Chhath Puja is more than just a festival; it is a soulful expression of gratitude, devotion, and unwavering faith. Celebrated with immense fervor in Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh, Chhath Puja connects people to their roots, reminding them of the eternal bond between humans and nature. Unlike any other festival, it is here that devotees honor both the setting and rising sun, a unique tradition that reflects the beauty of balance and harmony in life.
This four-day-long observance is a journey of deep spirituality, self-purification, and unwavering devotion. It begins with a sacred dip in the holy rivers, cleansing not just the body but the soul as well. Homes are cleaned, hearts are filled with devotion, and families come together to honor the Sun God, who has been revered by civilizations across time.
The fasts, the offerings, and the collective prayers create a divine atmosphere. From the quiet contemplation on the banks of rivers to the joyous songs that fill the air, every moment of Chhath Puja tells a story of love for the divine, for family, and for the community.
Date of Chhath Puja 2024
Chhath Puja 2024 will be celebrated starting on November 5, 2024 (Nahay Khay), with Kharna on November 6, 2024. The Sandhya Arghya (evening offering) will take place on November 7, 2024, and the Usha Arghya (morning offering) will be on November 8, 2024, marking the end of the festival.
Rituals And Traditions Of Chhath Puja Festival
Although the festival of Chhath Puja is mostly observed by females in a household and doesn't include any kind of idol worship, a large section of men also perform this Puja. This clearly depicts that Chhath Puja is not at all gender-specific.
While performing the Puja, the devotees pray for their family's well-being and their children's success and health. What makes the festival of Chhath Puja actually tough is the fact that once a person initiates the ceremonies relating to Chhath Puja, it becomes compulsory for him or her to perform it every year and also teach their children to do the same when they grow up. The festival can be skipped only if there has been a death in the family. However, if a person stops performing Chhath Puja without any reason, they cannot involve themselves in the festivities in the future ever again.
On this day, people make a diverse variety of Bihar signature dishes in their homes, such as sweets, kheer, thekua, and rice laddu, which they use as prasad. This prasad is normally offered in small winnows made of bamboo. Apart from the prasad, even regular food is strictly vegetarian and is cooked without the use of salt, onions, and garlic.
Related Read - Hidden Facts About Chhath Puja
History of Chhath Puja Celebrations
It has been said that the rituals of Chhath Puja may even date back to the ancient era of the Vedas. The Rig Veda features hymns that excessively praise Lord Surya. Interestingly, some of these customs are also mentioned in the epic Mahabharata, where Draupadi is described as performing the same rituals.
It has been stated in these scriptures that Draupadi and Arjuna religiously performed the rituals of this Puja on the recommendation of the great saint Dhaumya. It is believed that owing to these rituals, Draupadi overcame the struggles in her life and played a vital role in helping Pandavas defeat Kauravas and regain their kingdom.
It is also believed that in ancient times, the sages used to perform these rituals and gained energy directly from the Sun. Due to this, they could remain alive for a longer period of time without any food intake.
Another interesting anecdote that describes the historical mention of this Puja ritual is the story of Lord Rama and Goddess Sita. As per the story, it is believed that after returning to Ayodhya and defeating the demon king, Raavana, Lord Rama, and Goddess Sita kept a fast for each other. While fasting, they offered their prayers to Sun God in the month of Kartik during the time of the former's coronation as King. Since then, Chhath Puja has become one of the major festivals in the Hindu religion.
Related Read - History, Rituals and Benefits of Chhath Puja
Major Attractions Of the Chhath Puja Festival
The rituals and traditions of Chhath Puja are deeply symbolic, representing devotion, purity, and a connection to the divine. This ancient festival is a celebration of the Sun God (Surya) and his consort, Chhathi Maiya, who is believed to bestow happiness, prosperity, and longevity. The observance of Chhath Puja spans four days, with each day marked by unique rituals that are performed with great reverence and discipline. Below are the key rituals and traditions followed during Chhath Puja:
1. Nahay Khay (Day 1) – Purification and Preparation
Chhath Puja begins with the ritual known as Nahay Khay, which signifies the purification of the body and soul. On this day, devotees take a holy dip in rivers or any water body, symbolizing the cleansing of their sins and impurities. Water from the sacred Ganges is often carried home to perform rituals. After the bath, devotees clean their homes thoroughly to maintain purity for the coming days. Simple, vegetarian food is prepared and consumed, often consisting of rice, lentils, and vegetables cooked without onion or garlic, as these ingredients are considered impure for spiritual offerings. This day sets the tone for the period of fasting and devotion that follows. According to the Panchang calculation, Nahai Khay is on 05 November 2024.
2. Kharna (Day 2) – Fasting and Worship
The second day, known as Kharna, is a day of intense fasting and worship. Devotees observe a strict fast from sunrise to sunset, abstaining from even water. The fast is broken only after performing a special evening prayer dedicated to Chhathi Maiya, the Earth Goddess. The offering prepared for this occasion typically includes kheer (rice pudding made with jaggery), fresh fruits, and chapatis made of whole wheat. This prasad is then shared with family members, friends, and neighbors. The day-long fast and its breaking with prasad symbolize self-purification and gratitude towards the divine for blessings received. Kharna would be on 06 November this year.
3. Sanjhiya Arghya (Day 3) – Offering to the Setting Sun
The third day is the most significant day of Chhath Puja, marked by the offering to the setting sun, known as Sanjhiya Arghya. On this day, devotees prepare traditional offerings made from freshly harvested grains, fruits, and sweets. These offerings are arranged in bamboo baskets and taken to riverbanks, ponds, or any water body where large numbers of devotees gather to offer their prayers.
