Chitragupta Puja being celebrated at Bihar Club in Ranchi. Picture by Ashok Karan

Ranchi, Nov. 3: Dawat Puja, which is observed to worship Lord Chitragupta, was celebrated with traditional religious fervour in the capital.

According to mythology, Lord Chitragupta as the god of writing skills, travels to the earth with a dawat (inkpot) and pen, therefore the name Dawat Puja, where the pen and the inkpot are worshipped by the people.

Union minister of state for food processing Subodh Kant Sahay, who belongs to the community, participated in a number of community programmes.

The devotees observed fast and worshipped Lord Chitragupta, to whom they trace their origin, in a traditional manner at their homes. At many places community pujas were also organised.

The puja is performed on the dwitiya (second day) of the Kartik shuklapaksha. On this day, the worshippers pray to be blessed with good writing skills. They also submit the details of their income-expenditure incurred during the year gone by. The belief is that Lord Chitragupta fulfils the shortages.

Central puja committee of Ranchi district Chitragupta Mahaparivar observed the puja at the Bihar Club, where a maha arti was held in the evening. The Chutia branch of Chitragupta Mahaparivar observed the puja at Ram temple, Chutia. On this occasion, winners of a music competition, which was held some time back, were also awarded.

The Ashok Nagar Chitragupta Puja Committee performed the puja at the community hall. A community dinner was also organised for the residents of Ashok Nagar in the evening. Cultural programmes were organised to mark the occasion.

The day was also celebrated as Bhai Dooj, a festival which symbolises love and bonding between a brother and a sister.