Anchoring Script: Chhath Puja

Chhath Puja is an ancient Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of the Sun God, Surya, and Chhathi Maiya (the Goddess of well-being and prosperity). Celebrated predominantly in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Nepal, Chhath Puja is an important festival that involves fasting, offering prayers, and making offerings to the setting and rising sun. As an anchor for a Chhath Puja celebration, your role is to ensure that the event is spiritual, respectful, and filled with devotion while keeping the audience engaged in the rituals, songs, and cultural significance of the festival.

In this article, we’ll provide a sample anchoring script for Chhath Puja, along with tips to create a meaningful and devotional atmosphere for the event.

Table of Contents

Sample Anchoring Script for Chhath Puja Celebration

Opening the Event

Anchor 1:
A very good [morning/afternoon/evening] to everyone!

Anchor 2:
A warm and heartfelt welcome to all of you on this auspicious occasion of Chhath Puja. Today, we gather to offer our prayers and gratitude to Surya Dev (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya for their blessings of health, prosperity, and well-being.

Anchor 1:
Chhath Puja is a festival that symbolizes purity, devotion, and the harmonious connection between nature and humankind. Through this festival, we express our gratitude to the Sun God, the source of all energy, and seek blessings for the well-being of our families and communities.

Anchor 2:
We are delighted to have you all here to participate in this spiritual celebration. Let’s come together to celebrate this festival with devotion, faith, and reverence.

Welcoming the Guests

Anchor 1:
Before we begin the rituals, let us extend a warm welcome to our esteemed guests who have joined us today to make this celebration even more special.

Anchor 2:
We are honored to have [Name of Chief Guest], [designation or role], with us today. Let’s give them a big round of applause for their presence and support of this sacred occasion.

Anchor 1:
We would also like to welcome all the devotees, families, and community members who are here to celebrate this auspicious occasion together. Your presence makes this day more meaningful.

Significance of Chhath Puja

Anchor 1:
Before we proceed with the rituals, let’s take a moment to reflect on the significance of Chhath Puja. This festival is one of the most ancient and sacred Hindu festivals, dedicated to Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya.

Anchor 2:
Chhath Puja is observed in four main stages: Nahay Khay, Kharna, Sandhya Arghya (offering to the setting sun), and Usha Arghya (offering to the rising sun). The rituals involve fasting, purity, and offering prayers to the Sun God while standing in water.

Anchor 1:
This festival is not just about rituals, but about connecting with nature, showing gratitude for the blessings we receive, and praying for the well-being of our loved ones. It is a celebration of faith, devotion, and cleanliness.

Offering of Sandhya Arghya (Evening Offering)

Anchor 2:
And now, we come to one of the most important rituals of Chhath Puja—the offering of the Sandhya Arghya to the setting sun. This offering symbolizes gratitude for the light and energy that Surya Dev provides throughout the day.

Anchor 1:
We request all the devotees to prepare their soop (bamboo basket) and arrange the offerings, which include fruits, sugarcane, and other prasad, as we get ready to perform the evening prayers.

Anchor 2:
As we stand in the waters and offer our prayers, let us reflect on the blessings of the Sun God and pray for peace, prosperity, and happiness for all.

[Pause for the Sandhya Arghya ritual]

Anchor 1 (after the ritual):
Thank you, everyone, for your participation in the Sandhya Arghya. Let’s give thanks to Surya Dev for his divine blessings and prepare ourselves for the next phase of this sacred festival.

Traditional Songs and Bhajans

Anchor 2:
One of the most beautiful aspects of Chhath Puja is the traditional songs and bhajans that fill the air with devotion and reverence. These songs are a way to connect with the divine and express our love and gratitude to Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya.

Anchor 1:
Up next, we have a special performance of Chhath Puja songs by our talented singers. These songs are an integral part of the festival and remind us of the deep cultural and spiritual significance of this occasion.

Anchor 2:
Let’s welcome our singers to the stage with a big round of applause as they fill our hearts with devotion through their melodious voices.

[Pause for the bhajan or song performance]

Anchor 1 (after the performance):
What a beautiful performance! The divine energy in these songs truly brings us closer to the essence of Chhath Puja. Let’s give them another round of applause.

Cultural Dance Performance (Optional)

Anchor 2:
Up next, we have a special cultural dance performance that represents the joy and devotion associated with Chhath Puja. This dance is a beautiful expression of the celebratory spirit of the festival.

Anchor 1:
Let’s give a big round of applause to our dancers as they take the stage and present a traditional dance dedicated to Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya.

[Pause for the dance performance]

Anchor 2 (after the performance):
That was a mesmerizing performance! The devotion and energy of the dancers brought the spirit of Chhath Puja to life. Let’s give them another round of applause for their wonderful performance.

