Kathmandu: A book penned by researcher Jivesh Jha on the Chhath festival has shown the ties between spiritual awakening and development. “Beneath the Sun: Equality for Everyone, the Spirit of Chhath Festival,” authored by legal scholar Jha, celebrates the Chhath festival by bringing to light its social, economic, environmental, and developmental aspects.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the Chhath festival, during which the Sun God is revered, is primarily celebrated in the Mithila region of Nepal, specifically in the eastern southern plains/Tarai, and extends to Bihar and the eastern part of Uttar Pradesh, India. The festival is gradually expanding to hilly regions, with the Kathmandu Valley observing it with fanfare, especially after the people’s movement of 2062/63.
The author describes how the festival is expanding across the country and even abroad, bearing essential values such as spiritual awakening, austerity, worship of nature, faith, family and community bonds, and devotion. From water bodies to the Sun, sanitation to sacredness, conservation to agriculture, and local earnings to development goals, the Chhath festival fosters unity, togetherness, harmony, and importantly, equality.
The book vividly presents how the worship of the Sun God on the banks of rivers, ponds, and streams reflects equality, irrespective of class and caste. Jha argues that Chhath promotes social cohesion: “It’s the festival which tightens the bonds of equality, fraternity, unity, and integrity. Every devotee, rich or middle class, prepares almost similar ‘prasad’ and other items to offer the Almighty.”
A salient feature of the book is its linkage of Chhath rituals to development goals. Jha mentions pollution-free soil and water, cleaning of ponds, rivers, and Ghats, and prayers for agro-productivity and a clean and green environment for a sustainable future. These practices are linked to SDG 1 (No poverty), SDG 2 (Zero hunger), SDG 3 (Good health and well-being), Goal 6 (Clean water and sanitation), and Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities). However, the book notes a concern that the practices of cleanliness and environmental protection are not sustained throughout the year.
Jha expresses concern over this issue, stating: “Following these festivities, the government agencies often neglect the responsibility of maintaining water cleanliness throughout the year. It is imperative that the State recognizes and implements the concept of the ‘Public Trust Doctrine,’ which mandates that natural resources, including waters and water bodies, are held in trust for the benefit of present and future generations.”
The book, though brief, is enriched with research references from journal articles and media analyses, aiding in convincing readers and encouraging further study and research. It divides into six chapters, covering topics from festival introduction to economic aspects and concluding thoughts.
The mandatory use of locally produced items is another significant aspect of the festival, which discourages imports and generates local economy. Bamboo products and homemade cuisine are prioritized during the festival.
The book explains the rituals of the five-day festival in detail, including Maruwa-Machh Barnai, Nahay-Khay, Kharna, Sandhya Arghya, and Usha Arghya. Devotees observe fasting and offer Arghya to the rising and setting Suns. “The festival is synonymous with sacrifice and dedication of (women) devotees,” the author writes, noting the rigorous fasting practices.
As the Chhath festival is currently being celebrated, reading the book on this festival is timely and enriching. Published by the author himself last year, it costs Rs 75.