Chhath Puja is one of the most ancient and significant festivals celebrated primarily in the Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Nepal.
It is dedicated to the worship of Surya Dev (Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya, the goddess associated with the nurturing and protective aspects of the sun. The festival is known for its strict rituals, reverence for nature, and the devotion of millions who seek blessings for health, prosperity, and longevity.
In 2024, Chhath Puja will be observed with immense enthusiasm and devotion. This blog will cover the date, time, rituals, and the significance of this sacred festival.
Chhath Puja 2024: Date and Timings
Chhath Puja usually falls six days after Diwali, during the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) in the month of Kartik (October–November).
The festival spans four days, each marked by a unique set of rituals and offerings. In 2024, Chhath Puja will be observed from Tuesday, November 5 to Friday, November 8.
Here is a detailed breakdown of the Chhath Puja dates and timings for 2024:
a. Nahay Khay (Day 1): November 5, 2024 (Tuesday)
This is the first day of Chhath Puja, where devotees cleanse themselves and their surroundings. The process starts with bathing in a holy river or water body, symbolizing purification.
Devotees prepare a simple meal of rice, chana dal, and pumpkin cooked in ghee. This is the first offering and meal taken during the festival, emphasizing simplicity and purity.
b. Lohanda and Kharna (Day 2): November 6, 2024 (Wednesday)
On the second day, known as Kharna, devotees observe a strict fast throughout the day without even drinking water. They break their fast in the evening after worshipping Chhathi Maiya.
The meal prepared for Kharna is a simple offering consisting of kheer (rice pudding made with jaggery), puris (fried bread), and fruits. This prasad is then shared with friends and family, symbolizing communal harmony.
c. Sandhya Arghya (Day 3): November 7, 2024 (Thursday)
The third day is the most significant. Devotees observe a 36-hour nirjala fast (without water) and prepare for the evening ritual known as Sandhya Arghya, where they offer prayers to the setting sun.
The ritual involves devotees standing in water bodies like rivers or ponds, holding offerings in bamboo baskets that include fruits, sweets, and thekua (a traditional sweet). They then offer arghya (water) to the setting sun while chanting mantras and prayers.
This evening is marked by an atmosphere of devotion and spirituality as thousands gather by riverbanks, singing traditional songs and praying for their family’s well-being.
d. Usha Arghya (Day 4): November 8, 2024 (Friday)
The final day of Chhath Puja is dedicated to the worship of the rising sun, known as Usha Arghya. Devotees once again stand in water bodies, this time facing the east as they offer prayers to the sun at dawn.
This ritual symbolizes gratitude for the life-giving energy of the sun, which sustains all life on Earth. After offering Usha Arghya, devotees break their fast and share the prasad with their families and communities.
The festival concludes with families visiting each other, exchanging greetings, and enjoying the prasad prepared during the rituals.
The Importance of Chhath Puja
Chhath Puja is not only a religious festival but also a celebration of nature, health, and harmony. It holds deep cultural, spiritual, and environmental significance, which makes it a unique and highly revered festival among Hindus.
Here are some of the key aspects that highlight the importance of Chhath Puja:
a. Worship of Surya Dev (Sun God)
The sun is the primary deity of Chhath Puja, symbolizing energy, vitality, and life. The sun is considered the source of all energy, and worshipping it is believed to bring good health, longevity, and prosperity.
Surya Dev is seen as the god who nourishes life on Earth, and by offering prayers during Chhath Puja, devotees express their gratitude for his life-sustaining energy.
b. Veneration of Chhathi Maiya
Chhathi Maiya, also known as Usha, is the divine goddess worshipped alongside Surya Dev during the festival.
She is believed to be the protector of children and families. Devotees seek her blessings for the welfare and longevity of their loved ones, especially their children.
The rituals performed during Chhath Puja aim to invoke her blessings for the overall prosperity and happiness of the family.
c. Promotion of Health and Detoxification
Chhath Puja is often associated with cleansing and purification. The rigorous fasting and the consumption of simple, natural foods help detoxify the body.
The tradition of fasting for 36 hours without water is seen as a way to purify the mind and body, strengthening the devotees’ willpower and self-discipline.
d. Environmental Significance
Chhath Puja is a festival that emphasizes the importance of nature. The rituals take place near water bodies, such as rivers, ponds, and lakes, highlighting the sacredness of natural resources.
Devotees use eco-friendly materials like bamboo baskets, clay pots, and natural offerings, which showcase the festival’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
This practice aligns with the traditional values of Hindu culture, which stress the preservation and respect for nature.
e. Community Bonding and Harmony
Chhath Puja is a communal festival that brings families and communities together. People gather by the riversides, prepare prasad collectively, and support each other in the rituals, fostering a sense of unity and togetherness.
It is common for neighbors, relatives, and friends to come together to celebrate, irrespective of caste, creed, or social status.
This communal harmony reflects the festival’s broader message of peace and unity.
f. Spiritual Discipline and Devotion
Chhath Puja is also a time for spiritual introspection and discipline. Devotees follow strict rituals, such as fasting, bathing in sacred rivers, and performing prayers with utmost devotion.
These practices are believed to cleanse the soul, bring inner peace, and strengthen one’s connection with the divine.
The devotion and austerity observed during Chhath Puja help devotees build resilience and mental strength, fostering a deeper sense of spirituality.
Rituals and Practices of Chhath Puja
Chhath Puja is characterized by its disciplined rituals and the unwavering devotion of its followers. Here’s a detailed look at the various rituals that make up the festival:
a. Nahay Khay: The Purification Ritual
On the first day, devotees purify themselves by bathing in holy rivers or ponds. This act symbolizes the cleansing of both the body and soul.
