🌅 Day 1 – Nahay Khay (Bath & Eat): The Sacred Beginning of Chhath Puja

🌅 Day 1 – Nahay Khay (Bath & Eat): The Sacred Beginning of Chhath Puja

Chhath Puja begins with Nahay Khay, the first day of this four-day festival devoted to Surya Dev (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya. This day marks the purification of mind, body, and surroundings — symbolizing the devotee’s commitment to cleanliness, simplicity, and devotion.

Early in the morning, devotees take a holy bath in a river, pond, or nearby water body, signifying spiritual cleansing. After bathing, the kitchen is cleaned thoroughly, and food is prepared in a pure environment — without onion, garlic, or even grains from previous days. The meal is simple, sattvik, and wholesome.

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🥣 The Traditional Meal — Kaddu Bhat (Pumpkin & Rice)

Kaddu Bhat (also called Lauki Bhat or Pumpkin Rice) is the signature dish of the day. It’s light, pure, and filled with warmth — an offering of gratitude to nature before the rigorous fasting begins.

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👩‍🍳 Ingredients

For Kaddu (Pumpkin Curry):

• 2 cups pumpkin (peeled and cubed)

• 2 tbsp mustard oil or ghee

• ½ tsp cumin seeds

• 1 pinch asafoetida (hing)

• 1 green chili (slit)

• ½ tsp turmeric powder

• ½ tsp red chili powder

• ½ tsp coriander powder

• ½ tsp sugar (optional)

• Rock salt (sendha namak) to taste

• ½ cup water

For Bhat (Rice):

• 1 cup rice (preferably Sona Masuri or Gobind Bhog)

• 2 cups water

• 1 tsp ghee

• A pinch of salt

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🔥 Method

Step 1 – Prepare the Pumpkin:

1. Heat mustard oil or ghee in a pan until lightly smoky.

2. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.

3. Add hing and green chili, then the pumpkin cubes.

4. Add turmeric, red chili, coriander powder, and salt. Mix well.

5. Add a little water, cover, and cook on low flame until the pumpkin softens.

6. Adjust sweetness with sugar if desired.

Step 2 – Cook the Rice:

1. Wash the rice and soak for 10 minutes.

2. Boil water, add ghee and salt, then rice.

3. Cook on low flame until soft and fluffy.

Step 3 – Serve:
Serve Kaddu with plain rice, often accompanied by chana dal or roti. This pure, sattvik meal marks the devotee’s final meal before the main fasting rituals of Chhath.

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🌞 Spiritual Significance

Nahay Khay reminds devotees of humility and purity. It represents detoxification of the body and cleansing of the soul — an essential preparation for the upcoming days of fasting and meditation.

As the aroma of Kaddu Bhat fills the home, it signifies the beginning of divine devotion and family togetherness — welcoming Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya with gratitude and simplicity.

Chhath Puja with BJ Bandhu in Greater Los Angeles

🌞 Chhath Puja with BJ Bandhu in Greater Los Angeles

Chhath Puja is one of the most sacred festivals for people from Bihar and Jharkhand, and through BJ Bandhu in Greater Los Angeles, the tradition is celebrated with devotion, unity, and pride. Celebrate with festive essentials.

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🌍 Migration and Pride

For the migrant community in LA, Chhath Puja is more than a ritual – it is a reminder of roots. The BJ Bandhu group has transformed the California landscape into a place where the rising and setting sun is worshipped just like on the banks of the Ganga.

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🏡 Cultural Identity Abroad

When families gather at local lakes and water bodies in LA, it feels like being back in Bihar or Jharkhand. The same devotional songs, the same offerings, and the same spirit of simplicity make the festival authentic.

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👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Community Strength

BJ Bandhu ensures everyone contributes – from preparing thekua and kasar to decorating the ghats. These collective efforts create a bond of unity and belonging.

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🌞 Passing Tradition to the Next Generation

Children born and raised in the U.S. learn about purity, discipline, and respect for nature through this festival. It is not just worship but also education in values, with parents guiding them using devotional kits.

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✨ Symbol of Unity and Pride

Every Chhath with BJ Bandhu is a celebration of Bihari and Jharkhandi pride in America. It shows the world that migration does not mean losing culture – it means spreading it wider. Families come together in traditional wear, offer prayers, and sing devotional music.

