Chhath
Performing of morning puja to Surya.
Also called	Chhathi Dala Chhath Surya Shashti
Observed by	Hindus, and Jains
Type	Cultural, Historical, Religious
Significance	To thank Surya for bestowing the bounties of life on earth and fulfilling particular wishes
Begins	2 days prior to Kartik Shasti
Ends	The day after Kartik Shasti
Date	Kartik Shukla Shasti
2011 date	1 November
2012 date	19 November
Observances	Prayers and religious rituals, including puja and prasad, bathing in the Ganges, and fasting

Chhath (Hindi: छठ, also called Dala Chhath) is an ancient Hindu festival dedicated to the Hindu Sun God, Surya, also known as Surya Shashti.^[1] The Chhath Puja is performed in order to thank Surya for sustaining life on earth and to request the granting of certain wishes. The Sun, considered the god of energy and of the life-force, is worshiped during the Chhath fesival to promote well-being, prosperity and progress. In Hinduism, Sun worship is believed to help cure a variety of diseases, including leprosy, and helps ensure the longevity and prosperity of family members, friends, and elders.

The rituals of the festival are rigorous and are observed over a period of four days. They include holy bathing, fasting and abstaining from drinking water (Vratta), standing in water for long periods of time, and offering prashad (prayer offerings) and aragh to the setting and rising sun.

Although it is observed most elaborately in Bihar, Jharkhand, Eastern UP and the Terai regions of Nepal in modern times, and is more prevalent in areas where migrants from those areas have a presence, it is celebrated in all regions and major urban centers in India. The festival is celebrated in the regions including but not exclusive to the northeast region of India, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Chandigarh, Gujarat,^[2] Delhi,^[3] Mumbai^[4] and Mauritius.^[5]

Date of the festival[link]

Chhath puja is performed on kartika Shukala Shashti, which is the sixth day of the month of Kartika in the Hindu Calendar. This falls typically in the month of October or November in the Gregorian Calendar.

It is also celebrated in the summer (March–April), on Chaitra Shashti, some days after Holi; this event is called Chaiti Chhath.^[6] The former is more popular because winter is the usual festive season in North India, and Chhath, being an arduous observance, requiring the worshipers to fast without water for around 36 hours continuously, is easier to undertake in the Indian winters.

Etymology[link]

The word chhath denotes the number 6 in Hindi^[7] and the festival is celebrated on the sixth day of the Hindu lunar month of KARTIKA. The word is a Prakrit derivation from the Sanskrit ṣaṣṭhi, meaning sixth.

History[link]

It is believed that the Maga Purohits (modern days known as Shakya Dwipi Brahmins) were invited by local kings for their expertise in Sun worshiping. They started the tradition of Chhat Puja. Today Chhat Puja is celebrated specially in those places where Shakya Dwipi Brahmins are found.

It is believed that the ritual of Chhath puja may even predate the ancient Vedas texts, as the Rigveda contains hymns worshiping the Sun god and describes similar rituals. The rituals also find reference in the Sanskrit epic poem Mahābhārata in which Draupadi is depicted as observing similar rites.

In the poem, Draupadi and the Pandavas, rulers of Hastinapur (modern Delhi), performed the Chhath ritual on the advice of noble sage Dhaumya. Through her worship of the Sun God, Draupadi was not only able to solve her immediate problems, but also helped the Pandavas later regain their lost kingdom.

It is also believed that Chhath was started by Karna, the son of Surya (Surya Putra Karna). Surya Putra Karna ruled over the Anga Desh (present day Munger district of Bihar) during the Mahabharat Age. He was a great warrior and fought against the Pandavas in the Kurukshetra War.

Its yogic/scientific history dates back to the Vedic times. The rishis of yore used this method to remain without any external intake of food as they were able to obtain energy directly from the sun's rays. This was done through the Chhath method.^[8] The chhat puja is very popular in Dehri-On-Sone (Rohtas),Patna, Dev & Gaya. Nowadays it is celebrated in approximately all parts of India. Chhath Pooja is also celebrated in Mangalore, Karnataka. People from Bihar & UP celebrate Chhath Pooja on Panambur Beach.

