- By Kashish Rai
- Tue, 05 Nov 2024 09:53 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Chhath Puja 2024: Chhath Mahaparv began on 5th November 2024. In Hinduism, Chhath Puja is a significant festival dedicated to the Sun God, Surya, and his consort, Usha. It's a four-day celebration honouring the sun's life-giving energy and its role in sustaining life on Earth. Devotees worship Surya, seeking his blessings for good health, prosperity, and happiness. The festival promotes gratitude, self-discipline, and purification through rituals like fasting, bathing in holy rivers, and offering prayers at sunrise and sunset. By worshipping the sun, devotees connect with the divine, fostering spiritual growth and well-being.
Check out the dates for the four grand events of Chhath Mahaparv - Nahay Khay, Kharna, Sandhya Arghya and Usha Arghya below:
Chhath Puja 2024: Chhath Mahaparv Calendar
Day 1: Nahay Khay, 5th November 2024
Sunrise Time: 6:15 AM
Sunset Time: 5:52 PM
In Chhath Puja, Nahay Khay marks the beginning of the four-day festivities. It signifies purification and cleansing of the body and soul. Devotees take a holy bath, often in a river or pond, and then consume a simple meal, usually kheer (rice pudding) and fruits. This ritual detoxifies the mind and body, preparing devotees for the rigorous fasting and worship ahead. Nahay Khay sets the tone for spiritual rejuvenation, self-reflection, and devotion to the Sun God, Surya, seeking his blessings for well-being and prosperity.
Day 2: Kharna, 6th November 2024
Sunrise Time: 6:15 AM
Sunset Time: 5:51 PM
In Chhath Puja, Kharna is a crucial ritual where devotees end their day-long fast with a sacred meal. This intermediate fasting period purifies the mind and body. Devotees consume a special prasad, usually thekua and rice, prepared with sacred water and offerings to the Sun God. Kharna signifies self-discipline, gratitude, and devotion, strengthening family bonds and spiritual connection. It readies devotees for the final 36-hour fasting period, intensifying their worship and seeking the Sun God's blessings for prosperity, health, and happiness.
Chhath Puja is a sacred Hindu festival honouring the Sun God, Surya, promoting gratitude, self-discipline, and spiritual purification annually. (Image Source: Freepik)
Day 3: Sandhya Arghya, 7th November 2024
Sunrise Time: 6:15 AM
Sunset Time: 5:51 PM
In Chhath Puja, Sandhya Arghya is a vital ritual where devotees offer oblations to the setting and rising sun. Standing in waist-deep water, they provide Arghya (water and flower offerings) to Surya, acknowledging his life-giving energy. This sacred ritual symbolises gratitude, purification, and connection with the divine. Sandhya Arghya is performed twice: at sunset (Evening Arghya) and sunrise (Morning Arghya), honouring the sun's cycle and seeking blessings for prosperity, health, and happiness. This poignant ritual embodies the essence of Chhath Puja's spiritual significance.
Day 4: Usha Arghya, 8th November 2024
Sunrise Time: 6:16 AM
Sunset Time: 5:51 PM
In Chhath Puja, Usha Arghya is the final ritual where devotees offer oblations to the rising sun. After 36 hours of fasting, devotees gather at the riverbank or pond to provide Arghya (water and flower offerings) to Surya's first rays. Usha Arghya signifies the triumph of good over evil and the renewal of life. It expresses gratitude for the sun's energy and seeks blessings for happiness, prosperity, and well-being. With Usha Arghya, devotees conclude their worship, feeling spiritually rejuvenated and connected to the divine, marking the joyful culmination of Chhath Puja.
(Disclaimer: This is based on general public information. Jagran English does not confirm its veracity. Before adopting any measures, consult an expert in the relevant field.)