Faith can move mountains. As they say, god seeks the dedication of a faithful rather than the indulgence of a charlatan.
Chhath, like any other festival, can be celebrated with lesser pomp and show-off. The festival is for all. If you are planning to observe Chhath at a minimum cost, here are a few tips that would guide you to stay economical and yet get the feel of the festivity.
According to socialite Nameeta Singh, complete dedication makes one a rare faithful. “I had started observing the festival with no big promises as such. I would observe the festival as long as it is possible for me to do so. I don’t think that a lot of money has to be spent on Chhath. It’s a big festival but many poor people also observe Chhath,” Singh said.
The 45-year-old would be observing Chhath the 13th time this year.
“One coconut is enough when it comes to arghya (offering). You have to make the offering with a pure heart. As far as Chhath is concerned, it can be observed in a small room at home. Even a sari worth Rs 200 is enough for the offerings.”
“Our elders have instilled a sense of fear among us that if we commit mistakes, god would punish us. If we observe any religious festival with devotion, it would never matter whether we are spending too much or too less,” she added.
Kumari Sharda Yadav, 54, who has been observing Chhath for 26 years, echoed Singh.
“Yatha shakti tatha bhakti (one should observe the festival to an extent which is within the limits of the person),” Yadav, a resident of Kavi Raman Path near Nageshwar Colony, said.
“A coconut filled with water is considered to be the most auspicious. A coconut costs not more than Rs 20 and can be offered during arghya. Another option is five fruits. If one is not able to make thekua, five fruits could be offered in a brass pot. Also an old dhoti, after dying it yellow, can be used in observing Chhath.”
Arun Kumar, an astrologer, said no festival requires huge expenses. “As far as Chhath is concerned, just an arghya is enough. The Sun God is happy with the arghya if offered with a pure soul. An arghya is supposed to be offered with river water. A river is considered pure. Thus, we can offer prayers by not spending anything. That is the greatness of the almighty,” Kumar said.