The Tradition of 'Chaurchan' in Mithila

Chaurchan is a distinctive festival celebrated with great fervor in the Mithila region of Bihar. It falls on the same day as Ganesh Chaturthi (Bhadra Shukla Chaturthi). The festival is primarily dedicated to the worship of the moon. The culture of Mithila is also known for its Madhubani Painting and the Paag.,The main ritual involves fasting throughout the day. In the evening, after sunset, the family gathers in the courtyard. A variety of fruits, sweets (like puri and thekua), and curd are arranged on a banana leaf as an offering ('arghya') to the moon. The head of the family offers this arghya to the moon, and only after this ritual is the fast broken.,The festival is based on a belief that looking at the moon on this particular night without making an offering can lead to false accusations or 'mithya kalank'. By worshipping the moon, devotees seek blessings for prosperity and protection from such misfortunes. Chaurchan is a beautiful tradition that highlights the region's close connection with nature and celestial bodies, a theme also seen in Chhath Puja. A key sweet prepared is the Makhana Kheer.

Keywords: chaurchan, mithila festival, ganesh chaturthi, moon worship, maithili culture