Chhath Puja - A Study in Religious and Cultural Tourism

Folklore celebrations have ancient origins. Promoting the history, legends, folk songs, rituals and the prasada prepared can be a fascinating exposure contributing towards building tourist attractions. All aspects of folk cultural heritage have a rich tradition that has local stipulations and hence are close to the community members. Having been acknowledged by a community through oral traditions over a period of time, they become obsolete if not documented and promoted thereby ceasing to be of any significance to the later generations. Many times, there is assimilation by other communities as these folk customs are kept simple. One such ancient tradition is the nature and eco friendly festival of Chhath Puja that is celebrated in Eastern Indian States of Bihar, Jharkand, Uttar Pradesh (henceforth UP) and Nepal. Such an eco-friendly form of worship is most relevant in these times when environment degradation and the resultant climate change is a global concern. Also it’s a post harvest celebration. In societies that were primarily agricultural and dependent on the sun for life and sustenance, it is no surprise that the sun came to be worshipped not only individually but as a community.