Chhath Puja Melbourne 2023 being celebrated on 19-20 Nov
Evening Celebration is scheduled for Sunday, 19th November 2023, from 3:00 to 7:30 PM, followed by the Morning Celebration on Monday, 20th November 2023, from 5:30 to 7:30 AM.
Chhath Puja is a Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of the Sun God, Surya, and Chhathi Maiya (Usha), who is considered to be the sister of Surya. This festival is predominantly celebrated in the Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand, and eastern Uttar Pradesh, as well as in Nepal.
Chhath Puja usually takes place six days after Diwali, in the month of Kartika according to the Hindu calendar, which falls in October or November in the Gregorian calendar. The festival spans four days of rituals and prayers, during which devotees express their gratitude to the Sun God for sustaining life on earth.
The key rituals of Chhath Puja include:
- Nahay Khay (First Day): Devotees take a dip in a holy river or pond and bring water home to prepare the offerings.
- Lohanda and Kharna (Second Day): Fasting begins, and devotees prepare kheer (a sweet dish) and other offerings. The fast is broken after sunset.
- Sandhya Arghya (Third Day – Evening): Devotees offer arghya (offerings) to the setting sun, usually at riverbanks or other water bodies.
- Usha Arghya (Fourth Day – Morning): Devotees offer arghya to the rising sun, marking the conclusion of the Chhath Puja rituals.
Chhath Puja is known for its strict observance of rituals, including fasting, standing in water for long durations, and offering prayers to the sun without water or food. The festival is a symbol of purity and devotion, and it is believed to bring well-being, prosperity, and longevity to the devotees and their families.
Chhath Puja holds immense importance in Hinduism and has been joyously observed across diverse locations for countless generations. This sacred ritual is devoted to the worship of the Sun God, acknowledging his pivotal role in sustaining life on our planet. Participants seek his enduring blessings, longevity, and prosperity for the well-being of humanity.
Continuing the established traditions, the Madheshi Community in Victoria has been collectively observing Chhath Puja since 2012. The celebrations have transitioned from individual devotee homes to Reservoir Park and the Australian Nepali Community Centre at 100 Duncans Ln, Diggers Rest VIC 3427, Australia. According to MCV (Madheshi Community Victoria), the Evening Celebration is scheduled for Sunday, 19th November 2023, from 3:00 to 7:30 PM, followed by the Morning Celebration on Monday, 20th November 2023, from 5:30 to 7:30 AM.
To enhance the festive experience, MCV is introducing various engaging elements, including cultural displays, photo sessions, Bhandara (community kitchen), kids’ activities, and Prasad distribution. This initiative is being orchestrated by the MCV Chhath Puja Committee, led by Aryan Raut, Gopal Shah, and their team, under the presidency of Dr. Surendra Rauniyar.