Chhathi Maiya[link]

It is also said that the Goddess that is worshipped during the famous Chhath Puja is known as Chhathi Maiya. Chhathi Maiya is known as Usha in the Vedas. She is believed to be the consort of Surya, the sun god. Some scholars are of the view that she is only the beloved of Surya and some suggest that She is Surya’s wife.

Usha is the term used to refer to dawn – The first light of day. But in the Rig Veda she has more symbolic meaning. Symbolically Usha is the dawn of divine consciousness in the individual aspirant.

During the Chhath Puja, Chhathi Maiya is invoked to bless us with this divine consciousness which will help us to overcome all the troubles in the world – this bless will help us to Moksha or liberation.

Rituals and traditions[link]

Chhath is a ritual bathing festival that follows a period of abstinence and ritual segregation of the worshiper from the main household for four days. During this period, the worshiper observes ritual purity, and sleeps on the floor on a single blanket.

This is the only holy festival which has no involvement of any pandit (priest). The devotees offer their prayers to the setting sun, and then the rising sun in celebrating its glory as the cycle of birth starts with death. It is seen as the most glorious form of Sun worship.

Bihar has a number of Sun temples, flanked by a surajkund or sacred pool of the Sun, forming a popular venue for the celebration of this festival.Patna,Bhagalpur,Munger, Haveli Kharagpur ( Banahara),muzaffarpur,Samastipur,Dumka,sahibganj, Dev, Gaya, ranchi,Rampurhat are known popular for chhath puja.

The main worshipers, called Parvaitin (from Sanskrit parv, meaning 'occasion' or 'festival'), are usually women. However, a large number of men also observe this festival. The parvaitin pray for the well-being of their family, for prosperity and for offspring. Once a family starts performing Chhatt Puja, it is their duty to perform it every year and to pass it on to the following generations. The festival is skipped only if there happens to be a death in the family that year.

The prasad offerings include sweets, Kheer, Thekua and fruit offered in small bamboo winnows. The food is strictly vegetarian and it is cooked without salt, onions or garlic. Emphasis is put on maintaining the purity of the food.^[9]

• Day 1: Nahay khay (literally, bathe and eat)

On the first day of Chhath Puja, the devotees take a dip, preferably in the holy river Ganges, and carry home the holy water of the river Ganges to prepare the offerings. The house and surroundings are scrupulously cleaned. The parvaitin allows themselves only one meal on this day.It is also known as " kaddu-bhat" in some region.Generally Parvaitin eat kaddu, channa dal, and arwa chawal (non-boiled rice). Traditionally the food is cooked on soil stove & mango wood is used a fuel. Only bronze or soil utensils are used to prepare the food. But nowadays steel utensils are also used in preparation of food.

• Day 2: Kharna or Lohanda (the day before Chhath)

On Panchami, the day before Chhath, the parvaitins observe a fast for the whole day, which ends in the evening a little after sunset. Just after the worship of earth, the offerings of Rasiao-kheer (rice delicacy), puris (deep-fried puffs of wheat flour) and bananas, are distributed among family and friends. From this day onwards, for the next 36 hours, the parvaitin goes on a fast without water.

• The traditional way of preparation of Kheer for parvaitin is without sugar. Only Jaggery is used in preparation of prasad for other family members & friends. The prasad is prepared by the parvaitin itself in the bronze or soil utensils only. While eating the prasad by parvaitin if any unwanted thing like small stone etc. comes into the mouth immediately they have to stop eating without making any complain.

