Chhath Puja is a famous festival celebrated mainly in eastern India, especially in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh. This festival honours the Sun God, who is seen as the source of life on Earth. Over time, Chhath Puja has spread to other parts of India due to migration and the growing belief in the Sun’s importance. People gather to offer prayers and perform rituals to thank the Sun for its life-giving energy.
Sun Worship Across Cultures
The worship of the Sun is not limited to India. Many cultures and religions around the world also honour the Sun in their unique ways. For example, the Incas in Peru considered the Sun God one of their most important deities. They built impressive structures to worship the Sun, marking its position during solstices. The summer solstice, which occurs around June 21st or 22nd, is the longest day of the year when the Sun shines the most.
In ancient Jordan, the Nabateans worshipped the Sun as well. They had a god named Dushara, who represented the Sun and mountains. Temples were built in Petra, a famous Nabatean city, to honour the Sun. Even after the Romans took over, Dushara remained important, appearing on local coins.
In Japan, the Shinto religion features a sun goddess named Amaterasu. She is a key figure in Shinto beliefs and is said to have once hidden in a cave, causing darkness to cover the world. The light returned only when she emerged, symbolising the Sun’s vital role in life. It is believed that the current Emperor of Japan is a descendant of Amaterasu.
Ancient Structures and Sun Worship
Historians are still learning about the beliefs of ancient people, especially those from the Neolithic period. Structures like Stonehenge in England and Newgrange in Ireland show how important the Sun was to these communities. Newgrange, built around 3200 BC, was designed so that sunlight would enter its passage during the winter solstice. This event is seen as a symbol of life’s victory, similar to the Sankranti festival in India. These ancient practices highlight the universal respect for the Sun across different cultures and times.
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