Chhath Puja, one of the most significant and ancient Hindu festivals dedicated to the Sun God (Surya) and Chhathi Maiya (the sister of Surya), is celebrated with immense devotion and elaborate rituals. This four-day festival is observed primarily in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Nepal, but it has gained recognition and participation in many parts of India and among the diaspora worldwide. Let’s explore the key details, significance, and timings for Chhath Puja 2024.
Puja Timings for 2024
According to drik panchang,
Nahay Khay: November 5 from 6:36 AM till 5:33 PM
Lohanda and Kharna: November 6 from 6:37 AM to 5:32 PM
Sandhya Arghya: November 7 from 6:38 AM to 5:32 PM
Usha Arghya: November 8 from 6:38 AM to 5:31 PM
Significance of Chhath Puja
The essence of Chhath Puja lies in the worship of the Sun God, who is considered the source of all life and energy. Devotees believe that offering prayers to Surya grants health, prosperity, and well-being. Chhathi Maiya, regarded as a protective motherly figure, is also honored for bestowing blessings and fulfilling wishes.
Rituals of Chhath Puja
Nahay Khay: The first day marks the beginning of the festival, where devotees cleanse themselves and their surroundings, symbolizing the purification of body and soul. This day involves the preparation of a simple meal, which is typically kaddu-bhaat (pumpkin and rice) cooked in a traditional clay or bronze vessel.
Lohanda and Kharna: On the second day, devotees observe a day-long fast that ends after sunset. They break the fast with offerings of jaggery-based rice pudding (kheer) and chapatis, prepared without salt or oil. This day marks the preparation for the main fasting period.
Sandhya Arghya (Evening Offerings): The third day is the most prominent part of the festival, where devotees gather by riverbanks or water bodies to offer arghya (offerings) to the setting sun. They sing traditional songs, pray, and stand in waist-deep water as they present fruits and thekua (a sweet made of whole wheat flour and jaggery).
Usha Arghya (Morning Offerings) and Parana: The final day involves offering arghya to the rising sun at dawn. The fast concludes after this ritual, and Vratis break their fast with prasad shared with family and friends.
Conclusion
Chhath Puja 2024 promises to be a spiritually enriching celebration, marking the devotion and reverence for the Sun God and his consort, Usha. The festival, celebrated over four days, holds immense cultural and religious significance, especially in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and parts of Nepal. It is a time for families to come together, engage in fasting, prayers, and rituals, to seek blessings for prosperity, health, and well-being. With its unique customs, including offerings to the setting and rising sun, Chhath Puja fosters a deep sense of gratitude towards nature and the divine. As people prepare to observe the dates and timings for the 2024 festivities, this auspicious occasion will continue to unite communities, celebrate tradition, and reinforce the importance of faith, purity, and devotion.
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