• Day 3: Chhath

Sanjhiya Arghya(ghat) (evening offerings): The day is spent preparing the prasad (offerings) at home. On the eve of this day, the entire household accompanies the parvaitins to a riverbank, pond or a common large water body to make the offerings (Aragh) to the setting sun. It is during this phase of Chhath Puja that the devotees offer prayers to the just setting sun. Traditionally during the aragh the parvaitin should wear the single saree colored with turmeric. But nowadays printed & colored sarees are also in use.

The occasion is almost a carnival. Besides the parvaitin, there are friends and family, and numerous participants and onlookers, all willing to help and receive the blessings of the worshipper. Ritual rendition of regional folk songs, carried on through oral transmission from mothers and mothers-in-law to daughters and daughters-in-law, are sung on this occasion.

The folk songs sung on the evening of Chhath reflect the culture, social structure, mythology and history of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Nowadays, modern Chhath songs, largely Bollywood film remixes, have caught on, but the old tradition still goes strong with a great degree of sanctity. The three main linguistic regions of Bihar (the Maithili, the Magadhi, and the Bhojpuri), and all the various dialects associated with these, have different folk songs; but have an underlying unity in their dedicated to Chhath. The minor nuances of the Chhath rituals, such as in the Kharna ritual, vary from region to region and across families, but still there is a fundamental similarity.

Kosi: On the night of day three, a colorful event of Kosi is held. Here, lighted earthen lamps are kept under a canopy of five sugarcane sticks. The five sticks signify the human body made of Panchatattva (the five great elements - earth, water, fire, air and ether). This is a symbolic ritual in Chhath Puja, performed especially in those families where marriage or childbirth has taken place recently. The lighted lamps signify the solar energy sustaining the human being. People perform this ritual at home, during late evening on day three after making the offering to the just setting sun. After that, it is done at the banks of the river on day four before making the offerings to the rising sun.

• Day 4: Paarun (the day after Chhath)

Bihaniya Aragh(ghat) (next morning offerings): On the final day of Chhath Puja, the devotees, along with family and friends, go to the riverbank before sunrise, in order to make the offerings (Aragh) to the rising sun. The festival ends with the breaking of the fast by the parvaitin and friends visiting the houses of the devotees to receive the prashad. The chhath has so much importance that even millionaire beg for prasad at the Chhath ghat. This symbolizes that all persons are beggar in front of the almighty. Witnessing Chhath being celebrated at the crack of the dawn on a river bank is a beautiful, elating spiritual experience connecting the modern Indian to his ancient cultural roots.After aragh, Ganga maiya is worshipped.

Yogic viewpoint[link]

There is also a yogic process of Chhath that may have been associated with the religious observance of Chhath puja, but the current religious observers of Chhath puja do not refer to the yogic process and may not even be aware of it. All the traditional rules of Chhath puja has also got some strong scientific reasons behind it & by following that maximum benefits can be gain.

The Yogic Philosophy of Chhath[link]

According to yogic philosophy, the physical bodies of all the living organisms are highly sophisticated energy conducting channels. The solar bio-electricity starts flowing in the human body when it is exposed to solar radiations of specific wavelengths. Under particular physical and mental conditions, the absorption and conduction of this solar-bio-electricity increases. The processes and the rituals of the Chhath puja aim at preparing the body and the mind of the Vratti (devotee) for the process of cosmic solar energy infusion.^{[citation needed]}

The scientific process similar to Chhath was used by the Rishis of yore for carrying out their austerities without any intake of solid or liquid diet. Using a process similar to the Chhath puja, they were able to absorb the energy needed for sustenance directly from the sun, instead of taking it indirectly through food and water.

The retina is a kind of photoelectric material, which emits subtle energy when exposed to light. Hence, very subtle electric energy starts flowing from the retina. This energy (photo-bio-electricity) is transmitted from the retina to the pineal gland by the optic nerves connecting the retina to the pineal gland, leading to its activation. The pineal gland is in close proximity with the pituitary and hypothalamus glands (together, three glands are called Triveni) due to which, the energy generated in this process starts impacting these glands. Consequently, the pranic activity becomes uniform, giving the Vratti good health and a calm mind.

