New film song highlights Chhath Puja traditions alongside cinematic touches

The upcoming film Yeh Prem Mol Liya features the new track Bulaye Chhathi Maa, which captures the festive spirit of Chhath Puja on screen. Directed by Sooraj Barjatya, the movie stars Ayushmann Khurrana and Sharvari in the lead roles, and is set to release in theatres worldwide on November 27. The project is backed by Rajshri Productions in association with Mahaveer Jain Films.

Festival Details

The song was composed by Himesh Reshammiya with lyrics written by Manoj Muntashir Shukla, and voices provided by Shreya Ghoshal and Keshav Anand. It successfully showcases traditional elements like bamboo baskets known as daura and soop, filled with sugarcane, coconut, bananas, apples, citrus fruits, raw turmeric, ginger, thekua, and clay diyas. Lyrics specifically mention making thekua using wheat flour and jaggery, and point to the 36-hour nirjala fast and prayers to the rising and setting Sun.

Creative Changes

Critics of customs note a few cinematic departures in the video. A whole bottle gourd is spotted in the offering basket, an item traditionally reserved for the Nahay Khay day rather than the main arghya. Male lead Ayushmann Khurrana appears to rush while carrying the daura on his head, and the female cast wears standard red sindoor instead of the traditional bright orange or yellowish-orange shade. The characters also wear heavy designer sarees and polished make-up, differing from the simple cotton or silk attire usually worn by vratis.

Romance And Rituals

The video introduces romantic moments into the austere festival setting. Ayushmann's character applies sindoor to Sharvari while exchanging glances, stands behind her in the water to hold the soop together, and performs a parikrama, which departs from standard ritual practice.

Context

Chhath Puja is an ancient Hindu festival dedicated to the Sun God and is marked by rigorous rituals, fasting, and prayers performed near water bodies. Popular culture depictions often blend strict religious customs with commercial cinematic styles to appeal to mass audiences. Major Hindi film releases frequently feature festive musical numbers to build public interest ahead of their theatrical runs.