Chaurchan
HinduMadhesi / Mithila
Dates
| 2083 BS | Chaturthi, Rohini Nakshatra, Shukla Paksha, Bhadrapada — date to be announced | Date to be announced |
| 2084 BS | Chaturthi, Rohini Nakshatra, Shukla Paksha, Bhadrapada — date to be announced | Date to be announced |
When: Chaturthi, Rohini Nakshatra, Shukla Paksha, Bhadrapada (Wikipedia)
Chaurchan (pronounced [tɕaːu̯rtɕən]) is a festival for married women in the Mithila region of the Indian subcontinent. It is also known as Chorchanna/Chakchanna Paavain, Chauth Chand or Chauth Chandra or Chorchan Puja. It is dedicated to Ganesha and the moon god Chandra Deva. During the festival, married women fast, and different types of dishes are prepared as prasad. The Ganesh Chaturthi fast is also observed on this day. Along with Ganesha, Vishnu, Parvati, and the moon god are worshipped. The story of Chorchan Puja is also heard on this day after that Arghya is offered to Chandra Deva.
In the Maithil community, it is believed that worshipping Lord Chandradeva, the moon god, at the evening on this day brings relief from infamy and false accusations. The Maithil women observe a day-long fast and offer curd and fruits, praying for deliverance from Chandra Dosh (lunar affliction) and protection against social stigma. On this legendary day, Chandradeva was released from the curse of false stigma by Lord Ganesha mentioned in the Puranas.
History
According to historians, the festival of Chaurchan Puja became popular in Mithila during 16th century CE. There is a history related to it in regime of the King Hemangad Thakur of Mithila Kingdom (Tirhut Sarkar). Once King Hemangad Thakur was arrested by Mughal for not paying tax to the Mughal emperor. He was brought to Delhi and sent to jail. In the jail he composed his astronomical text Grahan Mala which is the account of eclipses dates for 1088 years from 1620 AD to 2708 AD. It is said that Mughal emperor Akbar became very impressed with Hemangad Thakur for his work Grahan Mala, so he returned tax free Mithila Kingdom to the King Hemangad Thakur. When Hemangad Thakur came to Mithila with tax free kingdom, Queen Hemalata said "Today the moon of Mithila has become free from stigma, we will see and worship it." After that the people of Mithila started celebrating the festival of Chaurchan Puja with larger enthusiasm. King Hemangad Thakur, with the consultations from Pandits, declared Chaurchan as Lokaparva (Folk festivals) of the Mithila Kingdom.
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