Lifestyle

Chhath Puja 2023: History, Significance, Rituals and Everything You Need To Know

Published

6 months ago

November 16, 2023

Everything You Need to Know About Chhath Puja

Chhath Puja is a prominent Hindu festival celebrated primarily in the Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand, and parts of Uttar Pradesh. This four-day festival holds immense significance for the devotees who seek blessings for their families’ well-being, prosperity, and a bountiful harvest. In this article, we will delve into the vibrant customs, rituals, and mythology surrounding Chhath Puja, and explore the essence of this auspicious celebration.

The Significance of Chhath Puja

Chhath Puja, also known as Surya Shashti or Dala Chhath, is dedicated to Lord Surya (the Sun God) and his sister Shashti Devi. The festival usually falls six days after Diwali and holds great importance in the Hindu calendar.

A Celebration of Nature and Gratitude

Chhath Puja is a unique festival that celebrates nature, expressing gratitude towards the Sun God for sustaining life on Earth. Devotees worship the Sun God, thanking him for the energy and light that enable the growth of crops and various life forms. It is a beautiful way to honor the cycle of life and the interconnectedness of all living beings.

Purification and Fasting

The rituals of Chhath Puja involve fasting, self-discipline, and strict adherence to purity. Devotees abstain from consuming even water during the fasting period, expressing their dedication and resolve to the Sun God.

Also Read: 10 Chhath Puja Rangoli Designs To Draw and Beautify Your House

Seeking Blessings for Well-being and Prosperity

The primary motive behind Chhath Puja is to seek the blessings of Lord Surya for the overall well-being and prosperity of the family. It is believed that the Sun God grants boons to the devotees and eradicates any obstacles in their lives.

Rituals and Customs of Chhath Puja

Chhath Puja is celebrated over four days, with each day holding its unique significance and rituals. Let’s explore each day of this extraordinary festival:

Day 1: Nahay Khay (Holy Bath and Preparing Traditional Delicacies)

On the first day of Chhath Puja, devotees take an early morning holy bath in rivers or other water bodies. After cleansing themselves, they prepare traditional delicacies like kheer (rice pudding) and thekua (sweet cookies) as offerings for the rituals.

Day 2: Kharna (Fasting and Preparing Prasad)

On the second day, devotees observe a day-long fast, known as ‘nirjala’ or waterless fasting, during which they abstain from consuming even a drop of water. In the evening, after performing the puja, they prepare a special prasad (offering) consisting of kheer, puris (deep-fried bread), and fruits. This prasad is later shared with family, friends, and neighbors.

Day 3: Sandhya Arghya (Offering Prayers to the Setting Sun)

On the third day, devotees fast from sunrise till sunset and offer their prayers to the setting sun. They gather near rivers or water bodies, carrying earthen lamps and offerings. With their faces towards the setting sun, devotees perform various rituals and venerate the Sun God.

Day 4: Usha Arghya (Offering Prayers to the Rising Sun)

The final day of Chhath Puja is known as Usha Arghya. Devotees wake up before sunrise and make their way to the riverbanks or water bodies. They offer their prayers and make offerings to the rising sun, ending the fasting period. The festival concludes with a great sense of joy, gratitude, and communal harmony.

Also Read: 10 Chhath Puja Mehndi Design To Take Inspirations

The Mythology Behind Chhath Puja

Chhath Puja is rooted in ancient Hindu mythology and has its origins in the epic of Mahabharata. According to the legend, Draupadi, the wife of the Pandavas, once performed Chhath Puja to seek divine blessings. In return, she was blessed with good health, happiness, and prosperity. The observance of Chhath Puja has been carried forward since then as a way to honor Draupadi’s devotion and receive similar blessings.

Conclusion

Chhath Puja is a wonderful festival that blends spirituality, nature worship, and community bonding. It symbolizes the deep-rooted connection between humans and the environment, reminding us to appreciate and preserve the invaluable resources gifted by nature. As devotees gather on riverbanks, lakeshores, and ponds to perform ancient rituals with utmost devotion, Chhath Puja becomes a testimony to the vibrant cultural heritage of India.

Lifestyle

10 Stunning No Makeup Photos of Ana de Armas

Published

7 hours ago

May 8, 2024

Shreshtha Banerjee

10 Stunning No Makeup Photos of Ana de Armas

Ana de Armas is a Cuban actress who started her career at the tender age of 18. Her debut project was the film Una rosa de Francia.

Later, when she moved to Hollywood, she began getting more mainstream projects. Her role in Blonde led her to become the first Cuban actress nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress.

Her role in the series Una rosa de Francia helped her gain a significant fan base, which made her role more prominent among her fans.

In this article, we’ll see 10 makeup-free images of Ana de Armas, where she looks natural and pretty, showcasing her real skin.

Ana de Armas No-Makeup Pictures:

1. Side Face

Ana is wearing subtle lip gloss here. Her hair is open, and she looks beautiful here.

2. In Shot

This picture is from a film shoot. She is natural and looks pretty in her brown sweater.

3. Bun and Locks

In this picture, Ana has her hair in a bun. She is also not wearing any makeup.

4. Swim Time

Ana has her hair in a bun in this picture. She is out swimming, so she looks fresh and pretty.

5. All Natural

Ana is wearing a black Nike T-shirt. Her hair is middle-parted and open.

6. Windy

Ana is wearing no makeup in this picture. Her hair is wavy and not styled, making it all natural.

7. Cozy Sunday

Ana is on her sleeping day. The picture is from the bed, and she is without makeup.

8. Sunny Day Out

In this picture, Ana is wearing a white T-shirt. Her hair looks glossy and perfectly styled.

