Continuing a cultural tradition spanning generations, hundreds of Indian-American community members gathered in Virginia, USA, to celebrate the Hindu festival of Chhath Puja, honoring the Sun God. This four-day festival, which began on November 6, includes devotees fasting and congregating by rivers or ponds to offer prayers, embracing rituals they have cherished for generations.
In Virginia, participants observed the Kharna ritual on Wednesday, a vital aspect of Chhath Puja. During the Kharna ritual, devotees fast from sunrise to sunset, refraining from even drinking water, as a practice of physical and spiritual cleansing. The community came together by a river, with official permission from local authorities to conduct their traditional worship.
Reflecting on the initial years of celebration in a new country, one resident recalled the group’s efforts to find a suitable river location. After locating a riverside park, they reached out to local authorities, who approved the use of the space for the rituals. Since then, the riverside celebrations have grown, with around 700 people now gathering to observe Chhath Puja at the site annually.
Another resident mentioned that while the traditional attire and customs, like applying large vermilion tikas and gathering by the lake, were initially unfamiliar to many Americans, they have since become accustomed to the festival. Some even partake by enjoying traditional offerings like Thekua, a fried snack prepared as prasad.
Chhath Puja, deeply rooted in the cultures of Bihar, Jharkhand, and Eastern Uttar Pradesh, holds a special significance for those honoring the Sun God. Devotees celebrate the Sun God, believed to sustain life on Earth, seeking blessings for health, prosperity, and longevity. Through this festival, the Indian-American community maintains a strong cultural connection and shares their traditions with their new neighbors.
