Chhath Puja is one of the most revered and significant festivals celebrated primarily in the Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh, as well as in Nepal. Dedicated to the Sun God (Surya) and his consort Chhathi Maiya, Chhath Puja is an ancient Vedic festival in which devotees offer prayers and express gratitude for life’s blessings. The festival spans four days, and each day has specific rituals and significance. The first day of Chhath Puja, known as "Nahay Khay," is a day of purification and preparation, setting the tone for the following days of the festival. This essay delves into the various aspects and rituals performed on the first day of Chhath Puja, their significance, and the spirit of devotion that drives this festival.

The Significance of Nahay Khay

The first day of Chhath Puja, Nahay Khay, marks the beginning of the four-day festival. In Hindi, "Nahay" means to bathe, and "Khay" means to eat, symbolizing a day dedicated to cleansing and purifying oneself, both physically and mentally. This purification is considered essential as the devotees are about to embark on a journey of intense devotion and worship over the next few days. The primary aim of Nahay Khay is to prepare the body and soul for the rituals to follow and create a sanctified environment.

Chhath Puja is unique in its essence because it requires complete dedication and strict observance of discipline. It is believed that devotees who observe the fast (Vrat) and perform rituals with pure hearts receive the blessings of Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya, leading to prosperity, longevity, and good health. Thus, Nahay Khay serves as a preparatory step where the body is cleansed, and the spirit is focused entirely on the upcoming worship. The first day of the festival is marked by simple and earthy rituals, reflecting the humble and natural connection between humans and nature that defines Chhath Puja.

Morning Rituals: Cleansing and Bathing

The rituals of Nahay Khay begin in the early morning, as devotees rise before dawn to take a bath in a nearby river, pond, or other natural water sources. This practice symbolizes physical purification, washing away impurities, and creating a sense of freshness. Rivers and natural water bodies hold special significance in Hindu traditions, symbolizing purity and sanctity. Bathing in these waters during Chhath Puja is considered highly auspicious and is believed to bring divine blessings and prosperity.

In many regions, devotees specifically bathe in the Ganges, which holds profound spiritual significance for Hindus. The Ganges is believed to have purifying powers, and devotees feel cleansed not only physically but also spiritually. If a natural water source is not accessible, devotees may perform the ritual at home by preparing a bath with fresh water and sometimes adding neem leaves for added purification. Neem is known for its antibacterial properties, which align with the idea of spiritual and physical cleansing.

Cleaning of the House and Surroundings

After bathing, the devotees proceed to clean their homes thoroughly. The cleanliness of one’s home is a symbolic act that is intended to create a pure and welcoming environment for the deity. The house is often washed, swept, and decorated as part of this ritual. It is believed that a clean and organized environment attracts divine energy and creates a space conducive to worship. Special attention is given to the kitchen, where food will be prepared for the offerings.

The kitchen, during Chhath Puja, is treated as a sacred space. Since the festival involves offering food to the Sun God, devotees make sure that the kitchen is free from impurities. All utensils, cooking materials, and ingredients used during Chhath Puja are meticulously cleaned. In many homes, separate utensils are used for the festival to ensure purity. These utensils are often stored separately and used exclusively for religious occasions, emphasizing the sanctity and devotion involved in the rituals.

Preparation of the First Meal

One of the most important rituals on Nahay Khay is the preparation of the first meal, which the devotees and their families will consume. This meal is often simple and vegetarian, devoid of onion, garlic, and any spices that could disrupt the purity required for the festival. Common dishes include rice, dal (lentils), and gourd curry, with pumpkin being a popular choice. These dishes are prepared with minimal spices to maintain simplicity and purity, which are core values of Chhath Puja.

Gourd, or "lauki," is particularly significant on the first day. It is believed to have cooling properties that aid in detoxification, aligning with the theme of purification. Devotees prepare this meal with great care, focusing on cleanliness and purity in every step of the cooking process. After cooking, the meal is offered first to the deity as "bhog" (offering) before being consumed by the family. The act of offering the meal symbolizes gratitude and humility, showing reverence to the divine before fulfilling one’s own needs.

The Spirit of Fasting and Discipline

Though the first day is not a day of complete fasting, it serves as a precursor to the rigorous fasting that will follow over the next three days. On Nahay Khay, devotees mentally prepare themselves for the discipline and self-restraint they will observe during Chhath Puja. They abstain from any form of indulgence, maintaining a pure and focused mind, which is crucial for the upcoming fasts. The meals on this day are generally simple and sattvic, promoting mental clarity and physical lightness.

The act of fasting in Chhath Puja is not merely a ritualistic practice but a form of spiritual discipline that symbolizes surrender and devotion. Through fasting, devotees demonstrate their commitment to honoring the divine and aligning their energies with the universe. Chhath Puja requires devotees to remain focused, avoiding worldly distractions and maintaining a calm and composed mindset. This discipline is integral to the festival, reinforcing the idea that devotion requires sacrifice and steadfastness.

Observing the Spirit of Community and Unity

Chhath Puja is not only a personal journey of devotion but also a festival that strengthens community bonds. On Nahay Khay, families come together to clean their homes, prepare food, and support one another in the observance of the rituals. Community members often gather at local rivers or ponds for the morning bath, creating a sense of unity and collective spirit. Sharing the same purpose and following the same rituals fosters a deep sense of connection and shared devotion among participants.

In many neighborhoods, families and friends assist each other in cleaning, preparing offerings, and organizing the materials required for the Puja. This communal aspect is one of the defining features of Chhath Puja, as it transcends individual worship and becomes a celebration of shared values, respect for nature, and collective spirituality. The entire community participates in the preparations, often decorating the streets, cleaning public spaces, and setting up temporary platforms by the riverside for the upcoming rituals.

Conclusion

The first day of Chhath Puja, Nahay Khay, serves as the foundation for the rest of the festival. Through acts of purification, preparation, and devotion, devotees set the stage for the intense worship and fasting to come. Nahay Khay reflects the core values of Chhath Puja: simplicity, purity, and reverence for the divine forces of nature. The day emphasizes the importance of starting with a clean body, a pure mind, and a sanctified environment, embodying the spirit of devotion and humility that characterizes the entire festival.

Chhath Puja, as a whole, is a celebration of the Sun God and the vital energies of the universe. The first day, with its simple yet profound rituals, reminds devotees of the sacred bond between humans and nature. It encourages them to live in harmony, practice self-discipline, and cultivate a sense of gratitude and humility. As devotees move forward from Nahay Khay, they carry with them the purity and focus required to connect deeply with the divine. This devotion, rooted in tradition and communal spirit, makes Chhath Puja a uniquely beautiful and meaningful festival.