In the evening, as the sun begins to set, worshippers stand in waist-deep water and present their offerings to the setting sun. This unique tradition of worshipping the setting sun, along with the rising sun, signifies the acceptance of both the good and difficult phases of life. Devotional songs are sung in honor of the Sun God, and the atmosphere is filled with a sense of unity, devotion, and hope.
After the evening prayers, the Kosi ritual is performed. In this ritual, sugarcane stalks are arranged to form a canopy under which earthen lamps are lit. These lamps are placed along with baskets of prasad, symbolizing the light of divine blessings. Sanjhiya Arghya will be offered to the setting sun on the sixth day of Shukla Paksha of Kartik month i.e. on 7th November 2024
4. Bihaniya Arghya (Day 4) – Offering to the Rising Sun
The fourth and final day of Chhath Puja is called Bihaniya Arghya, where devotees offer prayers to the rising sun. Before dawn, families gather at the same riverbanks or water bodies where the previous day’s ritual took place. They carry baskets filled with prasad and stand in the water, waiting for the sun to rise.
As the first rays of the sun appear, they make their final offerings to the Sun God, seeking his blessings for health, prosperity, and well-being. This ritual represents new beginnings, hope, and the power of the sun to give life and sustain it.
After offering Arghya to the rising sun, devotees break their fast, marking the end of the four-day-long festival. The prasad is then distributed among family members, friends, and neighbors as a symbol of the shared blessings and unity within the community. Bihaniya Arghya will be offered to the rising sun on the seventh day i.e. on 8th November 2024.
Symbolic Significance of Rituals
- Fasting during Chhath Puja is seen as a means to detoxify both the body and the mind, fostering spiritual growth and devotion. It is a way of demonstrating dedication and perseverance in seeking divine blessings.
- Worshipping both the rising and setting sun reflects the duality of life – accepting both success and failure, joy and sorrow, light and darkness.
- The use of natural elements such as water, fruits, and grains emphasizes the connection between human beings and nature, acknowledging the Earth’s bounty and the Sun’s energy as essential for life.
Community and Cultural Aspects
Chhath Puja is not only a festival of individual devotion but also a celebration of community spirit. The sight of thousands of devotees gathering at riverbanks to perform the rituals together is a testament to the collective faith that binds people from different walks of life. Folk songs celebrating the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya are sung during the festival, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh.
Click Here for Exciting Hotel Packages
In addition, the sharing of prasad and the participation of entire communities in the preparations highlight the importance of sharing, compassion, and unity during Chhath Puja.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chhath Puja
Q1: What is Chhath Puja?
A1: Chhath Puja is a Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of the Sun God (Surya) and Chhathi Maiya (consort of the Sun God). It is mainly celebrated in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Nepal. Devotees perform rituals to thank the Sun for sustaining life on earth and seek blessings for health, prosperity, and well-being.
Q2: When is Chhath Puja celebrated?
A2: Chhath Puja is celebrated on the sixth day after Diwali, usually in the months of October or November. The festival spans four days, beginning with Nahay Khay and concluding with Usha Arghya (offering to the rising Sun).
Q3: What are the main rituals of Chhath Puja?
A3: The main rituals of Chhath Puja include fasting, taking holy dips in rivers or water bodies, offering arghya (offerings) to the setting and rising Sun, and preparing traditional prasad like Thekua and fruits to be offered during the puja.
Q4: Why is Chhath Puja important?
A4: Chhath Puja holds great importance as it is believed to ensure the well-being, prosperity, and longevity of loved ones. It is also an opportunity for devotees to show gratitude to the Sun God for providing life and energy to the universe.
Q5: Who can perform Chhath Puja?
A5: Traditionally, women take the lead in performing Chhath Puja, although men can also participate. Married women often observe this festival for the welfare of their families. However, anyone, regardless of gender, can perform the rituals if they wish to.
Q6: What are the food restrictions during Chhath Puja?
A6: Devotees who observe Chhath Puja follow strict food restrictions. They consume simple, sattvic (pure) food, often prepared without onions, garlic, and salt. Many people also fast without water (Nirjala vrat) for 36 hours.
Q7: What is the significance of offering arghya during Chhath Puja?
A7: Offering arghya to the Sun is the central ritual of Chhath Puja. It symbolizes gratitude to the Sun God for sustaining life on earth. The ritual is performed during sunrise and sunset, the times when the Sun’s ultraviolet rays are believed to be the least harmful.
Q8: Can non-Hindus participate in Chhath Puja?
A8: Yes, non-Hindus can participate in Chhath Puja, especially in offering prayers and observing the customs. Many people, regardless of religious beliefs, join the festival out of respect for the culture and as a gesture of communal harmony.
Q9: What is the significance of Thekua during Chhath Puja?
A9: Thekua is a traditional sweet made of wheat flour, jaggery, and ghee, which is offered as prasad during Chhath Puja. It is considered auspicious and holds special importance as it represents purity and simplicity, core values of the festival.
Q10: How do devotees prepare for Chhath Puja?
A10: Preparations for Chhath Puja begin days in advance. Devotees clean their homes and surroundings, gather the necessary items for puja, prepare prasad, and make arrangements to visit rivers or water bodies to offer prayers. Many also observe personal purity, refraining from indulgence and following strict discipline.
