Overview of Chhath Puja:
Chhath Puja is a sacred Hindu festival dedicated to Lord surya (Sun God) and Chhathi maiya (divine feminine energy). It is primarily celebrated in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and parts of Nepal. The festival starts this year on October 25 and concludes on October 28. Devotees perform rituals like fasting, holy bathing, and offering prayers at riverbanks or water bodies to seek blessings for long life, prosperity, and well-being.
Environmental Concern:
While Chhath Puja is spiritually significant, certain practices during the festival can negatively affect aquatic and marine life:
Offering non-biodegradable items such as plastic, flowers with chemical colors, and synthetic materials into rivers or ponds.
Food waste disposal directly into water bodies, which can pollute the water and harm fish and other aquatic organisms.
Crowding at ghats, which may disturb natural habitats and increase water turbidity, affecting oxygen levels for aquatic life.
Ways to Celebrate Responsibly:
To maintain the sanctity of the festival without harming marine life, devotees can follow these eco-friendly practices:
- Use biodegradable offerings: Prefer fruits, natural flowers, and leaves instead of plastics or chemically treated items.
- Dispose of food waste properly: Avoid throwing leftover prasad (offerings) into water; instead, compost or feed it to animals.
- Clean up the ghats: After rituals, collect any waste materials and dispose of them responsibly.
- Avoid chemical colors: Use natural dyes for decoration or offerings to prevent water contamination.
- Raise awareness: Encourage fellow devotees to adopt eco-friendly practices and protect aquatic life.
Conclusion:
Chhath Puja is a festival of devotion and gratitude, but celebrating it sustainably ensures that marine and freshwater ecosystems remain safe. By adopting responsible rituals, devotees can honor surya Dev while protecting the environment for generations to come.
Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.
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