Potters busy making clay pots for coming Chaurchan

By Jay Krishna Yadav

Inaruwa, Sept 6 : Potters in Inaruwa are currently busy making clay pots for the coming Chauthi Chand or Chaurchan Festival. 

Chaurchan, celebrated on the fourth day (Chaturthi) of the Nepali month of Bhadra, is observed by people in the Terai region by offering rice pudding, bread, yoghurt, fruits and other food items to the moon in earthen pots. Because of its association with the moon, the festival is also called Chauth Chandra.

Ceramicists in the Bihibare Market of Pandit Tole, Inaruwa Municipality–2, barely get enough time to sleep these days because of the upcoming festival. 

According to a local, Sandip Prasad Pandit, hundreds of potters here are moulding vessels to sell for the coming occasion.

Another local Ranjana Pandit informed that traditional containers like Chhachchhachhi, Matkudi, Ghaila and Bala (small oil lamp) are needed for Chaurchan. 

Ceramicist Shiva Narayan Pandit said that sometimes, they faced difficulties in sourcing the appropriate clay. "So, we have to begin making the pots months on end," he shared.

Each vessel fetches Rs. 200 to Rs. 500 in the market.

Journalist Ganesh Yadav said that plastic, steel and iron pots had largely overtaken clay vessels in people's homes. "But during Chaurchan, it is mandatory to use earthen utensils. That is why demand skyrockets," he said. 

Potter Siyawati Pandit informed that, in addition to Chaurchan, clay lamps, Kalash and other items are also sold during Deepawali and Chhath. 

"This is the peak season for us," she said. 

After making the vessels, members of the potter community, known as Kumbhakars, go village-to-village selling their creations.

This year, Chaurchan has fallen on September 19.

What is Chaurchan?

As it is celebrated on Chaturthi and offerings are made to the moon, it is called Chauth Chandra. Chauth is the corrupted form of Chaturthi and Chandra means moon. 

Lore has it that the moon that rises on the evening of Bhadra Chaturthi embodies a thief and those who look at it empty-handed will be accused of thievery. They will also suffer from various ailments. That is why people offer fruits and food to the moon on this day. Many also fast on this day.

This is a special festival of Mithilanchal. Lunar cycles are considered to affect people's lives and in Chandra Mandal is considered the basis of rainfall. That is why the moon is given a special place in Maithil culture, art and literature.

The moon is also considered the good of the heart. The Rig Veda also mentions the worship of the moon for wealth and good health. 

Praying to the moon also cures cough and infertility for men and contains the restless heart.