Chhath Puja is an ancient Hindu festival celebrated primarily in the northern regions of India, especially in states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand. This festival holds deep cultural and spiritual importance as devotees pray to the Sun God and seek blessings for prosperity, health, and happiness. Known for its elaborate rituals and strict observances, Chhath Puja is a time when families and communities come together to honor nature's life-giving forces.
In today's blog, we will learn more about this festival and understand about traditions and important dates for Chhath Puja 2024.
Chhath Puja 2024 Date & Time
In 2024, Chhath Puja will be celebrated over four days, as is traditional, with each day dedicated to specific rituals that devotees perform with deep reverence. Here’s the schedule for Chhath Puja 2024:
|
Chhath Puja Day |
Chhath Puja Date |
|
Nahay Khay |
November 5 |
|
Lohanda and Kharna |
November 6 |
|
Chhath Puja or Sandhya Arghya |
November 7 |
|
Usha Arghya or Parana Day |
November 8 |
Significance of Chhath Puja 2024
Chhath Puja is unique in Hinduism as it worships the Sun, or Surya Dev, and Chhathi Maiya, the goddess associated with well-being, longevity, and prosperity. Surya is seen as the source of all life on Earth, and this festival acknowledges his role in sustaining life. Devotees believe that offering prayers to the Sun God purifies the soul, fulfills wishes, and grants health, prosperity, and success.
In Hindu culture, the Sun holds a place of reverence as it symbolizes strength, energy, and vitality. During Chhath Puja, devotees immerse themselves in natural waters like rivers or ponds to connect with this energy source. They believe that the sun’s rays, especially during sunrise and sunset, have healing qualities. This is why devotees make their offerings at dawn and dusk, balancing the forces of nature.
Historical Significance of Chhath Puja
The origins of Chhath Puja trace back to the Rigveda, where hymns dedicated to the Sun God emphasizes his importance. The epic Mahabharata also mentions Chhath Puja when Draupadi and the Pandavas performed it to regain their lost kingdom and overcome their struggles. This ritual is said to have been granted divine powers through Surya's blessings, which helped Draupadi fulfill her wishes and bring peace to her family.
Some legends suggest that Lord Rama and Sita observed Chhath Puja upon returning to Ayodhya after their 14-year exile. They followed the rituals to express gratitude to the Sun God, and ever since, it has become a significant festival in regions with rich cultural ties to these epics. Today, Chhath Puja connects people to their roots, bringing them closer to nature and spirituality.
Rituals to Follow During Chhath Puja 2024
Chhath Puja's rituals are intricate and require complete dedication from devotees. Here’s a look at each day’s significance:
- Nahai Khai: The first day of Chhath Puja, known as Nahai Khai, marks the beginning of the purification process. Devotees cleanse themselves and prepare a sattvic (pure) meal to start their fast, signifying purity and spiritual readiness. A simple meal of rice, chana dal, and pumpkin is cooked and shared among family members.
- Kharna: On the second day, Kharna, devotees observe a rigorous fast from sunrise until sunset without water. After sunset, they prepare and offer a meal to the gods, breaking their fast with kheer (a rice pudding made with jaggery), fruits, and other traditional foods. The food is shared with family and neighbors as a blessing.
- Sandhya Arghya: The third day is the most significant part of Chhath Puja. Devotees fast for a full day without water, preparing offerings that include fruits, sweets, and thekua, a traditional Chhath sweet made from wheat flour and jaggery. In the evening, they gather at the riverbanks or other water bodies to offer the evening Arghya (offering) to the setting sun, accompanied by Chhath songs and chants, creating an atmosphere of devotion and unity.
- Usha Arghya: The final day begins early as devotees gather before sunrise to offer the Usha Arghya, or morning offering, to the rising sun. After this, the fast is broken, and families return home with a sense of fulfillment and gratitude. This marks the end of Chhath Puja, with blessings of happiness and prosperity for all.
Chhath Puja also holds a musical essence as devotees sing Chhath Puja songs, which are deeply soulful and capture the spirit of the festival. These songs, sung in Bhojpuri and Maithili, fill the air with chants of faith and togetherness.
Conclusion
Chhath Puja is not just a festival; it's a spiritual journey, a discipline of mind and body, and a dedication to nature’s powers. Celebrated with humility and deep faith, Chhath Puja reminds us of the need to balance our lives and to thank the universe for sustaining us. As families gather to worship the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya, they also connect to their ancestors, traditions, and the divine forces around them.
The rituals of Chhath Puja offer a unique experience of devotion, simplicity, and unity. In 2024, as the Sun rises and sets over the waters, devotees will once again renew their faith and gratitude in this timeless celebration of life.
Also Read - kartik Month 2024
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
How long does Chhath Puja last?
Chhath Puja is celebrated over four days. Each day has specific rituals that are observed with dedication. It begins with a purification day called Nahai Khai, followed by Kharna (when fasting begins), Sandhya Arghya (offering to the setting sun), and ends with Usha Arghya (offering to the rising sun). This four-day sequence of fasting, worship, and prayer brings families and communities together in devotion.
Why do people observe such strict fasting during Chhath Puja?
The fasting in Chhath Puja is considered an act of purification and devotion. Devotees believe that fasting helps them focus deeply on their prayers and brings them closer to the divine. Many people fast without water for an entire day or two, a practice that symbolizes self-discipline, respect for the Sun God, and gratitude for life’s blessings. It’s believed that these strict fasts, along with the ritual bathing in rivers, cleanse both body and soul, attracting divine energy and blessings.
What are the offerings made during Chhath Puja?
During Chhath Puja, devotees prepare and offer a variety of traditional items, including seasonal fruits, thekua (a sweet made from wheat flour and jaggery), rice, and coconuts. Offerings are carried in bamboo baskets to water bodies where devotees perform the Arghya (offering) to the Sun. Other common items include flowers, sugarcane, betel leaves, and diyas (small oil lamps), each symbolizing devotion, purity, and prosperity.
Where is Chhath Puja mainly celebrated?
Chhath Puja is especially popular in the northern Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh. It is also widely observed in parts of Nepal. Due to migration, you can now find celebrations in other parts of India and even internationally, particularly in cities with a significant population from these states. Places like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata see large gatherings of devotees by rivers or ponds to celebrate Chhath Puja.
What are some precautions taken during Chhath Puja?
Chhath Puja rituals require devotees to gather by water bodies, which can be challenging. Therefore, certain precautions are essential:
- Sanitation and Hygiene: Since the offerings involve water rituals, devotees take care to keep the surroundings clean and avoid polluting water bodies.
- Health Considerations: The fast is physically demanding, especially with no food or water for an extended period, so devotees need to be prepared and avoid pushing beyond their health limits.
- Safety Near Water: Since large crowds gather at rivers, lakes, or ponds, safety is a priority. Volunteers or community members often help manage the crowds to prevent accidents.
- Use of Natural Materials: To keep the rituals environmentally friendly, natural items like bamboo baskets and diyas are used instead of plastic
Also Read
Richest Temples in India | Top 10 Biggest Temples in India
