Chhath Puja 2021: The Chhath Mahaparva concluded on November 11. For the past four days, different delicacies were prepared and savoured in households as Mata's offerings.
Apart from these delicacies, six more offerings are distributed to people who, upon eating that, would receive the same blessings as people who observed the fast. Let us know about this special prasad (delicacies) that vratis (people keeping fast) should distribute to the people after the puja is over.
Thekua
It is believed that Chhath fast is especially meant for the attainment of a son. Women fast for two days without drinking water. A variety of offerings are offered to the Chhath Maiyya (Goddess Chhath). The offering of Thekua is considered to be the most important in Chhath Puja, which is prepared by mixing jaggery and flour. Chhath Puja is considered incomplete without it. From a scientific viewpoint, winter begins with Chhath, and the use of jaggery is extremely beneficial to prevent cold and maintain health.
Sugarcane
Sugarcane is also considered significant during the worship of Chhathi Maiyya. Sugarcane is mandatory in the puja materials while giving arghya. It is believed that Chhathi Maiyya is very fond of sugarcane, without which the puja is not considered complete. Since the sugarcane harvest is produced with the grace of the Sun, so during the worship, the first harvest of the crop is offered to the Sun. Later, the sugarcane should be distributed among the devotees along with being offered to Chhathi Maiyya
Bananas
Bananas are also of special importance in the worship of Chhath. The Goddess should be offered a full bunch of bananas. It should be then consumed by the devotee and distributed amongst others as an offering. As per beliefs, Chhath is observed for children. In winter, children suffer from flatulence and so to protect them from it, they are given bananas in the offering.
Coconut
In Chhath Puja, coconut is offered to please the Chhathi Maiyya. Scientifically, coconut helps in protecting against colds caused by changes in weather. It contains many important nutrients that are beneficial in improving the immune system. Sharing it as an offering with people improves everyone's health.
Grapefruit
A special fruit is offered in the worship of the Chhathi Maiyya, the Grapefruit. In appearance, it is yellow from the outside and lush red from the inside. This fruit is no less than a boon in terms of health. It keeps many diseases at bay and prepares our body to fight diseases in the changing weather. In such a situation, its offerings must also be distributed amongst people.
Rice laddoos
Chhathi Maiyya loves rice laddoos in prasad. These laddoos are prepared from a special variety of rice. The rice used in it is made from many layers of paddy. It is during Chhath Puja that a new paddy crop is also reaped and the first harvest of the crop is offered to Sun God. So one should offer rice laddoos in 'Bhog' and distribute it to others as prasad.