Chhath Puja, also known as Surya Shashti, is a significant festival celebrated to honor the Sun God, Surya, for bringing light, energy, and life to Earth. This ancient Vedic festival is observed mainly in the Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and in some parts of Nepal. It is celebrated with great devotion and reverence, as families pray for the well-being, prosperity, and progress of their loved ones. In 2024, Chhath Puja will be observed on Thursday, November 7.
Chhath Puja 2024: Date and Time
| Event | Date and Time |
| hhath Puja | Thursday, November 7, 2024 |
| Sunrise on Chhath Puja Day | 06:37 AM |
| Sunset on Chhath Puja Day | 05:31 PM |
Chhath Puja is more than a religious celebration; it is a display of gratitude to Surya, the deity of light, warmth, and the life force. Devotees believe that the Sun God nourishes life on Earth and that his blessings can bring health, happiness, and success. This festival is unique as it involves praying to both the setting and rising sun, symbolizing the cycle of life and the importance of gratitude for each day.
The rituals of Chhath Puja are known for their strict adherence and reflect deep spirituality, discipline, and purity. It is believed that worshipping Surya during Chhath Puja can eliminate negativity from one’s life and bestow positivity and prosperity.
Chhath Puja: Rituals and Celebrations
The Chhath Puja is a four-day event filled with rituals that require devotees to maintain strict discipline. Each day has its significance and rituals that symbolize purification, gratitude, and devotion. Here’s a day-by-day breakdown of Chhath Puja:
Day 1: Nahai Khai
The first day, called Nahai Khai, marks the beginning of the Chhath Puja. Devotees take a holy dip in a river or other water bodies to purify themselves. This day focuses on cleanliness, as devotees bring pure ingredients into their homes for cooking prasad (sacred food offerings).
Day 2: Kharna
The second day, Kharna, is when devotees observe a fast from sunrise to sunset. They prepare prasad made of rice, jaggery, and wheat, and break their fast in the evening after offering it to the deity. The prasad is then distributed to family members and neighbors as a mark of sharing and community bonding.
Day 3: Sandhya Arghya
The third day, known as Sandhya Arghya, involves offering "arghya" (prayers and offerings) to the setting sun. Devotees and their families gather at riversides or other water bodies to perform this ritual, where they offer fruits, sugarcane, and prasad to Surya as a mark of respect and devotion.
Day 4: Usha Arghya
On the final day, Usha Arghya, devotees pray to the rising sun. This day marks the conclusion of the Chhath Puja rituals. Devotees break their fast by offering prasad to the Sun God and distributing it among family, friends, and neighbors. This ritual symbolizes gratitude for life and the renewal of spiritual energy.
Chhath Puja: Symbolism and Beliefs
Chhath Puja is celebrated with simplicity, dedication, and purity. The offerings, including fruits, vegetables, and sweets, represent the gifts of nature, and the ritual of fasting and prayers signifies the devotees' willingness to cleanse their body, mind, and soul. The primary essence of Chhath Puja is gratitude, as it fosters respect for natural resources and the harmonious relationship between nature and humankind.
Devotees believe that Chhathi Maiya (another name for Goddess Usha) is a protector of children and brings happiness and well-being to families. Worshipping her during Chhath Puja is thought to strengthen family ties and bless devotees with peace and prosperity.
Chhath Puja: Regional Names and Variations
While widely known as Chhath Puja, this festival has other regional names, reflecting the diverse cultural fabric of India. It is also called:
- Surya Shashti
- Chhathi
- Chhath Parv
- Dala Puja
- Dala Chhath
Each name reflects local traditions, yet the core essence of gratitude to the Sun God remains the same.
Chhath Puja 2024: Key Takeaways
- Date: Thursday, November 7, 2024
- Primary Deity: Sun God (Surya) and Chhathi Maiya (Goddess Usha)
- Significance: Celebrates the life force, energy, and blessings of nature.
- Observance: Four-day event with rituals that include fasting, offerings to the setting and rising sun, and prayers for prosperity.
Chhath Puja is a unique festival that connects people with nature and emphasizes the importance of gratitude, purity, and devotion. As families gather to honor the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya, they find peace, unity, and renewed spiritual strength. The rituals of Chhath Puja are an opportunity for devotees to express their thanks for life’s blessings and to reaffirm their commitment to humility, discipline, and the protection of nature.
Whether participating in the rituals or sending heartfelt wishes, Chhath Puja is a time for reflection, devotion, and joy. As we observe Chhath Puja in 2024, may the blessings of Surya bring light, happiness, and prosperity to all.
Also Read | Happy Chhath Puja 2024: Top 40+ Best Chhath Puja Wishes, Messages, Status, Quotes & Greetings
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