Stages of Chhath (Conscious Photoenergization Process)[link]

According to Yoga philosophy, the process of Chhath is divided into six stages of the Conscious Cosmic Solar Energy Infusion Technique (Conscious Photoenergization Process).^[10]

Stage 1: Fasting and the discipline of cleanliness leads to detoxification of the body and mind. This stage prepares the body and mind of the Vratti (devotee) to receive the cosmic solar energy.

Stage 2: Standing in a water body with half the body (navel deep) in the water minimizes the leak of energy and helps the prana (psychic energy) to move up the sushumna (psychic channel in the spine).

Stage 3: Cosmic Solar Energy enters the Vratti’s pineal, pituitary and hypothalamus glands (Triveni complex) through the retina and optic nerves.

Stage 4: Activation of Triveni tri-glandular complex (pineal, pituitary and hypothalamus).

Stage 5: A kind of polarization of happens in the spine, which results in the Vratti’s gross and subtle bodies getting transformed into a cosmic powerhouse. This can also lead to the awakening of the latent psychic energy popularly known as the Kundalini Shakti.

Stage 6: The body of the Vratti (devotee) becomes a channel which conducts, recycles and transmits the energy into the entire universe.

Benefits of Chhath process[link]

The Chhath process results in detoxification

The Chhath process stresses mental discipline. The discipline of mental purity is a result of this work. By employing a number of rituals, the vrattis focus on maintaining the cleanliness of the offerings and environment. Cleanliness is the most dominant thought that prevails in the minds of the devotees during Chhath.

This has a great detoxification effect on the body and the mind as mental moods can result in biochemical changes. Now comes the physical detoxification. The fasting paves the way for detoxification at a material level.

Detoxification helps in regularizing the flow of prana and makes the person more energetic. The natural immune system of the body spends much of its energy in fighting the toxins present in the body. By using the detoxification methods such as pranayam, meditation, yoga and Chhath practices, the amount of toxins present in the body can be reduced to a great extent. Thus, with reduction in the amount of toxins, the expenditure of energy also reduces and you feel more energetic. It improves the appearance of the skin. The eyesight can improve and the ageing process of the body slows down.

Benefits of Chhath Puja[link]

Photo-electro-chemical effect: physical benefits

1. The Chhath practice improves the immunity of the Vratti’s body.
2. Antiseptic effect: Safe radiation of sunlight can help cure fungal and bacterial infections of the skin.
3. Raktavardhak (increase in fighting power of blood): As a consequence of the practice of Chhath, the energy infused in the blood stream improves the performance of white blood cells.
4. The solar energy has a great influence on the glands, which results in balanced secretion of hormones.
5. Energy requirements are met by the solar energy directly. This will further detoxify the body.

Photo-electro-psychic effects: mental benefits

1. A state of creative calmness will prevails in the mind.
2. To a great extent, all negative responses have their origin in the disturbed flow of prana. With the pranic flow regularized, the duration and frequency of occurrences of anger, jealousy, and other negative emotions will be reduced.
3. With patient and sincere practice, the psychic powers like intuition, healing, and telepathy awaken. This depends on the concentration with which the practice is undertaken.

Daily sun meditation (Chhath process)[link]

In the fast lifestyle of the present times, it may not be possible to follow the Chhath process very often. The detoxification can be undertaken through pranayam, yoga, meditation and Conscious Photoenergization Process known as Chhath Dhyan Sadhana (CDS).

Chhath Dhyan Sadhana (CDS): Conscious Photoenergization Process

Assume a comfortable position (standing or sitting) with back and spine straight. With eyes closed, face the Sun. Inhale completely, as slowly as possible. Do not strain in making the breathing slow. Maintain your comfort level. As you breath in, visualize (feelingly experience) the cosmic solar energy entering through your eyes and moving to the pineal gland through optic nerves and charging the pineal–pituitary–hypothalamus complex. Now, as you exhale, visualize the cosmic solar energy flowing down the pineal gland and spreading throughout your body with a revitalizing effect.