They prepare a simple vegetarian meal, often including dishes like pumpkin curry, rice, and lentils cooked in ghee. This meal, prepared without garlic and onions, is consumed to maintain purity and simplicity.
b. Kharna: The Day of Fasting
Kharna is marked by a day-long fast where devotees abstain from drinking even a drop of water. This fast is broken in the evening after offering prayers to Chhathi Maiya.
The offering prepared for this ritual includes jaggery-based kheer and roti, symbolizing purity and simplicity. Devotees share the prasad with their families, reinforcing the sense of togetherness and devotion.
c. Sandhya Arghya: Offering to the Setting Sun
The third day is the most significant, as devotees offer arghya to the setting sun. This ritual is conducted with great devotion and involves standing waist-deep in water, holding bamboo baskets filled with offerings.
Devotees pray for the well-being of their families, health, and prosperity. The act of offering water and fruits to the sun is symbolic of surrendering to nature’s power and expressing gratitude for the sun’s life-giving energy.
d. Usha Arghya: Worship of the Rising Sun
On the final day, devotees gather before sunrise to offer arghya to the rising sun. This ritual, conducted in silence, symbolizes renewal, hope, and the beginning of a new day filled with blessings.
The prasad prepared during this time is shared among family members and friends, marking the end of the fasting period and the completion of the rituals.
Historical and Mythological Significance of Chhath Puja
The origins of Chhath Puja are deeply rooted in Indian mythology and history. It is believed that the practice of worshipping the sun and observing Chhath rituals dates back to the Vedic period, when sages and rishis worshipped Surya Dev to harness his energy for spiritual and physical benefits. The festival is also linked to various legends:
a. The Legend of Draupadi
According to the Mahabharata, Draupadi, the wife of the Pandavas, observed Chhath Puja to seek blessings for the well-being of her family. Her devotion to Surya Dev is said to have brought prosperity and aided the Pandavas during their
exile. The legend of Draupadi emphasizes the power of devotion and the importance of Chhath Puja as a means to invoke divine blessings for health, wealth, and protection.
It also highlights how the festival has been a part of Indian culture for thousands of years, tying it to the ancient scriptures and the heroic figures of mythology.
b. The Story of Lord Rama and Sita
Another significant legend associated with Chhath Puja involves Lord Rama and Sita. It is believed that after returning to Ayodhya following their 14-year exile and defeating Ravana, Lord Rama and Sita performed Chhath Puja.
They observed the rituals to honor Surya Dev and express their gratitude for the blessings received.
Their observance of the festival marked the beginning of Chhath Puja in its current form, as it became a tradition passed down through generations.
c. The Tale of Karna
Karna, one of the central characters of the Mahabharata, was known for his devotion to Surya Dev. As the son of the Sun God, he performed daily rituals to worship his father and gain strength and valor.
His deep devotion and regular observance of sun worship are believed to be precursors to the Chhath rituals.
The association of Karna with the festival reinforces the importance of Chhath Puja as a means of connecting with divine energy and seeking strength.
Preparations for Chhath Puja
Chhath Puja requires meticulous preparation, and devotees begin the arrangements well in advance to ensure everything is done with purity and devotion.
The preparations are centered around maintaining cleanliness, preparing traditional foods, and sourcing the necessary items for the rituals.
a. Cleaning and Purification of the House
Devotees thoroughly clean their homes and surroundings, as purity is a core principle of the festival. The kitchens, where the prasad and offerings are prepared, are especially cleaned and sanitized.
The environment in and around the house is purified using incense sticks and earthen lamps, which create an ambiance of spirituality and sanctity.
b. Preparation of Traditional Foods
The food items prepared during Chhath Puja are strictly vegetarian, and many of them are made without the use of common spices like garlic and onions to maintain purity.
Traditional sweets like thekua, made of wheat flour, jaggery, and ghee, are prepared as an offering to Surya Dev. Other offerings include fruits, sugarcane, coconuts, and radishes.
c. Collecting the Ritual Materials
Bamboo baskets, clay pots, and other eco-friendly materials are used during the rituals. These items are typically collected days in advance to ensure that they meet the traditional requirements.
Devotees also procure fresh fruits and vegetables, considered essential for the offerings. These items are chosen carefully, as they symbolize nature's bounty and the blessings of Surya Dev.
d. Arranging for the River or Water Body
One of the most important elements of Chhath Puja is the worship of Surya Dev near a river or water body. Families often travel to nearby rivers or ponds, where temporary structures are set up for the rituals.
Some devotees even create temporary water bodies at home if they cannot access a river, ensuring that the rituals can be performed correctly.
Chhath Puja 2024: A Celebration of Devotion and Nature
Chhath Puja is a festival that beautifully blends devotion, spirituality, and respect for nature. It teaches us to live in harmony with our surroundings, honor the natural forces that sustain life, and practice gratitude. The four-day festival is a reminder of the power of faith, the importance of discipline, and the strength that lies in unity and tradition.
As we prepare to celebrate Chhath Puja 2024, let us remember its significance and the values it imparts. Whether you are participating in the rituals or observing them from afar, the spirit of Chhath Puja lies in gratitude, devotion, and the unity of families and communities coming together to seek the blessings of Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya.
Conclusion
Chhath Puja 2024 will be a time for millions of devotees to reconnect with their cultural and spiritual roots. The festival's date, rituals, and significance emphasize the importance of maintaining harmony with nature, showing gratitude for the sun’s life-giving energy, and praying for the well-being of loved ones.
Whether celebrated on the ghats of the Ganges or in a distant city, Chhath Puja remains a timeless tradition that binds communities together in devotion, unity, and faith.
By honoring these rituals with reverence and keeping the environment in mind, Chhath Puja continues to be a shining example of India's deep spiritual and cultural heritage.