Chhath Puja is a very big festival that is observed in reverence to the Sun God, Surya and Chhathi Maiya, the Goddess Shashti. It is done with utmost devotion across North India, particularly in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh. It is a four-day festival symbolizing thanksgiving to the Sun for providing life to the earth and requesting it for prosperity and good health.
Chhath Puja is unique as it focuses on worshiping the natural sources of energy, particularly the Sun, who is revered as the giver of life, health, and happiness. The festival emphasizes purity, simplicity, and gratitude. Devotees believe that worshipping the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya ensures good health, prosperity, and harmony in their families. The Sun’s powerful energy is honored for its role in sustaining life on Earth and providing growth and vitality.
Chhath Puja 2024 Timmings
| Day | Sunrise Time | Sunset Time |
|---|---|---|
| Nahay Khay | 6:36 am | 5:33 pm |
| Kharna | 6:37 am | 5:32 pm |
| Sandhya Arghya | 6:35 am | 5:32 pm |
| Usha Arghya | 6:37am | 5:31 pm |
Key Rituals And Practices
The festival has several rituals, which hold spiritual value, and all of them are performed with utmost dedication. Here is a breakdown of the main rituals associated with each day of Chhath Puja.
-Nahay Khay (Day 1)
The preliminary day of Chhath Puja is celebrated with pujas like bathing in holy rivers and cooking simple, vegetarian dishes only. The term “Nahay Khay” actually represents bath and eat, indicating the beginning of the ritual fast. All rooms are cleaned to present the dwelling place as a clean holy space for worship.
-Kharna (Day 2)
On the second day, devotees have a fast that lasts till sunset. In the evening, they break their fast by performing a worship ritual and then partake of prasad made of jaggery, rice, and milk called “kheer” before entering into a 36-hour nirjala fast without water, which is an integral to Chhath Puja rituals.
-Sandhya Arghya Day 3
The most significant day is the third one. Here, devotees gather on river banks, ponds, or any other water body to offer arghya to the setting sun. It is the evening rituals characterized by singing traditional Chhath songs and lighting diyas or oil lamps, with a serene and beautiful atmosphere because devotees thank the Sun God.
-Usha Arghya (Day 4)
On the last dayof Chath Puja devotees offer their prayers to the rising sun and the fast is broken by offering the morning arghya. They then distribute prasad exchanged as good wishes among the members and friends.
Chhath Puja is a time of spiritual cleansing, gratitude, and devotion. With its rigorous fasting and unique customs, the festival highlights the reverence for nature and gratitude for life. Whether participating in the puja or witnessing it, Chhath Puja embodies the profound connection between humans, nature, and divinity.
