Chhath Puja, a revered Hindu festival, is celebrated by millions worldwide to honor the Sun God (Surya) and Chhathi Maiya. While it holds deep significance in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and parts of Nepal, the Indian diaspora has ensured that its essence flourishes abroad, especially in the United States. Here’s an overview of how Chhath Puja is observed across the U.S., preserving its rituals and traditions far from home.
1. Significance of Chhath Puja
Chhath Puja is a four-day festival that expresses gratitude to the Sun God for sustaining life on Earth and seeks blessings for health, prosperity, and happiness. The rituals involve fasting, bathing in water bodies, and offering prayers during sunset and sunrise. The Puja emphasizes purity, community bonding, and spiritual renewal.
The main events during the festival include:
- Nahaay Khaay: Devotees begin with a purifying bath and eat simple vegetarian food.
- Kharna: A strict fast is observed, followed by a meal of jaggery-based kheer (rice pudding).
- Sanjh ka Arghya: Devotees offer prayers to the setting sun at water bodies.
- Bhor ka Arghya: Prayers are offered to the rising sun on the final day, followed by breaking the fast.
2. Growing Popularity of Chhath Puja in the U.S.
In recent years, Chhath Puja has gained prominence in areas with a large Indian and Nepali diaspora. Cities like New York, New Jersey, Chicago, Houston, and San Francisco see vibrant celebrations with devotees gathering by rivers, lakes, or makeshift water bodies to perform rituals.
Communities coordinate efforts to recreate the festive environment, with the focus on maintaining authenticity. Special permits are often required to access public parks or water bodies for the rituals, emphasizing the importance of environmental cleanliness, which is a key principle of Chhath Puja.
3. Popular Locations for Chhath Puja Celebrations
In the United States, several key locations have become hubs for Chhath Puja:
- Jersey City, New Jersey: With its large population from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, Jersey City hosts grand Chhath celebrations at parks and waterfronts.
- Queens, New York: Devotees gather at local parks and rivers, such as Flushing Meadows Corona Park, where temporary water bodies are set up for the rituals.
- Chicago, Illinois: Celebrations are held near Lake Michigan, with large crowds participating in the traditional prayers.
- San Francisco, California: Devotees assemble at local lakes and cultural centers to perform the rituals in the Bay Area.
- Houston, Texas: The Indian community celebrates Chhath with cultural programs followed by rituals at parks or lakes.
4. Maintaining Tradition Abroad
Despite being thousands of miles away from their homeland, devotees in the U.S. remain committed to the essence of Chhath Puja. Many fast for 36 hours without food or water, as is traditionally done in India. Communities also prepare homemade prasad (offerings) like thekua, fruits, and rice laddus, essential to the rituals.
To foster a sense of belonging, cultural associations and temples often organize community events where people gather to perform the Puja together. Some groups livestream their celebrations, allowing friends and family from India to participate virtually.
5. Environmental Awareness during Chhath Puja
Environmental consciousness is deeply rooted in the festival, as devotees worship nature by offering prayers at water bodies. This practice aligns with ecological values emphasized in many U.S. communities. Organizers in the U.S. ensure that the rituals are performed without polluting water bodies, using eco-friendly materials and cleaning up afterward.
6. Chhath Puja 2024 Dates and Observances
In 2024, Chhath Puja will be observed from November 7 to November 10:
- November 7: Nahaay Khaay
- November 8: Kharna
- November 9: Sanjh ka Arghya (evening prayers)
- November 10: Bhor ka Arghya (morning prayers)
These dates align with the Kartik month of the Hindu calendar, around six days after Diwali.
7. Conclusion
Chhath Puja in the United States is more than a religious observance; it is a celebration of tradition, community, and spirituality. It serves as a way for the diaspora to stay connected to their roots, fostering cultural continuity across generations. With festivals, public gatherings, and social events, Chhath Puja has evolved into a grand celebration abroad while retaining its core spiritual values.
By celebrating Chhath Puja in the U.S., the Indian diaspora honors both their heritage and the natural environment, spreading the festival’s message of gratitude, devotion, and harmony to new shores. Whether near a river in India or a lake in New York, the spirit of Chhath Puja remains universal, binding communities with its timeless traditions.