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✅ With BJ Bandhu in Greater LA, Chhath Puja becomes a festival that connects two worlds – the homeland in India and the new life in the U.S. – keeping traditions alive with love, devotion, and community pride.

please donate :- 

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Chhath Puja - dos and don'ts

✅ Chhath Puja Checklist – Step by Step

Day 1 – Nahay Khay (Bath & Eat)

• Take a holy dip in river/pond (or bath at home if not possible).

• Clean kitchen, house, and worship area.

• Eat only satvik food:

  • Pumpkin (Kadoo Bhath) 🎃

  • Chana Dal

  • Rice

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Day 2 – Kharna (Preparation & Fasting)

• Observe fasting the whole day.

• In the evening, prepare prasad:

  • Kheer (Rice Pudding with Jaggery)

  • Chapati/Atta Flour

  • Fresh Fruits 🍎🍌

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Day 3 – Sandhya Arghya (Evening Offering)

• Prepare soop with offerings:

  • Thekua

  • Sugarcane

  • Rice Laddoo

  • Fruits

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Day 4 – Usha Arghya (Morning Offering)

• Before sunrise, go to the ghat with prasad basket.

• Offer arghya to the rising Sun with:

• Milk

• Fruits

• Earthen Diyas

✅ Do’s (Must Follow)

• Keep house and kitchen very clean and pure.

• Use only new or clean utensils for prasad.

• Eat only satvik food (no onion, garlic, meat, alcohol).

• Follow purity in thoughts, speech, and behavior.

• Maintain discipline, patience, and calmness.

• Join community service (help in ghat cleaning, arrangements).

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❌ Don’ts (Avoid Strictly)

• ❌ Do not eat impure, stale, or outside food during puja days.

• ❌ No onion, garlic, or non-veg in the house.

• ❌ Don’t use plastic for prasad – use bamboo soop/dona/leaf plates.

• ❌ Don’t argue, gossip, or lose temper – it breaks the sanctity.

• ❌ Don’t disrespect prasad (treat it with full devotion)

• ❌ Don’t break the fast once started (36 hours nirjala is compulsory for vratis).
  

  👗 Apparel Needed for Chhath Puja

  • Saree (Preferably Cotton or Silk, bright colors like Yellow/Orange)

  • Kurta Pajama (for men performing or helping in rituals)

  • Dupatta/Chunni for covering head during rituals

  • Comfortable Sandals/Slippers (for ghat visit)

  • Kids Traditional Wear

  • Wool Shawl or Blanket (if weather is cold)

  
  
  
  

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BJBA Newport Dunes का समुद्र किनारे छठ – प्रेम, अपनापन और विस्तारित परिवार की यात्रा

कहानी: BJBA का समुद्र किनारे छठ – प्रेम, अपनापन और विस्तारित परिवार की यात्रा

इस साल का छठ मेरे लिए केवल एक पर्व नहीं था — यह मेरे दिल पर गहराई से लिखी गई एक अनुभूति थी। 🌅

✨ घर जो मंदिर बन गया

छठ से कुछ दिन पहले ही मेरा घर भक्ति और प्रेम से जगमगाने लगा। रसोई में टेकुआ  तलने की मीठी ख़ुशबू फैली हुई थी, जहाँ BJBA के मेरे मित्र कंधे से कंधा मिलाकर काम कर रहे थे। कोई हँसते-बतियाते प्रासाद सजाता, कोई फल और मिठाइयाँ चुनकर सूप में रखता — मानो अपनी माँ को उपहार तैयार कर रहा हो।

घर का हर कोना हंसी, बातचीत और उस प्यारे शोर से भर गया — जो सिर्फ परिवार में मिलता है। मैंने चारों ओर देखा… और समझा कि ये सब मेरे मित्र नहीं, बल्कि मेरे भाई-बहन, मेरे चचेरे-ममेरे रिश्तेदारों जैसे हैं। उस पल में मेरा घर सिर्फ दीवारें और छत नहीं था — बल्कि एक धड़कता हुआ दिल था, जो प्रेम और भक्ति से जीवित था।

