How to perform Chhath Puja Abroad: Chhath Puja is considered a festival of faith. Chhath is called the soul of India because it is dedicated to or celebrated in many parts of India. Chhath festival is celebrated for the long life of children, the happiness of progeny, and family well-being. Although this festival is celebrated with great pomp in Bihar, Jharkhand, Puri, Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Nepal, it is now being celebrated by people all over the country and the world.
Today, as millions of Indians live abroad, the biggest question for them is how to perform Chhath Puja away from home. Yes, observing Chhath in foreign lands may be challenging, but devotion and determination make this challenge easier. While worshipping in rivers abroad is prohibited, every drop of water and every ray of sunlight brings the blessings of Chhath Maiya.
While earthen lamps may not be available abroad, candles become a symbol of devotion, and you can celebrate Chhath abroad following these rules. Today, we’ll provide you with complete details on how Indian expatriates can celebrate Chhath with devotion abroad and how they can arrange for the puja.
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Materials for preparing for Chhath Puja abroad
Chhath Puja begins with Nahay Khay. If you wish, you can bathe at home, wear clean clothes, and prepare the place for worship. If you have access to Ganges water, that’s perfect. Otherwise, you can simply place ordinary water at the place of worship, considering it Ganges water, in your vow. After this, place pictures of the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya at the place of worship.
If you don’t have pictures of the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya, download these pictures from the internet and print them out. Next, you need an earthen pot. If you don’t have earthen pots, brass pots can be used instead. If you wish, you can also include wheat, gram dal, gourd, and a Tulsi plant in the puja.
Method of filling the Kosi abroad
While it is difficult to find rivers abroad, ponds, beaches, or swimming pools can be used. If this is not possible, an artificial tub, drum, or large vessel filled with water can be placed and offered to the Sun God. You can also do this work on the balcony or terrace of your house. In such a situation, if you have an earthen pot to keep Kosi, then it is very good; otherwise, you can also light a lamp on a brass or steel pot.
Although sugarcane, bananas, lemon, lamp, and new clothes are necessary to fill Kosi, if you are short of any item, then do not be disappointed. With devotion, ask for forgiveness from Chhathi Maiya and perform the puja with the available items. Remain immersed in devotion as much as possible and go around Kosi singing songs of Kosi Chhathi Maiya.
How to Offer Surya Arghya Abroad
The most important moment of Chhathi Maiya is offering Arghya to the Sun God, as the Chhath festival concludes with offering Arghya to the rising and setting sun. To express gratitude to Chhathi Maiya abroad, stand facing east to offer Arghya to the Sun and offer water as the sun rises or sets.
You can also keep a tub, pool, or drum filled with water in your balcony, terrace, or garden and offer water there. While offering water, be sure to chant Surya mantras. If possible, chant Om Suryaya Namah and Om Aditya Namah 108 times. Even if you cannot see the Sun, offer Arghya mentally, as the essence of devotion lies in the feeling, not the place. While offering Arghya, ensure that all family members face the Sun.
Options for Making Prasad Abroad
If you are abroad and want to prepare Chhath Prasad, you will need to prepare Thekua, pumpkin rice, chana dal, soup, etc. Purity and sattvik content of the Prasad are crucial during Chhath. Thekua is made from wheat flour, jaggery, and ghee. These ingredients are readily available at any store.
However, if you don’t know how to make Thekua, you can use these ingredients to make something else, but try to follow a recipe online and ensure sattvik content. Pumpkin rice and chana dal are staples on the day of Nahay Khaye. These items are readily available at any store abroad. Next, you will need soup and a bamboo basket. If you don’t have access to a bamboo basket abroad, you can use a steel tray or basket. Include bananas, coconuts, water chestnuts, and seasonal fruits.
Chhath Rules for Those Living Abroad
If you are living abroad and observing the Chhath fast, the fasting person must observe complete purity, restraint, and discipline for four days. The lack of material things is not important; devotion and feeling are crucial during Chhath. Therefore, the cleanliness of the kitchen and home is extremely important during the puja. While performing the puja, be careful not to bring any negative thoughts to the fore and refrain from speaking untruths. If you are alone abroad, do not be distracted at all, as Chhath Maiya is always with you, and the Sun God rises everywhere, whether east or west.
Overall, even in foreign lands, Chhath Puja is not merely a religious ritual but a symbol of spiritual connection. Whether you are in your own country or abroad, you can celebrate the four-day grand festival with devotion and faith and receive the blessings of the Sun God and Chhath Mata.
FAQ –How to perform Chhath Puja Abroad
Is Chhath Puja celebrated in the United States?
Yes, Indians living in America can also perform Chhath Puja, and if the materials for Chhath Puja are not available, then the puja can also be performed with alternative materials.
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