A Captivating Encounter with Chhath Festivities in
Jharkhand (#ChhathPuja #Jharkhand)
While traveling
through the heart of Jharkhand, our journey took an unexpected turn. We found
ourselves stuck in a vibrant market bustle in a suburb called Balumath. The
reason? The annual Chhath Puja celebrations! Local villagers thronged the
streets, their excitement palpable as they shopped for festive essentials.
Drawn by the
infectious energy, I grabbed my camera and stepped out of the car. Immersing
myself in the lively scene, I captured the essence of this unique village
market.
The market
overflowed with Chhath Puja materials, from traditional offerings to decorative
items. Bargaining was a lively art form, with villagers negotiating prices with
good humor. It became evident that while the prices might seem high, they were
carefully calibrated to the purchasing power of the local community.
As I documented
the sights, some curious villagers approached me, wanting to know the purpose
of my photos. I explained the significance of Chhath Puja, a festival dedicated
to the Sun God, observed with strict rituals and fasting as a form of
gratitude.
The devout
reverence for the festival was evident in the way devotees carefully selected
and carried their puja materials. In some parts of Bihar, community initiatives
ensure fair pricing during the festival, keeping it truly a celebration for
all.
Interestingly,
the festive fervor in Bihar also impacted airfare. Ticket prices skyrocketed,
even exceeding the cost of flights to popular tourist destinations like Dubai
or Bangkok! This surge makes it difficult for families to travel home for the
occasion.
Fortunately,
technology offers a solution. E-commerce platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, and
even Apna Market are offering attractive deals on Chhath Puja essentials,
including pre-made offerings like Thekua and Laddoos.
The four-day
festival commenced on Tuesday with Nahay Khay, a day of cleansing and
preparation. Subsequent days will see rituals like Kharna, Chhath Puja itself,
and Usha Arghya, culminating on November 8th.
Chhath Puja
transcends geographical boundaries. Devotees in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar
Pradesh, as well as those residing in the National Capital Region, were seen
performing rituals by the holy Ganges and Yamuna rivers. Even the Bihari
diaspora celebrates this festival wherever they may be in the world.
On this
auspicious occasion, I extend my heartfelt wishes for a happy and pious Chhath
Puja to all my friends and readers!
Photos Caption: A bustling market scene in Jharkhand,
showcasing the vibrant sale of Chhath Puja materials.
Text and Photo
by: Ashok Karan,
Ashokkaran.blogspot.com
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Hashtags: #ChhathPuja #Jharkhand #FestivalVibes
#CulturalCelebration #Faith
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