1 . What is Chatth Festival?
It is a very important festival of Bihar (earlier Magadh).
It is the birthday of Jarasandh, King of Magadh during Mahabharat. His father was childless, one Saint gave him a fruit to give his Queen. Since there were two Queens , he gave half to each. In due course of time half child was born to each Queen, but were lifeless. They were thrown into the jungle.
Just before sunset that day a demoness named Jara was looking around for food in the jungle
and found one half, it looked tasty and she picked it up.
Then she found the other, which also she picked up. The moment they came
together the child became alive and the Kings son was born. Jara was the mother, Sandh means joint, so the King's son was named Jarasandh.
The sun was setting, so this is the only festival when the setting sun is worshiped. To celebrate the birth of a prince the rising sun is worshipped next morning. It was the sixth day by Indian Calender and that gave its name Chatth!
Jarasandh was a very powerful and won every battle. His end could only come when he was torn in half. Where this wrestling took place can be seen in a place known as Nalanda in Bihar.
