Patna: Chaurchan, a festival observed on Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturthi, will be celebrated on Tuesday, with prayers and rituals centred around worship of the moon.
The festival, particularly significant in the Mithila region of Bihar, coincides with Ganesh Chauth and is marked by families observing fasts and performing evening rituals. According to tradition, the auspicious time for Chandra Darshan – sighting the moon – falls between 6.25pm and 7.55pm. During this period, devotees are expected to offer arghya (sacred water) along with curd, fruits and other dishes in new vessels.
It is widely believed that seeing the moon on Chaurchan day while offering curd and fruits protects a person from false accusations and brings happiness and prosperity.
Fasting is central to the observance, with many devotees abstaining from food and water or limiting themselves to fruits until evening. Worship begins with prayers to Lord Ganesha and Panchdev, followed by offerings to Goddess Gauri, and concludes with moon worship accompanied by Rohini. Widows and men traditionally worship Lord Vishnu on this day. White garments and flowers hold particular significance, and rituals conclude with devotees chanting mantras while offering naivedya before sighting the moon.
Considered one of the most important festivals in Mithila after Chhath and Durga Puja, Chaurchan carries deep cultural and spiritual significance. Devotees believe the rituals ensure peace, prosperity and the removal of misfortune. Even households not performing elaborate worship typically ensure offerings of fruit are made to the moon.