🌸 समुद्र जिसने हमें गले लगाया
जब पूजा का दिन आया, तो हम वह प्रेम लेकर समुद्र तट पर पहुँचे। बीच अब हमारा विस्तारित घर बन गया। लहरें बच्चों की तरह दौड़-दौड़कर हमें छू रही थीं। पैरों के नीचे की रेत पवित्र लग रही थी — जैसे खुद धरती हमारे अनुष्ठान में शामिल हो गई हो।

रंग-बिरंगी साड़ियों में महिलाएँ लहरों में खड़ी होकर अस्त होते सूरज को अर्घ्य दे रही थीं। पुरुष सेवा और व्यवस्था में लगे थे। बच्चे हँसी-खुशी में दौड़ रहे थे और हवा में भक्ति गीतों की गूंज थी।

और मैं वहाँ खड़ा था… एक व्यक्ति के रूप में नहीं, बल्कि BJBA के सदस्य के रूप में — एक ऐसे परिवार का हिस्सा जिसने दूरी और संस्कृतियों को पार कर, एक-दूसरे को अपनाने और सहारा देने का चुनाव किया था।

🌅 वह क्षण जब दिल भर आया
जैसे ही सूरज क्षितिज में समाने लगा, मैंने उसका प्रतिबिंब केवल समुद्र में ही नहीं देखा — बल्कि हर चेहरे में देखा। आँखों में प्रेम चमक रहा था, मुस्कानों में गर्व झलक रहा था और हर क्रिया में भक्ति का रंग था।

मेरी आँखों से आँसू बह निकले — दुख के नहीं, बल्कि अपार कृतज्ञता के। कृतज्ञता BJBA के उन मित्रों की, जिन्होंने परिवार बनकर साथ दिया… उन हाथों की, जिन्होंने बिना कहे सेवा की… उन गीतों की, जिन्होंने मुझे अपनी जड़ों से जोड़े रखा… और उस समुद्र की, जो हमारा घाट बन गया।

🙏 छठ का सच्चा अर्थ
छठ केवल सूर्य को अर्घ्य देने का पर्व नहीं है। यह एक-दूसरे को अपना प्रेम अर्पित करने का पर्व है।
यह याद दिलाता है कि घर कोई जगह नहीं है — घर वे लोग हैं जो हमारे साथ खड़े होते हैं।
यह सिखाता है कि भले ही हम हज़ारों मील दूर हों, वही विश्वास, वही ऊष्मा, वही पारिवारिक भावना BJBA के साथ यहाँ भी खिल सकती है।

🌊 मेरे लिए यह छठ वह समुद्र था, जो केवल हमारी प्रार्थनाएँ ही नहीं, बल्कि हमारा प्रेम भी अनंत तक ले गया।
और मेरा दिल कहता है — जहाँ प्रेम बाँटा जाता है, जहाँ परिवार इकट्ठा होता है, वहीं घर है, वहीं छठ है।

💛 और इस साल, BJBA के साथ मैं सबको आमंत्रित करता हूँ: आइए, हम सब फिर मिलें, इस छठ को और यादगार बनाएँ, और अधिक प्रेम से भरें, और ऐसा विस्तारित परिवार बनाएँ जो हर प्रार्थना और हर मुस्कान से और मज़बूत होता जाए।

जय छठ मैया! 🌺🙏

Rakhi - Threads of Love

🌸 A Rakhi Story from a Small Town 🌸

“Threads of Love”

In a quiet riverside town, where the breeze carried the scent of wet soil and marigolds, lived a brother and sister — Aarav and Meera. Their home was small but full of life — laughter, teasing, chai-time gossip, and the occasional scolding from their mother when Meera left her books scattered.

Aarav, five years older, was Meera’s protector, partner-in-crime, and secret keeper. Every Raksha Bandhan, Meera would tie the sacred rakhi thread around his wrist — and he, in turn, would promise her safety, strength, and a world of love.

This year, however, things had changed. Meera had taken a job in Delhi as a schoolteacher. It was the first time she was away from home during Rakhi. Aarav said he was fine, but everyone in town knew otherwise.

He cleaned the porch daily, talked less, and kept looking at the road leading from the bus stand.

Rakhi morning arrived. The streets were decorated, kids roamed with sweets in hand, and the local temple played soft devotional songs. Aarav sat alone, a cup of untouched chai by his side.

Just then, the postman came by and handed him a small envelope and a parcel. It was Meera’s handwriting.