Thus, the process starts with inhalation and ends in exhalation. This constitutes one round. It is suggested to start with five rounds (two minutes), and increase if time permits. On completion of the practice, thank the Sun for bestowing upon you the life giving solar energy. Thereafter, sit quietly for a minute, observing the good things in the environment around.

CDS should be practiced within one-hour window after sunrise or within one-hour window before sunset. Any person of any age can practice CDS. If you wish to practice CDS at any time other than sunrise or sunset, do not practice it in front of Sun. You can however, practice CDS in a room. Even a bed-ridden person can try and consciously draw in the solar energy while lying on the bed. With regular practice, he/she will notice an improvement in physical and mental health. For those who are not comfortable facing the sun, they can practice the technique in any room having proper ventilation. If you have time, you can also practice twice a day. Do not hurry in increasing the number of rounds, as there is no shortcut to success in this method. The nervous system of the body takes its own time in adapting and to be able to receive the energy.

Significance of emphasis on sunrise and Sunset periods

Only sunrise and sunset are the periods during which the majority of humans can safely obtain the solar energy directly from the Sun. However, there may be some exceptions. That is why, in Chhath puja, there is a tradition of offering Arghya to the Sun in late evening and in early morning. During these phases (one hour window after sunrise and before sunset), the ultraviolet radiation levels remain in safe limits.

Pictures of Chhath[link]

• Chhath Puja
• People Celebrating Chhath on 2nd Day Morning Around the Pond.jpg

  Morning worship at Jamshedpur, Jharkhand

• 

  On the second day of Chhat devotees pay tribute to the rising Sun

• 

  View of a ghat in a village near Muzaffarpur, Bihar

• Chhath Puja at Babughat in Kolkata.jpg

  Celebrations on the banks of the Ganges in Kolkata, West Bengal

• 

  Devotees observing Chhath in Janakpur, Nepal

References[link]

External links[link]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Chhath

• Chhat Puja Astrology
• Chhatpuja.com

v t e Festivals in the Hindu calendar Major festivals Pongal Makar Sankranti Holi Rama Navami Krishna Janmashtami Maha Shivaratri Onam Ganesh Chaturthi Navratri (Mysore Dasara – Durga Puja – Vijayadashami) Diwali (Bhau-Beej) Chhath Vat Purnima Thaipusam Regional New Year Gudi Padwa (Marathi, Konkani) Ugadi (Telugu, Kannada) Cheti Chand (Sindhi) Bihu (Assamese) Bisu (Tuluva) Vaisakhi (Punjabi) Vishuva Sankranti (Oriya) Pohela Boishakh (Bengali) Puthandu (Tamil) Vishu (Malayalee) Holy days Ekadashi Gowri Habba Karwa Chauth Mahalakshmi Vrata Raksha Bandhan Sankranti Savitri Brata Thaipusam Holy periods Chaturmas Dhanurmas

Sharda Sinha (born October 9, 1952) is a folk-singer and music teacher from Samastipur, Bihar. .^[1]

Background[link]

Sharda Sinha sings Maithili and Bhojpuri songs, has received Padma Shri for her contribution to music. Prayag Sangeet Samiti organised Basant Mahotsava at Prayag where Padma Shri Sharda Sinha presented numerous songs based on the theme of spring season,^[2] where the advent of spring was narrated through folk songs.^[2] She regularly performs during Durga Puja festivities.^[3][4] She performed when the Prime Minister of Mauritius Navin Ramgoolam came to, Bihar.^[5] She has sung in many movies such as Maine Pyar Kiya and Hum Aapke Hain Kaun and has also produced several music albums such as Dulhin, Pirittiya and Mehndi. Bihar 'kokila' Sharda Sinha performed at Pragati Maidan in the Bihar Utsav, 2010, New Delhi.^[6] Sinha started the programme with her patriotic song "Maiya bharti pukarela jawan babua tora hathawa mein deshwa ke shaan babuwa". Her other songs, included "Paniya ke jahaj se paltaniya bani ahiya piya lele ahiya ho sindurwa Bengal Ke," "Kahe to se sajani hamaar jogiya," "Sutal chaliya baba ke bhawanwa," "Sun ho pardesia," "Sasuji se lutri," "Apna sajaniya ke" and "Dulhin dhire dhire chalio." ^[6]

