Chhath Puja: Four Day Festival Of Devotion

The fast of Chhath is observed by both men and women for the attainment and well-being of a child along with prosperity and unbroken good fortune. It is believed that by observing Chhath fast with complete devotion and faith, life becomes happy with the blessings of Chhathi Maiya and Surya Dev.

Dive deep into this article to know more about the importance, benefits, and celebration of this four-day festivity.

Importance and Shubh Muhurat of Chhath Puja

The joy of Hindu festivals during Kartik month does not end after Diwali, Chhath follows Diwali with its own significance and excitement.

Chhath Puja, also known as Chhath Parva, Chhath, Chhathi, Dala Chhath, Surya Shasthi, etc. is a vibrant festival that revolves around Sun God, i.e. Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya to invoke their divine blessings and protect the family’s health and prosperity. This auspicious festival of four days is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Jharkhand, Bihar, Eastern Parts of Uttar Pradesh, and Nepal.

Chhath is the most difficult fast of the Hindu religion where the observants fast for 36 hours with strict rules and rituals. Meanwhile, offering **Arghya to the rising and setting sun during Chhath **has its own importance.

This year Chhath Puja will start with Nahaye Khaye on 17th November and will end by offering Arghya to the rising Sun on 20th November 2023.

First Day of Chhath Puja: Nahaye Khaye- 17th Nov

On the first day of Chhath starts with Nahay Khaye where the devotees take bath in the holy water body, ideally Ganga or Yamuna, and prepare a Sattvik meal (without onion or garlic) with utmost hygiene at home. The common dishes prepared on this day are Lauki curry, Kaddu Bhat with chana daal. People are allowed to eat only after taking a bath and the ones observing the puja consume only one meal on this day.

Sunrise on Nahaye Khaye will be at 06:17 am Sunset will be at 05:10 pm

Second Day of Chhath Puja: Kharna- 18th Nov

The second day of Chhath, which is called Kharna, has a special significance in Chhath Puja. On the day of Kharna, women make jaggery kheer on a wooden stove in the evening and offer it as bhog. All the devotees consume this Prasad after worshipping the Sun God (Surya Dev). A dish called Thekua is also offered as Prasad to all the family members, friends and relatives. From this day, women's 36-hour Nirjala (without water) fast begins. There is also a mythological belief that Chhathi Maiya enters the house only after Kharna Puja.

Sunrise on Kharna will be at 06:17 am Sunset will be at 05:38 pm

Third Day of Chhath Puja: Sandhya Arghya- 19th Nov

On the third day of Chhath, Arghya is offered to the setting sun due to which it is known as 'Sandhya Arghya'. On this day, the fasting women continue their Nirjala fast and prepare for the puja throughout the day along with their families.

In the evening all the family members go to the river bank. While going there, the women of the family wear new clothes and sing the songs of Chhath Mata. The women are accompanied by the men of the family who carry a bamboo basket containing the puja materials. After this, a diya is lit by making a Chaura of Chhath Mata on the banks of the river and it is circled five times after offering Arghya to the setting Sun God.

Sunrise on third day of Chhath will be at 06:18 am Sunset will be at 05:09 pm

Shashti Tithi will begins at 09:18 am on November 18 Shashti Tithi ends at 07:23 am on November 19

Fourth Day of Chhath Puja: Usha Arghya- 20th Nov

The fourth and last day of Chhath Puja is called Usha Arghya or Paran day, on this day Arghya is offered to the sun at the time of sunrise. On this day, before sunrise, devotees reach the ghat with all their family members and worship the rising Sun God. In the morning, women step into the water of a river or pond and offer Arghya to Surya Dev. After offering Arghya, the fasting women circle seven or eleven times and then break their 36-hour fast by sharing Prasad and Chhath Puja greetings with each other.

Sunrise on Usha Arghya will be at 06:19 am Sunset will be at 05:09 pm

Scientific Benefits of Chhath Puja

The disciplined rituals of Chhath Puja are the base of its power and benefits. The bloodstream absorbs the solar energy that is captured during this time, which enhances the ability of white blood cells to function. The solar energy has a significant effect on glands that trigger hormone secretion in a balanced manner.

This keeps the body healthy and facilitates more detoxification. Also, peace prevails in the mind during the Puja procedures, drawing all the negativity out of the body. It balances the Pranic flow, which regulates negative emotions like anger and lust. Other psychic abilities like healing, intuition, and telepathy can also be awakened with patience and diligent practice during Chhath vrat.