Kathmandu: The Chhath festival, traditionally celebrated in the eastern and central Tarai of Nepal and in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh of India, is witnessing an international expansion. Mainly observed by communities speaking Maithili and Bhojpuri languages, this cultural event has gained global recognition in recent years.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Chhath is dedicated to the Sun God, involving offerings to both the rising and setting sun. The festival emphasizes well-being, prosperity, and community progress. Rituals include fasting, standing in knee-deep water, and making offerings such as fruits and sugarcane, symbolizing a deep reverence for nature.
Chhath’s scientific underpinnings are notable, with rituals reflecting the importance of water and the sun’s beneficial rays. The festival underscores the necessity of preserving nature and water bodies. In the context of climate change and global efforts like COP29 in Baku, Chhath highlights ancestral wisdom in environmental conservation.
The fe
stival conveys messages of equality, justice, and non-discrimination, welcoming participation from all communities. Chhath is not just a Madhesi or Hindu festival but a universal celebration of nature and life, promoting ecological balance and respect for the environment.