Bihar Muslim Women Craft Earthen Stoves for Chhath Puja Devotees

Chhath Puja, known as aastha ka mahaparv (the great festival of faith), is not only a celebration honoring the rising and setting sun but also a symbol of inter-religious harmony. This revered festival crosses religious and caste lines, uniting people in shared devotion. In the Kotwali area of Patna, along Veerchandra Patel Path, Muslim women have set up stalls, selling earthen stoves meticulously crafted for Chhath Puja devotees.

These women take pride in preparing these traditional clay stove

These women take pride in preparing these traditional clay stoves, paying close attention to the religious significance they hold for their Hindu customers, who use them to cook sacred offerings. Generations of Muslim families have been involved in this practice, making the stoves a cherished part of the Chhath Puja preparations. Speaking with ANI, these women explained that their work is grounded in respect for the festival and its customs.

“We’ve been making these stoves for Chhath Puja for years. My mother taught me this craft, and I’ve been following her footsteps,” said Seema Khatim, one of the women. “We start working after Durga Puja, crafting each stove with care and respect. It takes us around two hours to make a single piece, and we sell them for Rs. 50 to Rs. 100-150.”

For Seema and others, the process is deeply spiritual. They observe specific rituals, like refraining from eating while crafting the stoves and maintaining a state of cleanliness. “Once a stove is made, we ensure it isn’t touched further to respect its sanctity,” shared another woman who has been part of this tradition for six years.

The Chhath Puja festival, believed to have originated in Nepal’s hilly regions after the country’s transition to democracy in 1990, is observed primarily in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Nepal. It is also celebrated by diaspora communities worldwide. Devotees believe the festival brings blessings, with the four-day celebration involving rigorous fasting, prayers, and rituals to honor the Sun God for sustaining life.

This tradition brings high participation, particularly from women, who see it as a time for spiritual renewal. During the period of fasting, only pure foods are consumed, and cleanliness is paramount. As they purchase these earthen stoves, devotees express appreciation for the craftsmanship and dedication of the Muslim artisans who contribute to making Chhath Puja a truly inclusive celebration.