhand, Chhath Puja is a deeply rooted cultural event. Families start preparing for the festival weeks in advance, scrubbing their homes and cooking spaces to maintain purity. Thekua and rice laddus are prepared as part of the prasad, and riverbanks are decorated to welcome devotees.
- Folk Songs and Festive Music: Devotional songs called “Chhath Geet” are sung throughout the festival. These folk songs, passed down through generations, narrate stories of reverence for the Sun God and serve as a cultural heritage for the region.
2. Uttar Pradesh: An Emphasis on Community Celebration
- Vibrant Public Gatherings: In cities like Varanasi, Lucknow, and Allahabad, Chhath Puja is celebrated with public gatherings by rivers and lakes. This communal celebration includes elaborate setups on riverbanks, where families offer prayers together.
- Diverse Offerings: Uttar Pradesh introduces a variety of food offerings, including bananas, coconut, and ghee-laden thekua. The diversity in prasad symbolizes the state’s inclusive approach to traditions.
3. Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh: A Growing Tradition
- Rising Popularity: In recent years, Chhath Puja has gained popularity in central India, especially among communities that have migrated from Bihar and UP. Celebrations are organized at local rivers, lakes, and even artificial ponds created by communities to offer a setting for the rituals.
- Unity in Diversity: These celebrations are often a mix of local customs and traditional Chhath rituals, showcasing the cultural adaptability of the festival.
4. Delhi and Mumbai: Urban Adaptations of Chhath Puja
- Metropolitan Celebrations: In major cities like Delhi and Mumbai, Chhath Puja is celebrated by large communities that set up makeshift ghats (riverbank areas) on artificial ponds or waterfronts to accommodate devotees.
- Citywide Support: Municipal corporations in Delhi and Mumbai often support these gatherings by organizing special arrangements, such as setting up tents, providing clean water, and arranging crowd control. This effort reflects the importance of Chhath Puja in urban areas and how the festival has been adapted to fit into busy city life.
5. Nepal’s Terai Region: A Unique Blend of Faith and Tradition
- Integration with Local Beliefs: In Nepal’s Terai region, Chhath Puja is celebrated with great fervor, especially among communities with historical roots linked to Bihar. The rituals are similar to those observed in India but often incorporate local customs.
- Community Bonding: The Terai communities celebrate the festival as a significant occasion for family bonding and community gathering, enhancing its role as a social event. The riverside celebrations here are usually accompanied by traditional music and dances.
The Global Influence of Chhath Puja
With migration and the spread of Indian culture abroad, Chhath Puja is now celebrated in various countries like the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia, where Indian and Nepali communities come together to honor the Sun. Though the rituals may be adapted to available resources, the spirit of Chhath Puja remains alive, creating a bridge between these communities and their cultural roots.
These regional and cultural variations in Chhath Puja highlight the festival’s versatility, showing how devotion to the Sun God has united people across different landscapes, languages, and customs.