She has one son and one daughter. Son Ashu is a Web Designer and daughter Vandana is married to Sanju Kumar, Vice President (Legal), Yes Bank and lives in New Delhi with her three-year-old daughter Anushka.

Sharda Sinha's all songs are very entertaining and heart touching but her most popular songs is "Patna Se Baida Bulai Da"

References[link]

Rakhi Sawant
Rakhi Sawant at a talk show with Kapil Dev for Aaj Tak channel.
Born	(1978-11-25) November 25, 1978 (age 33) Worli,Mumbai, India
Residence	Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Occupation	Actress, Television presenter, Dancer
Years active	1997–Present

Rakhi Sawant (Hindi: राखी सावंत) (born on 25 November^[1] 1978^[2][3]) is an Indian dancer, Hindi film and television actress, model and television talk show host. She has appeared in many Hindi films and few Kannada, Marathi, Telugu and Tamil films in roles commonly attributed to item girls. She has converted to Christianity.^[4]

Early Life[link]

Rakhi was born as Neeru Bheda to Jaya Bheda. who married Sawant, a police constable at Worli Police Station, and gave her children her second husband's name Sawant. Rakhi attended Goklibai High School in the Vile Parle suburb of Mumbai and later studied at Mithibai College. She is the sister of film director Rakesh Sawant and former actress Usha Sawant.

Career[link]

In 1997, Rakhi debuted with the unnoticed film Agnnichakra as Ruhi Sawant. She continued acting in some low-budget Bollywood films. She did small roles & dance numbers as a junior artist in films like Joru Ka Ghulam, Jis Desh Mein Ganga Rehta Hain & Yeh Raaste Hain Pyaar Ke and went unnoticed.

In 2003, she auditioned for an item number in the Bollywood movie, Chura Liyaa Hai Tumne. She auditioned about four times before being finally selected for her breakthrough item number, "Mohabbat Hai Mirchi", composed by Himesh Reshammiya. She also bagged a small role in the movie for which she gained visibility. After that, Rakhi acted in small roles in some more films including Masti & Main Hoon Na

In 2005, she appeared in the music video "Pardesia" of music album D.J. Hot Remix-Vol.3 & gained popularity for her dancing abilities. After this song, she featured in music videos of many other music albums & Bollywood item numbers.

Television Debut & Success (2006–Present)[link]

In June 2006, Mika Singh, atried to kiss her at his birthday party, which converted into a major media controversy.^[5]. A few months later, she appeared in the first season of the reality show Bigg Boss and was among the top four finalists. She received wider notice as a contestant for her dramatic fights with her housemates in Big Boss's house.^{[citation needed]} In 2007, Rakhi made her singing debut in the album titled Super Girl launched by Venus Records & Tapes Pvt. Ltd. In 2008, She won Yeh Hai Jalwa, a dance-based reality show which aired on 9X. She was the leader of her group named 'Chillar Party'. In 2009, Sawant launched her reality show Rakhi Ka Swayamwar in which she planned to select her future husband by the ancient ritual of Swayamvar. The show became the highest rated in the history of the Imagine TV channel with both its premiere and finale setting records. On 2 August 2009 she chose her life partner, a contestant from Toronto, Canada, Elesh Parujanwala. However, during the finale of the reality show Pati, Patni Aur Woh several months later, Sawant announced that the couple had separated due to irreconcilable differences. She has appeared in number of reality shows as a host, contestant or judge and has become a controversial television personality. In May 2012, she announced that she would be working in the Bengali remake of the film The Dirty Picture.^[6]

