Celebrating the Grand Festival of Public Faith: Chhath in Faridabad
Faridabad. After Diwali, the enthusiasm among people for the grand festival of public faith, Chhath, is on the rise. This celebration, deeply rooted in cultural traditions, signifies the devotion and gratitude of the people towards the Sun God and the flowing waters. As every year, devotees have begun preparing for Chhath Puja, marking this important occasion with fervor and commitment. The demand for worship materials such as soup and daura has significantly increased in the markets, with many people seeking the necessary items to perform the rituals. Crowds of devotees are flocking to purchase these essential worship materials, bringing smiles to the faces of traders, who eagerly anticipate this busy season. Meanwhile, preparations are in full swing for various cultural programs that will be held in societies to further enrich the spirit of this grand festival.
Buyers Arriving in the Markets
The spirit of the Chhath festival is beginning to flourish in the city’s largest market, Dabua Mandi. As the celebration approaches, devotees are flocking to shops in various markets, including Chawla Colony in Ballabgarh, Palla, Sehatpur, Khedi Pul, Greater Faridabad, and NIT 5, to purchase essential worship materials. These materials are crucial for the rituals that take place during Chhath, and shopkeepers have reported an uptick in sales, particularly of sugarcane, which is an integral part of the festivities. Sales of sugarcane will start from the day of Khurna, with sugarcane being sourced from Shamli in Uttar Pradesh.
Ritesh Kumar, a shopkeeper at Khedi Pul, shared that bamboo baskets and soup hold significant importance for Chhath Puja. Baskets made of bamboo have been sourced from Bihar and Assam, highlighting the cultural ties and trading connections between different states during this festival. Shopkeepers are charging between ₹80 to ₹100 for one basket and soup, which reflects the increased demand as the festival approaches. Similarly, items such as coconuts, bananas, raw turmeric, oranges, and apples are being procured from various states, including Kerala and Chennai, emphasizing the diverse range of worship materials that are required for the celebrations.
Chhath Festival Spirit to Shine in Societies
The Chhath festival spirit is set to shine in several societies as well. In places such as Puri Pranayama Society in Sector 82, RPS Savana in Sector 88, Piyush Heights in Sector 89, Omax Heights in Sector 86, Presence Park Society, and Royal Heritage in Sector 70, preparations are underway to invite folk artists from Purvanchal to enhance the beauty of the ghats this time. The inclusion of cultural performances not only adds vibrancy to the festivities but also fosters a sense of community among residents. Each year, approximately ₹50,000 is spent by the RWA on decorating the ghats, which serve as the focal point for the celebrations. However, this year, the budget has been increased to ensure that the decorations are even more elaborate and inviting.
Moreover, cleaning work for swimming pools has already begun in several societies, as these areas are often used for the rituals associated with Chhath. The commitment to maintaining cleanliness and creating a welcoming atmosphere reflects the importance of public faith in these communities. Residents are excited to come together to celebrate this grand festival, and the preparations being made underscore the dedication of the people to their traditions.
As the grand festival of public faith approaches, it is clear that the preparations are not just about the rituals but also about fostering community spirit, cultural expression, and a shared sense of joy. The demand for worship materials, the bustling markets, and the vibrant activities in the societies all contribute to a festive atmosphere that unites the people of Faridabad in celebration of Chhath. This festival serves as a reminder of the deep-rooted traditions that bind communities together, making it a truly special occasion for all involved.
