Chhath Puja 2022: Why women apply long Sindoor from nose to forehead in Bihar?

Chhath Puja is a Hindu festival. It is celebrated mostly states of Bihar, Jharkhand and eastern Uttar Pradesh. The festival is dedicated to Lord Sun.  

During the four days of the festival, Devotees throng river banks of river, ponds, lake to take dip and offer argha to set sun and rising sun. The four-day long festival is celebrated on the sixth day of Kartik month.

What is the Importance of sindoor in Chhath Puja?

Married women who fast wear sindoor which is a symbol of good luck.

 On the occasion of  Chhath Puja, women apply long sindoor in orange colour. It is said that the life of the woman’s husband who applies the sindoor is prolonged by the good grace of Chhath Mata. 

Sindoor should be filled starting from the nose and continuing as long as there is demand. It is said that the longer the sindoor is filled, the longer is the husband’s life.  

It is also believed that the sindoor worn by married women should be long so that it can be seen by all. This is why women who fast apply sindoor from nose to head during the Chhath Puja

It is believed that devotees observe Chhath fast and perform puja with full rituals, Chhath Mata fills their home and family with happiness. 

How Chhath is celebrated

On day one, devotees clean every nook and corner of their house and take holy meal.  

On the day of Kharna, devotees observe fast throughout the day and eat prasad in the evening after special prayer dedicated to Lord Sun.

On day 3, devotees offer Sandhya Argh to Lord Sun. On this day, devotees observe complete fast. On day 4, devotee offer Usha Argya to the rising Lord Sun. The festival ends with the morning argha.

After the fast is over devoted eat a traditional cooked meal such as chawal ke kheer, laal saag, thekua and kohnda or Sita Phal ki Sabjee