“Bhaiya,
I’m so sorry I couldn’t come. There’s an emergency parent-teacher meeting and I had to stay. I sent you your favorite chocolate bar and rakhi…
Tie it and think of me. I miss you every second.

Your Meera.”

Aarav smiled faintly. He opened the parcel and tied the rakhi on his own wrist, slowly.

He was about to head inside when he heard a commotion from the street. A car had crashed near the turn.

He ran, heart pounding. As the crowd gathered, Aarav pushed through. His breath stopped — it was Meera’s dupatta tangled in the car’s side mirror.

But then — a hand reached out of the crowd and tapped his shoulder.

It was Meera, standing, unharmed, her eyes filled with tears.

She whispered, "I took an overnight bus to surprise you… but I got off early to buy flowers for Maa. A tempo hit our cab, but I'm okay… I’m okay, Bhaiya."

Without a word, Aarav hugged her tightly, holding her as if he’d never let go again. She sobbed into his chest, "I couldn’t let Rakhi pass without seeing you. No job, no city, nothing is more important than this moment."

He looked at her, eyes shining, “You scared me more than I’ve ever been scared in my life. This house is just bricks without you.”

That night, the entire town celebrated. Neighbors dropped by with sweets and thalis, the neem tree was lit with fairy lights, and under the stars, Meera tied a second rakhi on Aarav’s wrist — one for the bond of love, and the other for life.

💫
"Rakhi is not just a thread — it's a heartbeat. And sometimes, it takes a scare to remind us just how deeply we are connected."

🛍️ Explore Rakhi Gifts & Combos on Amazon.com »

A Sawan Story of Devotion

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The Eternal Journey: A Sawan Story of Devotion

In the holy month of Sawan, when the skies open up and the earth is washed clean by monsoon rains, the air resonates with chants of "Bol Bam! Har Har Mahadev!" — a sacred call that echoes from the lips of thousands of Kanwariyas, the devotees of Lord Shiva.

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The Story of Raghav, the Silent Devotee

Once, in a humble village nestled near the banks of the Ganga, lived a young farmer named Raghav. Though poor in wealth, Raghav was rich in faith. Every year during Sawan, he would observe a silent Kawari Yatra, walking barefoot over 100 kilometers to bring the sacred Ganga Jal to offer at the ancient Shiva temple in Deoghar.

Raghav was different. He never chanted aloud. He never traveled in groups. Instead, he carried his kanwar — the wooden yoke decorated with orange cloth and trishul — quietly, with deep meditation. People often asked him why he chose silence. He would only smile and point to the sky.

One year, as the rains poured heavier than usual, the river flooded, submerging roads and washing away paths. Many kanwariyas turned back, fearing for their lives. But Raghav stood firm, praying to Lord Shiva while holding his rudraksha mala for a sign.

That night, as he rested under a banyan tree, Lord Shiva appeared to him in a dream — clad in tiger skin, with Ganga flowing from his matted locks, and a crescent moon glowing on his forehead.

“Raghav,” said Mahadev, “Your silence has been louder than any chant. Your feet have carved prayers into the earth. Go forth — I am with you.”

Raghav awoke, tears streaming down his face. Energized by divine grace, he resumed his journey. Miraculously, where the roads were impassable, logs and stones formed a path. Where food was scarce, strangers appeared with offerings like chana prasad and water. Where his strength waned, his spirit surged.

When he finally reached Deoghar, he was one of the few who had made it through that year. As he poured the Ganga Jal on the Shiva Linga, the skies cleared and a radiant rainbow arched over the temple — a divine blessing from Mahadev.

From that day on, villagers began calling him “Maun Bhakt Raghav” — the silent devotee. His story became a legend, told every Sawan to inspire faith, courage, and the power of pure devotion.

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Moral of the Story:

Sawan is not just a month; it is a season of surrender, purity, and connection with the divine. The Kanwar Yatra is not just a walk — it is a journey of the soul. Whether loud or silent, in groups or alone, every step taken with faith reaches Lord Shiva’s heart.

Offer your prayers this Sawan with essentials like:

• Shivling Abhishek Set

• Copper Kalash for Ganga Jal

• Mahadev T-shirt for Kanwariyas

Har Har Mahadev! Bol Bam!

