Chhath Puja is a unique and spiritually significant festival celebrated predominantly in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Nepal. Still, its popularity is spreading far beyond these regions as people worldwide embrace its vibrant rituals. Chhath Puja in 2024 is set to bring families and communities together, invoke blessings from the Sun God, Surya, and celebrate the power of nature and faith. This year, Chhath Puja will be observed from Friday, 8 November 2024, to Monday, 11 November 2024.
What makes Chhath Puja so special, are the traditional rituals, and some warm wishes you can share with your friends and family to celebrate this auspicious occasion.
What is Chhath Puja?
Chhath Puja is an ancient Hindu festival dedicated to Surya Dev (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya (Mother Shashti), the goddess who represents purity, longevity, and protection of children. The festival lasts four days, filled with devotion, fasting, prayers, and rituals performed by devotees at the banks of rivers and ponds, where they offer Arghya (water offering) to the rising and setting sun. Chhath Puja is unique in its traditions and is among the few Hindu festivals that do not involve idol worship, focusing instead on a deep connection with nature and the elements.
Read more on this: Understanding Chhath Puja: A Devotion to the Sun and Nature’s Elements
Dates for Chhath Puja 2024
Chhath Puja is celebrated over four days, each with its unique significance and rituals:
1. Nahay Khay – 5th November 2024
2. Lohanda and Kharna – 6th November 2024
3. Usha Arghya (Morning Offering) and Paran (Breaking of Fast) – 8th November 2024
4. Sandhya Arghya (Evening Offering) – 17th November 2024
Significance of Chhath Puja
The celebration of Chhath Puja has its roots in mythology, where it is said that Draupadi and the Pandavas performed this puja to overcome their hardships. The significance of Chhath lies in the deep reverence for the Sun, which is considered the source of energy and life on Earth. Devotees believe that by worshipping the Sun and Chhathi Maiya, they can attain health, happiness, and prosperity.
The Four-Day Rituals of Chhath Puja
Let’s walk through the main rituals of Chhath Puja, celebrated over four dedicated days:
1. Nahay Khay (Day 1)
The first day of Chhath Puja is called Nahay Khay, which means “Bath and Eat.” Devotees take a holy dip in the river to cleanse their bodies and souls and prepare for the three-day fast.
They eat a single meal on this day, typically consisting of rice, dal, and pumpkin curry cooked in earthen or bronze pots, symbolizing purity and simplicity.
2. Lohanda and Kharna (Day 2)
On the second day, known as Lohanda and Kharna, devotees observe a rigorous fast that begins with Kharna, where they prepare a special prasad of kheer (rice pudding), which is made with jaggery, rice, and milk.
After offering prayers, this prasad is consumed as the only meal of the day, after which devotees embark on a 36-hour nirjala vrat, a fast without food or water.
3. Sandhya Arghya (Day 3)
The third day, known as Sandhya Arghya, is when devotees gather by rivers, ponds, or any natural water bodies to offer Arghya to the setting sun.
They dress in traditional attire and carry decorated baskets filled with fruits, sugarcane, and other offerings, which are presented to the Sun God in the evening with chants and songs.
4. Usha Arghya and Paran (Day 4)
The final day, Usha Arghya, involves offering prayers to the rising sun at dawn.
After the morning rituals, devotees break their fast with a prasad and share the blessings with family and friends.
Why Do People Fast During Chhath Puja?
Fasting is a central aspect of Chhath Puja. It is believed that fasting purifies the soul and body, allowing devotees to offer their purest form of devotion to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya. The rigorous 36-hour nirjala vrat reflects the immense dedication of the devotees, and this act of discipline and devotion is thought to bring peace, prosperity, and health.
Foods Prepared During Chhath Puja
During Chhath Puja, devotees prepare specific traditional foods, often without onion and garlic, to maintain purity. Some popular Chhath Puja dishes include:
Thekua – A sweetened wheat flour biscuit with ghee, cardamom, and jaggery, deep-fried to golden perfection.
Rice Kheer – A rich and creamy rice pudding cooked with jaggery and served as prasad.
Fruits and Sugarcane – These are essential offerings during Chhath Puja and are symbolic of abundance and prosperity.
These foods are made with love and offered to the deities before being shared with family members and neighbors.
6 Heartfelt Chhath Puja 2024 Wishes
Chhath Puja is all about spreading positivity, devotion, and happiness. Here are some warm wishes you can share to brighten up someone’s Chhath celebrations:
1. “May the blessings of Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya bring health, happiness, and prosperity to your life. Wishing you and your family a joyous Chhath Puja 2024!”
2. “On this Chhath Puja, may all your wishes come true, and may Chhathi Maiya bless you with good fortune and well-being. Happy Chhath Puja!”
3. “Let us offer our gratitude to the Sun God and embrace the blessings of Chhathi Maiya. Wishing you a prosperous and peaceful Chhath Puja 2024!”
4. “As we bow to the setting sun and pray for a new dawn of hope, may Chhath Puja bring joy and peace to your life. Chhath Puja ki dheron shubhkamnayein!”
5. “May Chhath Puja shower you with happiness, health, and success. Here’s to a blessed festival with your loved ones!”
6. “May this Chhath Puja brighten your life with sunshine, health, and positivity. Happy Chhath Puja to you and your family!”
4 Tips to Celebrate Chhath Puja 2024
1. Choose a Safe Location: If you’re participating in the Arghya, choose a safe spot near a river, pond, or lake. Make sure the water body is clean and accessible.
2. Follow Local Guidelines: With the growing awareness of environmental preservation, many people are opting for eco-friendly celebrations. Respect local guidelines and avoid pollution.
3. Respect the Tradition: Chhath Puja is all about simplicity and purity, so it’s important to honor its traditions respectfully. Wear traditional attire, avoid using harmful substances, and keep the surroundings clean.
4. Connect with Family and Community: Chhath Puja is a time for family and community bonding. Participate in local events, sing folk songs, and help others with their preparations. Sharing the joy and devotion enhances the spirit of the festival.
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Chhath Puja is a celebration of life, gratitude, and togetherness, a reminder of the essential role of nature in our lives. As you celebrate Chhath Puja in 2024, take a moment to appreciate the beauty around you and express gratitude for the blessings you’ve received. May this Chhath Puja bring abundant blessings and peace to you and your loved ones. Chhath Puja ki dher saari shubhkamnayein! Follow our culture page for more!
