Chhath Puja Lauki Bhaat Tradition: Chhath festival starts after Diwali. In this festival which lasts for four days, the devotees observe Nirjala fast. This fast is especially known in the name of Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya. This festival is celebrated in Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh. As soon as Chhath festival starts, preparations start in homes from the morning itself. ‘Nahay-Khay’ means the first day of Chhath Puja. On this day, devotees take a holy bath and consume satvik food, in which bottle gourd vegetable and rice (lauki-bhaat) is specially prepared. Chhath Puja is celebrated with great devotion and faith in Bihar, Jharkhand and eastern Uttar Pradesh.
In this fast that lasts for four days, Arghya is offered to the rising and setting sun. It is believed that observing this fast with a true heart brings happiness, peace and prosperity to the family. Let us know what is the tradition of eating gourd and rice on the first day of Chhath Puja.
Bottle gourd (Ghiya) is a vegetable which is considered satvik. It is light, easy to digest and keeps the body pure. Since purity of body and mind has special importance in Chhath fast, bottle gourd and rice are considered the first food of the fast.
Chhath festival falls in the month of Kartik, when the weather changes. Bottle gourd keeps the body temperature balanced and improves the digestive system, so that the devotee can tolerate waterless fast for the next days.
Bottle gourd and rice are simple and wholesome food. This is an indication that the fasting person should stay away from indulgence and luxuries and follow the path of simplicity, restraint and devotion.
Lauki Bhaat is usually made in pure desi ghee. Ghee is considered sacred and energizing. This maintains energy in the body and provides divinity to the food.
According to folk belief, “Chhathi Maiya loves purity and purity.” Therefore, on the first day, the fast starts with food which is completely pure, light and satvik.