Film Career[link]

Item Numbers[link]

Music Videos[link]

Acting Career[link]

Television Career[link]

Guest Appearances[link]

References[link]

External links[link]

• Rakhi Sawant at the Internet Movie Database

This biographical article needs additional citations for verification. Please help by adding reliable sources. Contentious material about living persons that is unsourced or poorly sourced must be removed immediately, especially if potentially libelous or harmful. (April 2011)

The topic of this article may not meet Wikipedia's general notability guideline. Please help to establish notability by adding reliable, secondary sources about the topic. If notability cannot be established, the article is likely to be merged, redirected, or deleted. (June 2011)

Ratan Rajput
Ratan Rajput at Neeta Lulla Store
Occupation	T.V Actress
Years active	2010–present

Ratan Rajput is an Indian actress^[1] best known for her lead roles in the Indian soap Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi Kijo as Laali, a poor village girl, who was sold off by her parents. In the Indian television soap Radhaa Ki Betiyaan Kuch Kar Dikhayengi she played Ruchi Sharma, one of three sisters who are forced to start a new life in Mumbai. She participated in an Indian version of The Bachelorette called Swayamvar Season 3- Ratan Ka Rishta. This Swayamvar came to a conclusion on 3rd July 2011. Ratan chose Abhinav; they got engaged and plan to get married soon.

References[link]

Manoj Tiwari
Born	1 February 1971 Atarwalia, Bihar, India
Other names	Mridul[1]
Occupation	Actor, singer, director, television presenter
Years active	1983 – present
Spouse	Rani Tiwari[2][clarification needed]
Children	One daughter[3]

Manoj Kumar Tiwari (born 1 February 1971)^[3] is a singer, actor, television presenter and music director^{[clarification needed]} from Bihar, India. He has acted in the Bhojpuri genre of the Indian film industry and in 2005 was reported to be one of the two leading male stars of that genre.

Early life[link]

Manoj Tiwari was born on 1 February 1971, one of the six children of Chandra Deo Tiwari and Lalita Devi.^[3] His birthplace was Atarwalia, a small village in Kaimur district of Bihar.^[4]

Career[link]

Prior to Tiwari's involvement in cinema, he had spent ten years working as a singer.^[5]

In 2003, he took a role in the film Sasura Bada Paise Wala. The BBC reported that the production costs of US$ 65,000 were turned into takings of US$ 3 million, while The Hindu reported a 35,000–40,000 lakh cost resulting in takings of 4.5 crore. Indian Express reported a figure of 6.5 crore as the takings. The Bihar Jharkhand Motion Picture Association saw this production as being a turning point for Bhojpuri cinema.^[6][7] He followed this with the successful films Daroga Babu I Love You and Bandhan Toote Na.^[5] Tiwari is reported to have said in 2005 that although the Bhojpuri genre had generally kept to its traditional storylines, "Gone are the double entendres, thin story lines and poor technical quality. Films have been slick and producers are willing to put in close to Rs 80 lakh in a film because the returns are not bad,"^[5]

The BBC reported in 2005 that Tiwari and Ravi Kishan were the biggest male stars in the flourishing Bhojpuri cinema market and that Tiwari was able to charge US$ 90,000 per film.^[6]

