Chhath Puja 2024

Chhath Puja 2024: A Profound Journey of Devotion and Gratitude Over Four Days- Celebrated with profound spiritual fervor, Chhath Puja is a unique festival dedicated to the worship of Lord Surya, the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya, who is believed to be the sister of Lord Surya according to Hindu mythology. This remarkable festival is not just a ritual but a heartfelt expression of gratitude to the Sun God for sustaining life on Earth, emphasizing the integral relationship between humans and nature.

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Chhath Puja 2024: Dates and Timings

Chhath Puja unfolds over four days, each day steeped in unique rituals and significance. Traditionally observed twice a year, this festival occurs in Chaitra and Kartik months of the Vikram Samvat calendar. However, the Kartik Shukla Shashti celebration holds special significance. The festival is typically celebrated six days after Diwali, aligning it with the lunar calendar.

Chhath Puja 2024 Schedule:

Day 1: Nahay-Khay

Date: November 5, 2024 (Tuesday)

Sunrise: 06:36 AM | Sunset: 05:33 PM

Day 2: Lohanda and Kharna

Date: November 6, 2024 (Wednesday)

Sunrise: 06:37 AM | Sunset: 05:32 PM

Day 3: Chhath Puja, Sandhya Arghya

Date: November 7, 2024 (Thursday)

Sunrise: 06:38 AM | Sunset: 05:32 PM

Shashthi Tithi (Start): 12:41 AM, November 7, 2024

Shashthi Tithi (End): 12:34 AM, November 8, 2024

Day 4: Usha Arghya, Parana Day

Date: November 8, 2024 (Friday)

Sunrise: 06:38 AM | Sunset: 05:31 PM

Significance of Chhath Puja

Chhath Puja, also referred to as Dala Chhath, Surya Shashthi or Dala Puja, holds monumental significance within the Hindu community. On this occasion, devotees venerate both Goddess Shashti, known as Chhathi Maiya and Lord Surya, both revered with utmost devotion and respect.

Worship of Lord Surya:

The Sun God is perceived as a divine entity that provides life to all living beings on Earth. According to Hindu Vedic texts, the Sun’s rays possess the power to eliminate negativity and cure ailments. Devotees believe that worshiping Lord Surya not only brings self-confidence and wellness but also fulfills their desires.

Honor to Chhathi Maiya:

Chhathi Maiya, also known as Shashthi Devi in Hinduism, is honored alongside the Sun God. Regarded as the daughter of Lord Brahma, she is also celebrated as Goddess Katyayani during Navratri. Devotees believe that worshiping Chhathi Maiya ensures the longevity and well-being of their children. This belief fosters a deep commitment among women, who primarily observe the fast for the health and prosperity of their family members.

The fast observed during Chhath Puja is considered one of the most challenging, as women often undergo a rigorous waterless fast for the wellness of their families. Through this practice, they seek the blessings of both Chhathi Maiya and Lord Surya, hoping to bring happiness and wealth into their lives.

Understanding the Rituals of Chhath Puja

The Chhath Puja festival is a celebration of four distinct days, each featuring its own rituals and practices that reflect the essence of devotion and perseverance.

Day 1: Nahay Khay

The first day, Nahay Khay, marks the initiation of Chhath Puja. Devotees commence this day by taking a holy dip in the sacred waters of the Ganges. After cleansing themselves, they purify their homes using Gangajal and prepare for the day by consuming a single vegetarian meal known as Kaddu-Bhat. This meal is traditionally prepared with pumpkin and rice and women observing the fast restrict themselves to just one meal on this day.

Day 2: Lohanda and Kharna

On the second day, known as Lohanda and Kharna, devotees observe a strict fast without any water. The day is dedicated to honoring the Sun God. At sunset, they offer prayers and make food offerings, which typically include Kheer (a sweet dish made with jaggery), fruits and Puriyah or Chapatis prepared in generous amounts of Ghee. This meal marks the conclusion of their fast for the day.

Day 3: Sandhya Arghya

The third day is dedicated to Sandhya Arghya, during which devotees offer Arghya to the setting Sun on Kartik Shukla Shashti. This is a significant moment of the festival, where families gather to present their offerings to the Sun God. The offerings include a beautifully decorated bamboo basket filled with seasonal fruits, Thekua and rice Laddus. While performing this ritual, devotees stand in water and offer milk and water to the Sun, ensuring that Chhathi Maiya is also revered.

As night falls, the atmosphere is filled with devotion. Women wear turmeric yellow or saffron-colored sarees, singing songs dedicated to Goddess Shashti and reciting the Vrat Katha. Afterward, a festive ritual known as Kosi Bharai is performed, where five sugarcanes are tied together to form a Mandap. This mandap becomes the focal point for further rituals on the following day.

Day 4: Usha Arghya

The final day of Chhath Puja is celebrated with Usha Arghya, where devotees present offerings to the rising Sun. Before sunrise, they journey to the riverbank, standing knee-deep in water to offer their Arghya and prayers. This day is marked by a culmination of rituals where devotees seek blessings for the protection of their children and the well-being of their families.

Following the Arghya offering, the 36-hour-long fast is concluded. Devotees traditionally consume Chhath Prasad before drinking raw milk, water, or Sharbat to break their fast. This initial meal, known as Parana, typically consists of a small piece of ginger covered in honey or jaggery, followed by a return to their pure vegetarian diet.

The conclusion of the festival is celebrated with shared meals and offerings, marking the end of a spiritually enriching journey. The Prasad prepared for this occasion is strictly vegetarian and includes various dishes, ensuring purity in preparation by avoiding onions, garlic and salt.

In recent years, the vibrant celebrations of Chhath Puja have gained immense popularity, showcasing a rich tapestry of cultural traditions.

Chhath Puja: A Celebration Across Regions

While Chhath Puja is celebrated with great enthusiasm throughout India, it holds particular significance in the states of Bihar, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh. The fervor is also palpable in Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Chandigarh, Goa and Maharashtra. Beyond India, the festival is embraced with reverence in Nepal.

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Chhath Puja transcends geographical boundaries, uniting people from various backgrounds in the worship of the Sun God. This festival embodies the collective hope for prosperity, harmony and overall well-being, resonating deeply within the hearts of its devotees.

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