Bihar's Asgar Ali keeps 2016 vow, celebrates Chhath with family

Photo credit: Dainik Bhaskar​When Mohammad Asgar Ali sought votes during the 2016 panchayat elections in Bihar's Buxar district, some people tried to bring Hindu-Muslim divisions into the campaign. But a conversation with a few Hindu acquaintances led him to make a promise that would later become a family tradition: if he got the opportunity to serve the village as its mukhiya, he would observe Chhath Puja.Nearly a decade later, the Muslim village head of Kanjharua Panchayat continues to observe the festival with his family. His wife, children and other relatives join the rituals, while people from neighbouring Muslim families also support the celebrations.According to a Dainik Jagran report, Ali has observed four consecutive nirjala fasts, during which devotees abstain from food and water. This year, however, he will not perform the rituals personally because of a birth-related period of observance in his family. He plans to arrange for the puja through a neighbour so that the family's association with the festival continues.How a conversation during the 2016 election led to his promiseAli's association with Chhath Puja began during the 2016 panchayat election campaign. As per a November 2023 report by Dainik Bhaskar, he explained that he had faced attempts by some people to raise Hindu-Muslim divisions during the election.Ali said that a few Hindu acquaintances suggested he seek Chhathi Maiya's blessings during the month of Kartik. He then folded his hands and prayed that he be given an opportunity to serve Kanjharua Panchayat, promising that he too would observe Chhath. He did not win that election. According to Dainik Jagran's report, he lost by just 55 votes. Five years later, in the 2021 panchayat elections, he was elected mukhiya.Ali said that after receiving funds for the development of the panchayat, one of his first steps was to get a Chhath ghat constructed. He subsequently began observing the festival himself.A fast that involves the entire familyPhoto credit: Dainik JagranAli lives in Kamdharpur village, in Kanjharua Panchayat of Dumraon block, Buxar district. He has observed both Chaiti and Kartik Chhath for several years. The festival involves prayers to the Sun God and a series of rituals performed over several days. The main observance includes offering arghya to the setting and rising sun. Ali observes the demanding fast without food or water.According to Awaz-The Voice, Ali undertakes a 36-hour fast as part of the observance. His wife, Razia Begum, and their children also participate. The family includes three sons, Aftab Alam, Arif and Arshad and three daughters, Muskan, Sabina and Kaynat. They have all joined the family's Chhath celebrations.The family's preparation also extends beyond the days of the festival. According to Dainik Jagran, its members stop eating garlic and onions after Diwali as part of their observance of Chhath's rules.Why he considers Chhath a festival of natureAli has explained that he does not see Chhath as a festival limited to one religious community. He considers it a way of expressing gratitude to nature and the environment through the worship of the Sun.H believes that Chhath conveys the values of sacrifice, discipline and collective participation. He also believes that when Hindus and Muslims respectfully participate in each other's religious observances, mutual trust and social relationships can become stronger.Why he will not observe the fast personally this yearAli's observance has continued since he became mukhiya in 2021, but this year's Chhath comes with a change. According to Dainik Jagran, a birth-related ritual period known as ‘janm sootak’ in the family means he will not personally perform the Chhath rituals this time. He has, however, decided to arrange for the worship through a neighbour.