Chhath Puja Festival Overview:

• Date & Location: Chhath Puja concluded on a Tuesday morning at Vasudev Ghat, Yamuna river, Delhi.
• Attendance & Activities: Thousands of devotees participated, engaging in traditional rituals, chanting, and paying respects to the Sun God.

Devotee Sentiments:

• Community Representation: A significant portion of Delhi's electorate consists of Purvanchalis (approximately one-third).
• Political Sentiment: Devotees expressed that the festival and politics should remain separate; many felt that improvements in arrangements did not address the unresolved issues of Yamuna's cleanliness.

Key Issues Highlighted by Devotees:

• Facilities Concerns: Barricades hindered comfortable access to the river.
• Electoral Rolls: Frustration expressed by a devotee about removal from electoral rolls post-revision.
• Women's Rights Concerns: Criticism of government support for women, highlighting the ineffectiveness of monetary assistance.

Government Involvement:

• Chief Minister's Role: Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta participated in prayers and initiated a cleanliness drive post-festival activities.
• Participation of Other Officials: Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa and BJP members also aided in cleanliness efforts.

Security Arrangements:

• Police Presence: Over 1,500 police personnel were deployed across 76 sites, ensuring safety and order during the celebrations.
• Support Services: Medical booths, civil defense volunteers, and helpline desks were established for the devotees.

Community Perspectives on Politics and Rituals:

• Some devotees expressed skepticism toward the political implications of the festivities, asserting that real issues such as jobs and inflation should take precedence over electoral strategies tied to religious gatherings.

Conclusion: Chhath Puja served not only as a significant cultural and religious event but also as a platform for highlighting various socio-political concerns, with many devotees advocating for genuine political reforms rather than superficial engagement during festivals. The successful management of large crowds and logistics reflects the government’s acknowledgment of the festival’s importance within the community context while also noting existing grievances regarding facilities and community representation.

International Aryan Summit 2025

• Date & Location: 31st October 2025, Rohini, New Delhi.
• Significance:
  • Part of the Jyāna Jyoti Festival.
  • Commemorating:
    • 200th birth anniversary of Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati Ji.
    • 150 years of service by Arya Samaj.

Participants & Expectations

• Representatives from Arya Samaj units across India and internationally.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to address the gathering.

Objectives of the Summit

• Honor the legacy of Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati, focusing on reformist and educational ideals.
• Celebrate Arya Samaj’s contributions in:
  • Education
  • Social reform
  • Nation-building efforts.
• Promote global awareness of:
  • Vedic principles
  • Swadeshi values in line with Viksit Bharat 2047 (Vision for Developed India by 2047).

Exhibition Highlights

• Exhibition titled “150 Golden Years of Service” showcasing the transformative journey of Arya Samaj.

This event underscores the continuous relevance of Maharshi Dayanand's reformist ideals and the commitment of Arya Samaj towards education and social upliftment, aiming to inspire and promote these values globally.

Chhath Puja: Cultural and Historical Significance

Overview

• Festival: Chhath Puja, dedicated to the Sun God and Goddess Chhathi Mayiya (Usha).
• Celebrated in: Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Nepal.
• Duration: Four days, starting on the sixth day of Karthik Shukla Paksha (Hindu calendar).

Historical Context

• Dates back to Vedic traditions, specifically associated with the Rig Veda.
• Worship of the Sun reflects the veneration of natural powers as sustainers of life, knowledge, and prosperity.

Cultural Practices

• Rituals include:
  • Ritual bathing in sacred bodies of water (rivers, lakes, ponds).
  • Fasting and abstaining from drinking water.
  • Offering arghya to the rising and setting Sun.

Mythological References

• Ramayana: Mentions Sita observing a month-long fast in Karthik during her return to Ayodhya with Rama.
• Mahabharata: Details the performance of Chhath Puja by Draupadi and Pandavas, advised by sage Dhaumya, believed to bring prosperity and aid in the regaining of lost kingdoms.

Symbolic Significance

• Represents the relationship between nature and culture, illustrating gratitude towards the Sun as a life-giving force.
• Celebration reflects agrarian dependence and themes of fertility, health, and gratitude.

Conclusion

• Chhath Puja celebrates the confluence of nature, culture, and spirituality, underscoring its importance in India’s social and agricultural calendar. The rituals and mythological narratives enhance its cultural richness and historic significance.

Exam-Focused Notes on Chhath Puja

Overview

• Chhath Puja is a four-day festival primarily celebrated in Bihar, parts of eastern Uttar Pradesh, and Nepal, dedicated to the Sun God (Surya).
• Historically significant, it has links to ancient Vedic rituals reflecting worship of nature.

Historical and Cultural Significance

• Religious Roots: References to Chhath can be found in ancient texts like the Rig Veda, as well as epics such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
• Key Events:
  • Lord Ram and Sita observed the festival post their return from Lanka.
  • Draupadi performed a fast and prayed to the Sun during the Pandavas' exile.

Rituals and Practices

• Celebrated on the sixth day (Shashthi) of the waxing moon of the Kartik month (October-November).
• Marks the bonding of community as even non-fasters participate in the preparations.
• Key rituals include:
  • Naha Kha: Observers take a ceremonial bath and prepare meals.
  • Kharna: A single meal of roti and kheer (rice pudding) is consumed before beginning a strict 36-hour fast.
  • Arghya offerings: Devotees offer fruits and water to the setting and rising sun, occurring on the third and fourth days respectively.

Inclusion and Community Spirit

• Accessible to all castes with no intermediaries (like priests) involved in worship.
• Emphasizes equality in society and communal participation, reinforcing the idea that nature should be honoured.

Political Relevance

• Chhath has become a significant event during election times, utilized by political leaders to engage with the Purvanchali voter base.
• This year, preparations include a special ghat along the Sabarmati River in Ahmedabad for approximately 10,000 devotees.

Government Arrangements

• States like Gujarat and Delhi have made elaborate arrangements to accommodate the growing number of devotees participating in Chhath.
• State governments are actively engaging with the community to support the festivities.

Environmental Connection

• The festival promotes community bonding at natural sites. Cleanliness of river banks is emphasized, linking cultural practices with environmental consciousness.

Key Figures & Statistics

• Chhath Puja Timing: Observed six days post-Diwali, indicative of its calendrical significance.
• Participation seen globally as Indians celebrate on various prominent riverbanks worldwide.

Conclusion

Chhath Puja encapsulates the essence of community, cultural heritage, and environmental reverence while gaining political traction, showcasing its importance beyond just a regional festival.