Key Highlights
- Chhath is celebrated for four days and focuses on devotion to the Sun God.
- Youth in Nepal return home from various locations to celebrate Chhath.
- The festival brings people together at riverbanks, promoting community bonding.
- Local governments are urged to ensure eco-friendly practices during the celebration.
The Devotional Emotion of Chhath Festival
Chhath, one of the most prominent festivals in Nepal, is not just a celebration but a deeply rooted devotional emotion. This unique festival, celebrated for four days, sees many young people from urban and rural areas return to their hometowns to participate.
A Sense of Homecoming
According to Anjali Sah, 24, of Sarlahi, “Chhath is more than a festival; it’s a living bond between the people and nature, Madhes and the hills, beyond caste and class.” She highlights how the festival unites communities at riverbanks, emphasizing devotion and discipline. Her statement reflects the strong emotional connection that Chhath holds for many Nepalese youth.
The Role of Youth in Celebrating Chhath
Several young individuals share their experiences and sentiments about Chhath. Sujit Pandit from Rautahat emphasizes, “Chhath is the greatest festival to me and the most awaited and favorite day of the year for me.” He describes the ritualistic aspects such as Ghaatha (river or pond bank preparation) and community decorations, which he finds fulfilling.
Similarly, Saroj Yadav from Sarlahi expresses his deep connection with Chhath. “Being from the Tarai, every year I eagerly wait to return home for Chhath to spend some quality time with my family,” he says. He believes that this festival is a unique opportunity to reconnect with family and celebrate their cultural heritage.
Challenges and Balancing Life
However, the festival does come with its challenges. Saroj Yadav faces the dilemma of balancing his studies in Kathmandu with the desire to return home for Chhath. He wishes that he could have more holidays so that he can fully enjoy the festival without the stress of exams.
The Significance and Origins
Chhath Puja is rooted in several mythological stories, including those related to Draupadi during the Mahabharata period and Suryaputra Karna’s devotion. Acharya Keshav Jha explains that worshipping the Sun God during Chhath brings happiness and prosperity to families. Additionally, it is believed that the ultraviolet rays from the sun reach Earth in greater quantities during this time, providing benefits like vitamin D for those who stand in water and offer prayers.
Chhath Puja also symbolizes family well-being and good fortune.
Devotees seek blessings for their entire families from the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya. According to Jha, performing a yagya and observing this fast can result in children’s long life, happiness, and a bright future.
Government’s Role in Ensuring Eco-Friendly Practices
Youth like Anjali Sah advocate for local governments to take proactive measures. She suggests ensuring clean ghats (river or pond banks where Chhath rituals are performed), plastic-free surroundings, and eco-friendly decorations that truly honor the spirit of Chhath.
Additionally, she urges the federal government to recognize Chhath as a national festival due to its unique ability to unite people across caste and class in faith and sunlight. This sentiment underscores the importance of preserving cultural traditions while promoting environmental responsibility.
Conclusion
The celebration of Chhath in Nepal is a testament to the enduring power of tradition, community, and devotion. As youth continue to return home for this festival, they not only celebrate but also carry forward their cultural heritage. The efforts by local and federal governments to ensure eco-friendly practices during the celebrations reflect a growing awareness of environmental stewardship alongside religious observance.