Usha Arghya (Morning Offering)

Anchor 1:
The final and most important ritual of Chhath Puja is the offering of the Usha Arghya to the rising sun. This offering represents the beginning of a new day and symbolizes the continuous cycle of life, energy, and renewal.

Anchor 2:
We request all the devotees to prepare their offerings and get ready to perform the Usha Arghya. As we stand facing the rising sun, let us pray for the well-being of our loved ones and seek the blessings of Surya Dev for a prosperous and healthy life.

Anchor 1:
The rising sun symbolizes hope, new beginnings, and the constant source of life. Let us offer our prayers with devotion and gratitude.

[Pause for the Usha Arghya ritual]

Anchor 2 (after the ritual):
Thank you, everyone, for your participation in the Usha Arghya. May the blessings of Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya be with us all.

Vote of Thanks

Anchor 1:
As we come to the close of today’s Chhath Puja celebration, it’s time to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made this event possible.

Anchor 2:
We would like to thank our Chief Guest, community leaders, and all the organizers for their support and dedication in making this event a grand success.

Anchor 1:
A special thanks to the devotees and participants for their devotion and enthusiasm in performing the rituals and making this celebration even more meaningful.

Anchor 2:
And of course, a big thank you to all the singers, dancers, and performers for their beautiful contributions to this sacred occasion.

Closing Remarks

Anchor 1:
Chhath Puja is a festival of faith, purity, and devotion. It reminds us of our connection with nature and the importance of showing gratitude for the blessings we receive.

Anchor 2:
As we conclude today’s celebration, let’s carry the spirit of Chhath Puja with us, always remembering to be grateful, devoted, and connected to the divine.

Anchor 1:
Thank you all for being a part of this beautiful celebration. May the blessings of Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya be with you and your families always.

Anchor 2:
Wishing you all a prosperous and joyful year ahead. Jai Surya Dev! Jai Chhathi Maiya!

Key Lines for Chhath Puja Anchoring Script

Welcoming the Audience:

“A very warm welcome to everyone on this auspicious occasion of Chhath Puja. We are honored to have you here to celebrate this sacred festival with us.”
“Chhath Puja is a time for devotion, purity, and gratitude. Let’s come together to offer our prayers to Surya Dev and seek blessings for prosperity and well-being.”

Introducing the Rituals:

“We now come to the important ritual of offering Sandhya Arghya to the setting sun. Let us prepare our offerings and stand in devotion to Surya Dev.”
“The Usha Arghya is a symbol of new beginnings and hope. As we offer our prayers to the rising sun, let us be grateful for the blessings of life and energy.”

Introducing Performances:

“Up next, we have a beautiful performance of Chhath Puja songs that express our love and devotion for Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya.”
“Let’s give a big round of applause for our talented dancers as they present a traditional dance dedicated to the Sun God.”

Closing the Event:

“As we conclude today’s celebration of Chhath Puja, let’s carry the spirit of devotion and gratitude with us, always remembering the blessings of Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya.”
“Thank you all for being here today, and may you continue to receive the blessings of health, prosperity, and happiness.”

Tips for Anchoring a Chhath Puja Event

Maintain a Spiritual and Devotional Tone: Chhath Puja is a deeply spiritual festival, so maintain a tone of reverence, devotion, and respect throughout the event to uphold the sanctity of the rituals.
Highlight the Cultural Significance: Throughout the event, emphasize the cultural and spiritual significance of Chhath Puja. This helps the audience connect more deeply with the festival’s meaning.
Smooth Transitions Between Rituals: Ensure smooth transitions between different segments, especially the Sandhya Arghya and Usha Arghya. Use clear and respectful language to guide the devotees through the rituals.

Incorporate Traditional Songs and Bhajans: Traditional Chhath Puja songs and bhajans are an important part of the celebration. Incorporate these into the event to enhance the spiritual atmosphere.
Encourage Participation: Invite the audience to actively participate in the rituals, whether it’s by preparing offerings or joining in the singing of traditional songs.
Express Gratitude: End the event by expressing gratitude to the Sun God, Chhathi Maiya, and all the participants for their devotion and contributions to the celebration.

Conclusion

Anchoring a Chhath Puja celebration is a beautiful opportunity to guide the audience through a deeply spiritual and devotional experience. By maintaining a respectful and reverent tone, emphasizing the significance of the rituals, and incorporating traditional songs and performances, you can create a meaningful and memorable event for all participants.

Through your anchoring, you have the chance to connect the audience with the deeper values of Chhath Puja—gratitude, devotion, and harmony with nature. With the right approach, you can ensure that the festival is celebrated with devotion, joy, and unity.

Jai Surya Dev! Jai Chhathi Maiya!