9. Strolls

Ana is wearing a black bodycon dress in this picture. Her hair is open, and Ana looks beautiful with her natural face.

10. Crystal Clear

In this picture, she is wearing no makeup and has her hair pulled back in a middle-parting bun. She looks stunning.

Also Check:

10 Stunning No-Makeup Looks of Cardi B

Lifestyle

10 Stunning No-Makeup Looks of Cardi B

Published

8 hours ago

May 8, 2024

Shreshtha Banerjee

Cardi B is a Hollywood rapper known for her pop culture-referenced rap songs. She rose to fame after the album “Gangsta Bitch Music, Vol. 1.”

She also acted in the TV series “Love & Hip Hop: New York.” “Invasion of Privacy” was the album that rose and was tagged in the Billboard 200 song list.

Cardi B released collaborative music with Megan Thee Stallion named “Up” and “WAP” back in 2020. Cardi B has always been known for her dyed hair and manicures.

However, in this article, we’ll see pictures of Cardi B without any makeup, looking all-natural.

Cardi B No-Makeup Images:

1. Sleep in Sunday

Cardi posted a picture of her on her Instagram story without makeup. She has her hands manicured with yellow gel paint.

2. Wavy Looks

Cardi B has her hair orange and permed. This gives her hair a wavy and breezy look. Her face remains makeup-less here.

3. Simple Hoodie

Cardi B was spotted in public wearing a hoodie. She let her face be natural and she looks stunning!

4. Bodycon

Cardi B is wearing a stunning low-cut bodycon dress in this picture. She has her hair tied and a bandana across her forehead.

5. Fiery Red

Cardi B is wearing a loose grey T-shirt. Her hair is dyed grey in this and she has no makeup on her face.

6. Casual

Cardi B has her hair middle-parted here. She is wearing a black t-shirt. Her face has been kept natural and she looks pretty.

7. Beanie

Cardi B is rocking the beanie look in this picture. Her hair is puffed up, she has a tinge of lip gloss, and her face is kept natural.

8. Rainbow Hair

Here, Cardi B has her hair dyed in duo-tone strokes. She is not wearing any makeup here, her hair is middle-parted with front locks.

9. Pout It Out

In this selfie, Cardi B is pouting. She has no makeup and her skin seems to shine perfectly, making her look flawless.

10. Faded

In this picture, Cardi B is wearing a salmon-colored coord look, matching upper and bottom. She has no makeup here as well.

Also Check:

10 Lana Del Ray No Makeup Pictures

10 Unseen Billie Eilish No Makeup Photos

Wishes

Happy Rabindranath Tagore Jayanti 2024: Wishes, Images, Messages, Quotes, Greetings, Shayari, Sayings, Cliparts and Instagram Captions

Published

1 day ago

May 7, 2024

Subhashree Panda

Happy Rabindranath Tagore Jayanti 2024: Wishes, Images, Messages, Quotes, Greetings, Shayari, Sayings, Cliparts and Instgaram Captions

Rabindranath Tagore Jayanti is also popularly known as Poncheeshe Boishakh or Rabindra Jayanti in Kolkata.

Rabindranath Tagore Jayanti is one of the crucial cultural observances which commemorates the legendary Nobel laureate, Rabindranath Tagore.

Rabindranath Tagore has been given many titles in India, such as, ‘Biswakabi,’ ‘Kabiguru,’ and ‘Gurudev.’ His contribution in the fields of art, music and literature is commendable.

The legendary Bengali poet was also a philosopher and social reformer hailing from West Bengal. Thus, he influenced the political and cultural history of India to a large extent.

Rabindranath Tagore Jayanti 2024: Date

Rabindranath Tagore was born on May 7, 1861, in Kolkata. His parents were Sarada Deviwas and Debendranath Tagore. Thus, as per the traditional Bengali calendar, Rabindra Jayanti is “commemorated on the 25th day of the Bengali month of Boishakh.”

This year, in 2024, the 163rd birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore, falls on May 8, 2024, Wednesday.

Rabindranath Tagore Jayanti 2024: Significance and Celebration

Tagore founded Visva-Bharati University in Santiniketan, West Bengal. Notably, he was among the educators who had the vision to revolutionize traditional classroom teaching.

Artists and writers from all over the globe get inspiration from his essays, short stories, novels, spanning poetry and literary works.

In 1913, he got the Nobel Prize in Literature for his collection of poems ‘Gitanjali.’ According to records, he penned down the national anthems of both India and Bangladesh. He wrote Jana Gana Mana and Amar Sonar Bangla respectively.

On August 7, 1941, the legendary bengoli poet met his ultimate demise. However, his legacy is still commemorated throughout the nation in Shantiniketan (West Bengal) and the national anthem of India.

Celebrate Rabindranath Tagore Jayanti 2024 with heartfelt wishes, quotes, images, greetings, and captions perfect for sharing on Instagram.

Best Rabindranath Tagore Jayanti Wishes, Images, Messages, Quotes, and Greetings

“On this auspicious occasion, let us pledge to uphold the ideals of truth, beauty, and harmony that Rabindranath Tagore stood for.”

“Wishing everyone a joyous Rabindranath Tagore Jayanti! May his timeless teachings continue to inspire and uplift us.”

“Let us celebrate the legacy of Rabindranath Tagore with gratitude and reverence, cherishing his invaluable contributions to literature and music.”

“As we commemorate Rabindranath Tagore Jayanti, let us strive to spread love, compassion, and understanding in the world, just as he did through his timeless artistry.”

“On this Rabindranath Tagore Jayanti, let us honor the memory of the visionary poet and philosopher whose words continue to resonate with the essence of India’s cultural heritage.”