by Arun Pathak
Bokaro: The Mithila community residing in Bokaro celebrated Chauthchandra Puja on Tuesday with deep devotion and traditional fervour, adding cultural vibrancy to the city’s festive spirit.
While Ganesh Chaturthi is observed across the country, in Mithila it takes a unique form as Chauthchandra (also known as Chaurchan) Puja, held on Bhadra Shukla Chaturthi. The festival, deeply rooted in Mithila’s centuries-old traditions, is dedicated to worshipping the Moon and Rohini.
Women devotees observed day-long fasts and in the evening performed rituals with elaborate preparations. Before the puja, special Aripan (Alpana) designs were drawn, followed by setting up a sacred Kalash adorned with lamps. Offerings included varieties of puris, traditional dishes, fruits, curd, betel leaves, and sweets.
As per custom, family members then bowed to the moon with decorated branches and offerings. It is believed that viewing the moon empty-handed on this day brings ill omen, so devotees hold fruits or food items while seeking lunar blessings.
According to local lore, the festival was first initiated by Mithila’s King Hemangada Thakur and has since been celebrated as a marker of cultural pride and devotion in the region.
The celebrations in Bokaro reflected the same spirit of Mithila’s homeland, with families gathering together, blending ritual, reverence, and joy.
