Chhath Puja, which is also known as Surya Shashthi, is one of the most celebrated yet spiritual festivals of India. That is a festival which is dedicated to the Sun, or Surya Dev, and Chhathi Maiya.
This festival is celebrated with devotion across Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Uttar Pradesh. It continues for the span of four days, and during these days, the rituals are followed. People offer prayers to God and ask for blessings, good health, and prosperity.
This festival is celebrated in its own unique way in different regions. We can say that each region has its own unique Chhath Puja traditions. At the time of completing these rituals, individuals also add sacred pieces and idols of Gods to their homes to elevate the spiritual ambience of their houses.
Regional Surya Shashthi rituals
Each region in India celebrates this festival by following its own unique traditions and rituals. Let's go ahead and find out about the regional Chhath Puja rituals -
Bihar and Jharkhand
The devotion and excitement of Chhath Puja in Bihar and Jharkhand are unimaginable. In all of India, the way this festival is celebrated here, the energy is unmatched. The rituals include worshipping by the riverside. Individuals also light brass lamps for Surya Shashthi. Lighting of the lamps means that there is always an end to the darkness. Furthermore, the family members also place the brass Kalash with mango leaves at their home Temple before they go to offer prayers and complete the rituals near the holy rivers.
Uttar Pradesh
In Uttar Pradesh, this festival is celebrated by playing folk songs that are dedicated to the Sun. The offerings are also given. Surya Shashthi Puja items or offerings include fruits or sugarcane. Furthermore, individuals also decorate their home with Brass Idols for Chhath Puja and also use the traditional brass diyas for lighting the home and at the time of rituals as well.
West Bengal
Another region in India where the festival is celebrated with a lot of devotion is West Bengal. In West Bengal, both urban and rural areas follow the traditions, which are a blend of Bengali culture as well. Families go ahead to decorate their homes using Rangoli. Brass lamps and idols of Surya Dev are placed at the time of completing the rituals.
The Role of Brass in Chhath Puja
Brass has always been considered a very auspicious and sacred metal. At the time of completing the Chhath Puja rituals, brass idols and lamps are also used, as these are not just elegant-looking but also carry spiritual vibrations.
Brass lamps help in attracting positive vibes and eliminating negative energy.
The use of the Chhath Puja brass kalash helps not just in storing holy water but also at the time of completing the rituals.
Surya Dev idols in brass are kept for offering prayers, not just during this festival but at home also.
Other brass pooja essentials like bowls, bells or thalis are also included in the rituals.
Chhath Puja Decoration Ideas using Brass pieces
There are so many brass-made things that can be used to complete the decoration for Chhath puja. Let's find out a few ideas that one can use to complete setting up their home for this festival-
Place the brass diyas in a row at the entrance of your home, on the stairs, or on your balcony to elevate its overall look.
Place the holy offerings, including fruits, sugarcane, or other sweets, on the brass plates or thalis.
Individuals can use the brass kalash to store the holy water.
Complete setting up your sacred space or home temple by placing the brass-made idols.
Why Brass Idols and Lamps Are Perfect for Chhath Puja?
In comparison to other materials like wood or clay, the brass-made pieces are much more durable, and they also look elegant and charming. The use of brass-made pieces like lamps or idols creates a spiritual environment in the home and also opens doors to prosperity. Furthermore, these can also be used as a Vastu remedy and ultimately balance the energy of the home.
