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‘Let’s accept it, Chhath has gone global,’ says Jivesh Jha

'It's a festival that advocates for equity, women empowerment, cleanliness, social harmony, and the overall wellbeing of the society and the natural environment.'

Kathmandu: Chhath, the cultural festival observed with deep respect to Sun God, is being observed in Nepal and India with excitement and joy. In Nepal, earlier considered to be the festival of the only those dwelling in Tarai plains, and particularly that of the Madheshis, Chhath is taking a national character with people from the hills, valley and the plains beginning to celebrate them together. What does Chhath mean to Nepal and Nepalis? Jivesh Jha, the author most recently of Beneath the Sun: Equality for Everyone, The Spirit of Chhath Festival explains:

How do you see the essence of Chhath festival?

Chhath is more than a festival. It’s a festivity promoting social harmony, and egalitarian spirit.

What are the values and offerings associated with the festival?

Chhath is more than a festival. It is a testament to the rich cultural heritage, devotion and social cohesion of Nepali people. It promotes values of discipline, devotion and environmental stewardship. As the festival demands cleanliness of waters, Ghats and soil, the festival emphasizes on a pollution free atmosphere. It is characterized by rituals and highlights environmental conservation. This festival does not require male priests, neither the recitation of Sanskrit mantras. Every devotee is Pundit at the Ghats and all are equal. Every devotee offers almost similar Prasad which includes Thekuwa, Bhuswa, Khajuriya, Panchmer Laddu, Turmeric, ginger, eggplant, radish, banana, apple, sugarcane, Tab Lemon, coconut, betel leaves, curd, and the list goes to 70 types of Prasad.

If anyone fails to offer all 70 types of Prasad (offerings), then Gamhari rice works as a substitute of all the lacking. All the offerings are kept in Sup (winnow made up of bamboo sticks) because it’s believed that bamboo is symbolic to “Bans” (clan). The use of bamboo ensures longevity of your clans. This respect and offerings are almost the same for all and offerings are organic and agricultural produces. In offerings and rituals too, there is equality, without any distinction to caste, creed, custom, and economic status. It’s the festival which advocates for equality, inclusivity, cleanliness, environment conservation, social harmony. It aims to promote agriculture. It’s the festival promoting an organic way of life. It has immense significance symbolizing reverence for nature, equality, devotion and gratitude towards the life-sustaining Sun God and his wife Usha, Chhathi Maiya thereby enriching cultural tapestry of Nepal and India. Its values are close to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for the festival advocates for cleaning of ponds, rivers and contains prayer for agricultural productivity, gender equality and it employs women at decisive roles and hence promotes women empowerment.

Also, the festival emphasizes on the use of traditional fruits and cereals in preparation of Prasad. These values are close to SDGs—clean water and sanitation, good health and wellbeing, gender equality and so on. So, for me it’s a festival that advocates for equity, women empowerment, cleanliness, social harmony, and the overall wellbeing of the society and the natural environment.

Chaath is still perceived to be the festival observed only in Nepal’s Tarai plains and only by the Madheshis.

That’s the biggest misconception we have about this festival. Of late, this festival has transcended all the boundaries. It’s being observed not only in Nepal and India but also in the US, the UK, and many other foreign countries. It’s no longer limited to India and Nepal. So, let’s accept it. It has gone global and transcended all geographical boundaries. As the festival is largely observed for the wellbeing of the children, family members, and to fight against famine and malnutrition and it’s believed that childless couples would be blessed with a child if they observe Chhath, I have seen many people from the hills blessed with children after observing Chhath. You can easily find those devotees whose ultimate wishes were fulfilled at the Ghats celebrating festival with great zeal and festivity. It’s a positive development. As it’s the festival of social solidarity, social harmony, devotion and ultimate faith, it’s being celebrated wholeheartedly by non-Madheshis in Nepal and abroad. In my village (Bathanaha, Mahottary), a section of Muslim community members also celebrates Chhath.