Chhath is the four-day-long festival celebrated by the Hindu Nepali people in the month of Kartik every year. This festival is one of the most popular cultural events, especially celebrated in the Terai region of Nepal. These days, this festival is widely celebrated in all parts of Nepal.
I had a wonderful experience celebrating Chhath at my school. It was a special day filled with joy, traditions, and togetherness. The day started with a festive atmosphere as everyone gathered at school for the Chhath celebration. I could feel the excitement in the air as students, teachers, and staff members came together to mark this important occasion. We had been preparing it for the whole of last week.Our class teacher helped us arrange the things properly in the designated area where Chhath was to celebrate.
A four-day-long festival is dedicated to the worship of the goddess Chhathi Mai for a healthy and prosperous life. During the festival, the devotees offer prayers and worship Sun. On the first day of the festival, the devotees take bath in the holy river and pond to purify their body and souls before preparing traditional food to offer to the Goddess Chhathi Mai and the Sun.
One of the highlights of the celebration was the communal singing of Chhath songs. We performed the rituals and also performed a dance. The melodies echoed through the school premises, spreading happiness and positive vibes.
Actually, the devotees observe fasting the whole day, and in the evening they end their fasting by worshiping the sun and offering prayers. Similarly, on the third day of the festival, the devotees offer prayers to the setting sun in the evening. This tradition is popularly known as Sandhya Argha. Likewise, on the fourth day of the festival, the devotees offer prayers to the rising Sun in the early morning and seek blessings from the Sun. This tradition is popularly known as Usha Argha. During these days, the devotees prepare traditional food items like Thekuwa, Khajuri, Kheer, sweets, and food, which they also distribute to their family and friends as prasad of the Goddess Chhathi Mai.
This year, The Chath celebration at school not only allowed us to participate in a significant cultural event but also promoted unity and understanding among diverse groups of students. It was a day of joy, learning, and creating lasting memories with friends and teachers. I felt grateful to be a part of such a vibrant and inclusive celebration, making it an unforgettable experience.
Maulikata Bajracharya
Grade VII