Chhath Puja Celebration Abroad: Chhath Puja is a festival which is basically celebrated in Bihar, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh. But now it is celebrated with great pomp in these countries at the global level.
Chhath Puja is not just a festival of Bihar, Jharkhand or Uttar Pradesh – it is a faith that goes beyond India and spreads the flag of Indian culture all over the world. Every year, on the arrival of Shashthi Tithi of Shukla Paksha of Kartik month, not only India, but also the NRIs living in many countries of the world observe a waterless fast on the banks of any river, lake or sea like Ganga and offer Arghya to the Sun God. Even on foreign soil hundreds of miles away, people make mud ghats, prepare Prasad of Thekua and pumpkin-rice and make the surrounding environment devotional by chanting “Chhath Maiyya”.
Confluence of color and devotion of Chhath Puja in foreign countries
Today, in many countries of the world, the Indian expatriate community has made Chhath Puja their cultural identity. This festival has been celebrated in Nepal for centuries, because it is deeply culturally connected with India. Whereas in Mauritius, Trinidad and Tobago, this festival is very popular among the people of Indian origin. Here people worship and offer Arghya on the sea and river banks, or on artificial ponds, the whole atmosphere gets colored in the colors of Chhath with the traditional songs and beats of Dholak.
Indian origin families settled in countries like Fiji, Suriname and Guyana have also kept Chhath alive as their religious heritage. In these countries, special celebrations of Chhath Puja are held outside temples and community halls. The fasting families together offer Arghya and honor the Chhath fasting people.
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Chhath has expanded rapidly in the last few years in America, Canada, Australia, Britain and United Arab Emirates (UAE). Overseas Indians build artificial ghats near rivers, lakes and even swimming pools. Chhath Puja has now emerged as a big community event in New Jersey, California and New York of America. At the same time, the sight of offering Arghya to the Sun on the banks of River Thames between London and Dubai is worth seeing on Chhath.
FAQ related to Golbal Chhath Puja
Is there any holiday for Chhath Puja in foreign countries?
No, there is no holiday in most countries, but the expatriate community can take leave from school, college and office so that they can attend worship.
How are ghats prepared for Chhath Puja abroad?
Where river or lake is available, artificial ghats are built. Otherwise park, pool or artificial water tank is used. Traditional decorations are made from clay, bamboo and banana leaves.
What traditional foods are prepared during Chhath Puja in foreign countries?
Thekua, rice-gram dal, pumpkin-rice and seasonal fruits like banana, coconut, sweet potato etc. are also made in foreign countries as Chhath Prasad.
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