Chhath Pooja – 20th November 2020
We worship god Sun (Surya) on the auspicious day of Chhath Pooja. The god Sun is called god of energy being, prosperity and progress.
At the regional level, there is a different enthusiasm about this festival in Bihar and Utter Pradesh. Chhath Puja is mainly a festival of worship of Suryadev. According to mythological beliefs, Chhath is the sister of the Sun God. It is believed that by performing Suryopasana in Chhath festival, Goddess Chhath is happy and gives happiness and peace in the family.
When is the festival of Chhath Puja celebrated?
This festival of worship of Sun God is celebrated twice a year. Chaitra Shukla Shashthi and Kartik Shukla Shashthi are celebrated on these two dates. However, Chhath festival celebrated on Kartik Shukla Shashthi is considered to be the main one. Kartik Chhath Puja is considered to have special significance. This festival lasting four days is known by many names like Chhath Puja, Dala Chhath, Chhathi Mai, Chhath, Chhath Mai Puja, Surya Shashthi Puja etc.
Why do Chhath Puja
Everyone has their own reasons for performing Chhath Puja or fasting, but mainly Chhath Puja is done to worship the Sun God and get his grace. Health is good with the grace of Sun God. Due to the grace of Sun God, the house is full of money and grains. Goddess Chhathi provides children. This fast is also kept for the best children of the sun. This fast is also kept to fulfill your wishes.
Four days of Chhath Puja
The festival of Chhath Puja lasts for four days –
Nahai Khay – Nahai Khaye is first day of Chhath Puja – Even though the festival of Chhath Puja is celebrated on Kartik Shukla Shashthi, it starts with Nahai Khay on Kartik Shukla Chaturthi. It is believed that on this day, The Varti takes bath, wears new clothes and takes vegetarian food. The rest of the members of home eat only after the Varti meal.
Kharna – Kharna is the second day of Chhath Puja – Kartik Shukla Panchami is kept fast throughout the day and in the evening, Varti also takes food. This is called kharna. On this day, fasting is done without consuming food and water. In the evening, kheer is made from rice and jaggery and eaten. Salt and sugar are not used on the day of Kharna. Rice bread and ghee roti are also distributed as kharna prasad.
Prasad of Chhath Puja is made on the day of Shashthi. Thekua is special in this. In some places it is also called Tikri. Prasad and fruits are decorated in bamboo baskets. By worshiping the basket, all the fasters go to the pond, river or ghat etc. to offer arghya to the Sun. Bathing is done to worship the setting sun.
The process of sunset worship is repeated on the next day i.e., Saptami, even at sunrise in the morning. Chhath Puja is done by duly worshiping and distributing prasad.
Muhurt for Chhath Pooja
Date: Friday, November 20, 2020
Suryodaya Argh – 06:48 AM
Sandhya Argh – 05:25 PM
