In today’s world every relation is getting new dimensions, may it be in the name of freedom, career or modernization. Under western influence, we have forgotten the traditional New Year, Guru Purnima and many other festivals.

With these changing definitions, somewhere and somehow old rituals and festivals are still sustaining with notions of true dedication. India can take pride in its rich culture, where every day is a festival, reminding importance of every relation. Chand Chath is one such festival.

I feel pleased to tell you about this festival which is “Indian Parents day” celebrated by daughters. It’s a day which I celebrate for the long life of my parents, for their well being. It’s our parents who protect us in every adversity and give their selfless love. I truly feel, a day is not enough to show our gratitude of thanks towards them, it’s a bond of lifetime and beyond all the expressions.

Chandra Shasti, or Chand Chath, is observed on the sixth day of the dark fortnight (waning phase of moon) of Bhadrapada month (August – September). This year, Chandra Shasti Vrat is celebrated today on 30^th August. A fast is observed on this day by unmarried girls. Pujas and prayers are offered on the day to Chandra, the Hindu moon God.

The fast on Chand Chath begins in the morning and ends after seeing the moon. Later in night, water is offered to Chandra. The Vrat is performed for happy and prosperous life of parents and for their salvation after life.

Story about significance of Chand Chath is quite interesting. According to old sayings, there was a lady, who was cursed for not following rituals of worshipping God. The curse was that she would be born as a cat and husband as a bull in their next birth.

On Barsi (death anniversary) of his father, son invited a Brahmin at home for Bhojan (food). His wife made Kheer (pudding) and kept it near window. An eagle came with snake in its beak & dropped it in the Kheer. Cat saw it all, and when son’s wife came, intentionally cat dipped its mouth in kheer to save them from poison. Wife threw away the kheer on watching it and smashed the cat out of anger.

Later at night cat narrated this incident to bull. While she was speaking, son and his wife heard and discovered that they are their parents indeed, cursed as cat and bull in new birth. They asked Brahmin, how their parents can get rid of this curse and achieve salvation. Brahmin said that the lady who keeps Chand Chath fast can give them salvation by sprinkling holy water. In whole village there was only one such lady who practiced Chand Chath Vrat. In this way cat and bull got salvation and their soul rested in peace thereafter.

Since them, the effect of Chand Chath is considered so pious.

Such beliefs are asset of human relations. These all are just ways to feel the connection, to say: “Mummy, Papa I am always there for you, nothing in this world can harm you till I am there.”