Overseas Indians celebrate Chhath even in Muslim countries

• Soulful Chhath ‘geets’ (lyrics) resonate in foreign land

• This vibrant celebration transcends geographical boundaries, with Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and People of Indian Origin (PIOs) from Bihar, Jharkhand, and eastern Uttar Pradesh fervently observing the festival even in foreign lands

PRAVASISAMWAD.COM

In various corners of the globe, Overseas Indians hailing predominantly from Bihar, Jharkhand, and eastern Uttar Pradesh, came together to joyously celebrate the revered Chhath Puja, a festival deeply embedded in the religious fabric of Hindus in Bihar and its neighboring regions.

This vibrant celebration transcends geographical boundaries, with Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and People of Indian Origin (PIOs) from these states fervently observing the festival even in foreign lands.

In countries such as the UK, the US, and other regions hosting significant communities from Bihar, group events dedicated to Chhath Puja have become an annual tradition.

The resonance of this cultural observance extends to the Gulf countries, notably in the GCC, where a sizable Indian workforce migrates each year for employment opportunities. Witnessing the spiritual fervour of the festival, some expatriates from Bihar were observed engaging in Chhath rituals in the Gulf, including Oman.

Explaining the significance one gentleman from Bihar’s Aurangabad district, who lives in Muscat, claimed that he belongs to revered place ‘Deo’ from where Chhath originated. He admitted religious freedom in Oman.

Many devotees were seen doing ‘Sandhya Arghya’—an act of bathing and paying homage to the setting sun at Muscat’s Ghubra beach on Sunday (November 18, 2023).

“The festival also serves as an opportunity to meet and greet people from our area. It feels good and gives strength that people from our place are there in Oman,” he said.

Oman, with its picturesque coastal landscapes and expansive beaches, has become a sacred canvas for Chhath Puja celebrations. For the past several years, a dedicated group in Oman has been actively participating in the festival.

Chhath Puja unfolds with the ritual of Nahay-Khay, symbolizing purifying baths and the preparation of vegetarian meals sans onions. The subsequent day, known as ‘Kharna,’ sees devotees crafting ‘Kheer’ (a delectable Indian dessert) alongside bread and traditional sweets made predominantly from rice. Following a brief ceremony, the offerings, termed ‘Kharna prasad,’ are consumed by devotees and guests, marking the commencement of a 36-hour fast.

Post the ‘Kharna’ day, devotees gather at water bodies in the evening for ‘Sandhya Arghya’—an act of bathing and paying homage to the setting sun. The culmination of the festival occurs with ‘Usha Arghya,’ where, just before sunrise, devotees assemble at water bodies to offer prayers to the rising sun. It is at this juncture that they break their fast, concluding the spiritually enriching celebration of Chhath Puja.

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