Chhath Puja 2024: Complete Guide to Dates and Ritual Timings for Kaddu Bhat and More
The sacred festival of Chhath is here. This significant celebration is observed in the Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand, and Eastern Uttar Pradesh. People in the Nepalese autonomous provinces of Koshi, Lumbini, and Madhesh also celebrate this festival.
Why is Chhath Puja observed?
Chhath Puja is celebrated to thank the Sun God, Surya, for supporting life on Earth and to seek his blessings for health, wealth, and happiness. It is believed that the Sun’s energy can heal, promote longevity, and bring peace. Devotees worship Surya and Chhathi Maiya for divine protection over their families.
The festival involves rituals like fasting, bathing in sacred rivers or ponds, and praying at sunrise and sunset. It lasts four days, starting with Nahay Khay for purification, followed by Kharna, where devotees break their fast in the evening. The rituals continue with Sandhya Arghya for the setting sun and end with Usha Arghya for the rising sun.
Chhath Puja highlights purity, discipline, and gratitude, bringing communities together in shared traditions. It encourages a connection with nature, respecting the sun and water, and promotes environmental awareness as participants often clean and adorn the areas around water bodies used for the rituals.
Chhath Puja is observed six days after Diwali, on the sixth day of the Kartika month according to the Hindu calendar. The festival lasts for three days and four nights. It is also regarded as one of the most eco-friendly religious festivals, emphasizing respect for nature and the environment.
Chhath Puja in 2024 will be celebrated from November 5 to November 8. According to Drik Panchang, the festival falls on the Shashthi Tithi of the Shukla Paksha in the Kartik month. This year, Shashthi Tithi starts on Thursday, November 7 at 12:41 AM and ends on Friday, November 8 at 12:34 AM.
Nahay Khay kicks off on November 5 (Chaturthi Tithi), and Kharna is on November 6 (Panchami Tithi), followed by the Sandhya Arghya and Usha Arghya. There are various folk tales that enrich the cultural and spiritual significance of Chhath Puja. One story from the Mahabharata tells how Draupadi and the Pandavas performed Chhath Puja during their exile to win the favor of Surya Dev, which helped them succeed during that tough time. Another tale is about Karna, the brave warrior and son of Surya Dev, who worshipped the Sun God for strength and endurance.
