Chhath Pooja 2024: A Detailed Overview

Introduction

Chhath Pooja is an ancient Hindu festival dedicated to the Sun God (Surya) and his wife Usha (Chhathi Maiya). Celebrated with great devotion and fervor, particularly in the Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and the Terai regions of Nepal, Chhath Pooja is one of the most significant festivals for the devotees of the Sun God. In 2024, Chhath Pooja will be observed from November 5th to November 8th.

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Historical Significance

Chhath Pooja has its roots in the Vedic period. The rituals performed during this festival are believed to date back to ancient times when sages (rishis) would perform rigorous rituals while praying to the Sun God. The festival’s significance is also found in various Hindu scriptures, including the Rigveda, where hymns are dedicated to the Sun God.

Mythologically, Chhath Pooja is linked to the Mahabharata. It is believed that Draupadi and the Pandavas performed the rituals of Chhath Pooja to regain their lost kingdom and to seek blessings for their well-being. Another legend speaks of Lord Rama and Sita performing the Chhath rituals upon returning to Ayodhya after their 14-year exile, marking the festival’s auspiciousness.

Significance of Chhath Pooja

Chhath Pooja is a festival that celebrates the setting sun as well as the rising sun, symbolizing the cycle of birth and death and the significance of maintaining balance in nature. Devotees offer their gratitude to the Sun God for sustaining life on earth and seek his blessings for health, wealth, and prosperity. The festival also emphasizes the importance of environmental preservation and harmony with nature.

Rituals and Practices

The rituals of Chhath Pooja are rigorous and span four days. Each day has its unique significance and set of rituals:

Nahay Khay (November 5, 2024):
Kharna (November 6, 2024):
Sandhya Arghya (November 7, 2024):
Usha Arghya (November 8, 2024):

Pooja Procedure of Chhath Pooja

Day 1: Nahay Khay (November 5, 2024)

Morning Bath:
- Devotees take a holy dip in a river or pond.
- They bring the sacred water home for preparing prasad.
Cleaning:
- The entire house is thoroughly cleaned to maintain purity.
Preparation of Meal:
- Only one meal is consumed on this day.
- The meal typically includes rice, dal (lentils), and pumpkin.
- Food is cooked using the sacred water brought from the river.

Day 2: Kharna (November 6, 2024)

Day-long Fast:
- Devotees observe a day-long fast without consuming water.
Evening Rituals:
- Pooja preparations begin in the evening.
- The prasad includes kheer (sweet rice pudding made with milk), puris (deep-fried bread), and fruits.
Breaking the Fast:
- The fast is broken after offering the prasad to Chhathi Maiya.
- Devotees then observe a 36-hour nirjala fast (without water).

Day 3: Sandhya Arghya (November 7, 2024)

Preparation of Prasad:
- Special prasad is prepared, including thekua (a traditional sweet made of wheat flour), rice laddus, fruits, and other homemade delicacies.
Procession to the Riverbank:
- In the evening, devotees carry prasad in soop (bamboo baskets) and head to the riverbank or a water body.
Sandhya Arghya (Evening Offerings):
- Devotees stand in the water and offer Arghya (offerings) to the setting sun.
- Traditional songs and prayers are sung during the ritual.
Lighting of Diyas:
- Diyas (oil lamps) are lit and floated on the water.

Day 4: Usha Arghya (November 8, 2024)

Early Morning Preparation:
- Devotees wake up before dawn and prepare for the morning rituals.
Procession to the Riverbank:
- Devotees carry prasad and head to the riverbank or water body.
Usha Arghya (Morning Offerings):
- Devotees stand in the water and offer Arghya to the rising sun.
- Traditional songs and prayers are sung during the ritual.
Breaking the Fast:
- After offering Arghya, devotees break their fast by consuming the prasad.
- The prasad is shared with family and friends, marking the end of the festival.

General Observances

Purity and Cleanliness:
- Devotees maintain strict cleanliness and purity throughout the festival.
- They wear new or freshly washed clothes.
Devotional Songs and Prayers:
- Traditional Chhath songs and prayers are sung during the rituals.
- Devotees seek blessings for health, wealth, and prosperity.
Community Participation:
- The festival is often celebrated with community participation.
- Friends, relatives, and neighbors join in the processions and rituals

Environmental and Health Benefits

Chhath Pooja is not just a religious festival; it also has significant environmental and health benefits. The rituals promote cleanliness and hygiene as devotees clean their surroundings and water bodies. The practice of fasting and consuming simple, homemade food helps detoxify the body and promotes physical well-being. The early morning and evening rituals also expose devotees to the beneficial rays of the sun, which are known to boost immunity and overall health.

Conclusion

Chhath Pooja is a festival that beautifully blends spirituality, devotion, and environmental awareness. It is a time when families and communities come together to celebrate and express gratitude to the Sun God for his life-sustaining energy. The festival’s rituals and practices have been passed down through generations, preserving the rich cultural heritage of the regions where it is celebrated. As we prepare to observe Chhath Pooja in 2024, let us embrace the festival’s essence and seek the Sun God’s blessings for a prosperous and harmonious life.