#Sawan #bolBum #shiva #Hindu #savan #Kanwariya 

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How to do Chhath Puja Guide & all key items used in rituals

 

🌞 How to Perform Chhath Puja – Step-by-Step Ritual Guide

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📅 Day 1 – Nahay Khay (Bath & Eat)

Purpose: Begin purification with holy bathing and satvik food.

🧼 Rituals:

1. Clean your home thoroughly, especially kitchen and puja areas.

2. Take a holy bath – preferably in a river or using Gangajal.

3. Cook food using bronze utensils.

4. Eat Kaddu-Bhaat (pumpkin + rice) as the only meal of the day.

   • Optional: Use earthen stove (mitti chulha) and cow dung cakes.

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📅 Day 2 – Kharna (Fasting Begins)

Purpose: Observe a waterless fast (nirjal vrat) with evening prasad.

🍚 Rituals:

1. Observe fast without food or water the whole day.

2. In the evening, cook Jaggery Kheer, Roti/Puri, and fruits.

3. Offer to Chhathi Maiya using brass thali or puja set.

4. Break your fast after offering prasad.

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📅 Day 3 – Sandhya Arghya (Evening Offering to Setting Sun)

Purpose: Offer gratitude to the setting sun.

🧺 Preparations:

• Arrange your Soop (bamboo winnow trays)

• Fill it with:

  • Thekua

  • Rice laddoo

  • Coconut (with husk)

  • Bananas

  • Sugarcane

  • Dry fruits (dates, raisins, cardamom)

  • Singhara (water chestnut)

  • Whole turmeric root

🕯️ Rituals:

1. Walk to the riverbank (ghat) carrying the offerings in a daura (bamboo basket).

2. Stand in the water, facing the setting sun.

3. Offer Arghya using brass kalash or earthen pot.

4. Light earthen diyas, incense sticks, and camphor.

5. Wear a chunari and sing traditional Chhath songs.

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📅 Day 4 – Usha Arghya (Morning Offering to Rising Sun)

Purpose: Completion of vrat and offering to the rising sun.

🌅 Rituals:

1. Leave for the ghat before sunrise.

2. Carry the same items used in the evening Arghya.

3. As the sun rises, offer Arghya using puja kalash and sacred water.

4. Break your 36-hour fast with raw milk and prasad.

5. Distribute prasad to friends, family, and neighbors.

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✅ Other Essentials You May Need

• New traditional clothes (sari, dhoti/kurta)

• Towels

• Cotton wicks

• Puja mat (asan)

• Matchbox

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by openAI

Essentials for Chhath Puja (Samagri List)

🌞 Essentials for Chhath Puja (Samagri List)

🏞️ For the Arghya (Offerings to the Sun)

• Thekua – sweet wheat flour cookies made with jaggery and ghee (main prasad)

• Rice Laddoo (कसार)

• Coconut (with husk) – multiple pieces

• Bananas – at least one large bunch

• Sweet lime, oranges, apples, sugarcane, pomegranate, guava – seasonal fruits

• Singhara (water chestnut) – fresh or boiled

• Whole turmeric root (हल्दी की गांठ)

• Ginger root

• Raw rice (in small quantity)

• Dry fruits – dates, raisins, cardamom

• Earthen lamp (दीया) and mustard oil or ghee

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🧺 Puja Containers and Support Materials

• Sooop (सूप) – bamboo winnow trays

• Daura (बास की टोकरी) – bamboo basket

• Earthen pots (for water and prasad)

• Brass Kalash (लोटा)

• Incense sticks (अगरबत्ती)

• Camphor (कपूर)

• Matchbox

• Cotton wicks

• Chunari (Red/Yellow dupatta)

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🧴 Items for Cleaning and Ritual Bathing

• New clothes – sari/suit for women (preferably yellow/red), dhoti/kurta for men

• New towels

• Gangajal or clean river water

• Milk – for bathing the sun (in Arghya)

• Honey, turmeric powder, sandalwood paste – optional

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🛕 For the Ghat or Riverbank Setup

• Clay stove (मिट्टी का चूल्हा) for prasad cooking

• Wood or cow dung cakes for fuel

• Puja platform (can be sand mound or setup of bricks)

• Decorations – flowers, banana leaves, toran, rangoli

• Clean mat (for sitting)

•