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Chhath Puja is not just a fast, but a symbol of faith, sacrifice and dedication towards family. This festival is celebrated every year on Shashthi Tithi of Shukla Paksha of Kartik month and Sun God and Chhathi Maiya are worshipped. This festival, which lasts for four days, is a spiritual journey for the devotees, in which they offer prayers to the setting and rising sun and pray for happiness, prosperity, long life of children and family well-being.

During this time, women’s forehead decorated with vermilion, colorful sarees and determination to fast, everything together makes this festival a celebration of honeymoon and devotion. But have you ever wondered why women apply vermillion from nose to forehead on Chhath Puja? Let us know the religious and emotional story behind this tradition.

Tradition of applying vermillion from nose to forehead

In Hindu religion, vermillion is considered a symbol of marriage. On normal days, women apply vermillion only on the forehead, but on the day of Chhath Puja, it is applied till the nose. This is because this day is considered dedicated to the long life of the husband, happy married life and prosperity of the family. According to religious belief, applying vermillion from the nose to the forehead is a kind of ‘protector line’, which protects the husband and family from negative energies. It is said that the longer the vermilion is applied, the longer is the life of the husband.

Relation of Chhath festival and sun worship

In Chhath Puja, women worship the sun, pray for the end of their sorrows by offering arghya to the setting sun and wish for a new beginning by offering arghya to the rising sun. Sun God has been called the giver of life and Chhathi Maiya is worshiped in her energy form. In such a situation, when a woman worships the Sun by applying vermilion, it becomes a symbol of the stability of her marriage and family strength. It is said that when the sun’s rays fall on the forehead adorned with vermilion, it fills the body with positive energy and maintains strength and balance in the mind.

Religious and scientific importance of vermilion

The tradition of applying vermillion is considered not only religious but also scientifically important. According to Ayurveda, the elements found in vermillion have a calming effect on the nerves of the brain. This reduces stress and maintains peace in the mind. Applying vermillion from the forehead to the nose brings energy to that part of the body, which is associated with heart and mental stability.