In 2010, Tiwari was a contestant in the fourth season of reality television show Bigg Boss.^[8] He was reported by Rediff to say that his wife, Rani, "is angry with me" because she suspected him of having an affair with a fellow contestant, Shweta Tiwari, and that "Arbaaz Khan tweeted and asked people to vote for Ashmit [Patel]. I felt little bad about this because his brother is the host of the show and he is asking people to vote. I somehow didn't understand that angle." When asked whether he thought that the votes were manipulated, he said "I am bound by my contract so I can't comment on this. But it is little hard to believe that I got lesser votes than Ashmit. I guess viewers enjoy watching Veena Malik and Ashmit's fake romance. I really don't understand why the channel is still keeping them inside the house."^[9] NDTV reported a similar story, adding that he had been separated from his wife and child for some months.^[10] Tiwari had previously worked with Shweta Tiwari in two films, Kab Aibu Anganwa Hamaar and Ae Bahuji ke Sister.^[2] By mid-2011 he and his wife, were involved in divorce proceedings regarding their eleven year marriage.^[2]

Tiwari continues to record music and release new albums. He performs around the world in concert.^[11] He released an album, Hey Mahadev, in 2009 that fused traditional music with contemporary genres.^[12] He is listed as being music director for numerous releases.^[13]

Politics[link]

In 2009, Tiwari contested elections for the 15th Lok Sabha as a candidate for the Samajwadi Party in the Gorakhpur constituency. He had been offered a choice of three constituencies and Zeenews reported him as saying that he was not "a political person but was concerned for the development of Poorvanchal region of Uttar Pradesh." His interest was in developing that region and he had "submitted my development proposals to industrialist Anil Ambani".^[14] He lost to Adityanath Yogi.^[15]

His house in Mumbai was allegedly attacked in November 2009 by a group of people angry with remarks that they claimed he had made about Shiv Sena. Tiwari denied having made any comment on the matter, which revolved around a dispute between the Shiv Sena leader, Bal Thackeray, and the Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar.^[16]

In January 2011 Mid-Day reported that the BJP might invite him to join their party and that the association with him would assist their electoral efforts among North Indians. Tiwari dismissed the story as being hypothetical, although he would consider his options should an invitation emerge. He had been seen with BJP leaders at an event and had expressed admiration for Shatrughan Sinha, the BJP MP for Patna.^[17]

Tiwari was among the first celebrities to make an appearance in support of Ramdev's hunger strike at the Ramlila Ground protests on 4 June 2011. He sang various patriotic songs to the gathered protestors and claimed that he had ceased filming for a month in order to join the protest.^[18] In August of that year he was involved in protests surrounding the arrest of Anna Hazare, of whose popular anti-corruption movement he approved.^[19]

Support for cricket[link]

Tiwari is a keen supporter of cricket and played the sport at Benares Hindu University. He has tried to buy the franchise for an Indian Premier League team in order to boost the sport in his home region and is also involved with Kirti Azad's Association of Bihar Cricket, a body that is campaigning to be recognised by the BCCI as the official organisation for Bihar cricket.^[1]

In July 2011, Tiwari announced that he was going to build a 3 crore "temple" to the Indian cricketers Sachin Tendulkar and Mahendra Singh Dhoni on land owned by him in his home village. The "temple" would recognise the India cricket team that had won the 2011 Cricket World Cup and would be named after it. He intends to incorporate training facilities to assist in the development of young cricketers from Bihar, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh, as well as a "world-class" cricket stadium.^[1][4] The "temple" is expected to open in January 2012 and at that time discussions were under way regarding staging international matches at the 40 acres (16 ha) site that he had bought for construction of the stadium.^[20]

Selected filmography[link]

Actor[link]

• Daroga Babu I Love You^[5]
• Bandhan Toote Na^[5]
• Kab Aibu Anganwa Hamaar^[2]
• Ae Bahuji ke Sister^[2]
• Deshdrohi^[21]
• 2006 – Ganga
• 2008 – Bhole Shankar
• 2010 – Hello Darling (Hindi)
• 2011 – Insaaf^[22]
• 2012 – Hello (Hindi)

Television[link]

• Bigg Boss 4 (2010) – Himself
• Sur Sangram (season 1 & 2) – Host^[12]
• Nehle pe Dehla – Host

References[link]

External links[link]

• Official website
• Manoj Tiwari at the Internet Movie Database