- By Kashish Rai
- Tue, 05 Nov 2024 10:12 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Chhath Puja 2024 Day 1: The magnificent Chhath Mahaparv festival commenced on 5th November 2024 with the Nahay Khay ritual. This significant celebration honours the Sun God and Goddess Chhathi Maiya. Chhath Puja is a cherished event where devotees pay tribute to the sun's life-giving energy and the goddess who protects children. Over the next few days, followers will engage in rituals, prayers, and offerings to express gratitude and seek blessings. This vibrant festival showcases the rich cultural heritage of the region, fostering community spirit and devotion.
Check out the sunrise, sunset time, significance and rituals for Nahay Khay below:
Chhath Puja 2024 Day 1: Nahay Khay Date, Sunrise And Sunset Time
- Chhath Puja 2024 Nahay Khay Date: 5th November 2024
- Sunrise Time On Nahay Khay 2024: 6:15 AM
- Sunset Time On Nahay Khay 2024: 5:52 PM
Chhath Puja 2024 Day 1: Nahay Khay Significance
Nahay Khay marks the beginning of the Chhath Mahaparv festival, holding immense significance in Hinduism. On this day, devotees take a holy bath, usually in a river or pond, to purify their minds and bodies. This ritual is essential in preparing oneself for the worship of the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya. By bathing and wearing new clothes, individuals cleanse themselves of past sins and impurities, creating a sacred space for spiritual connection. This act of purification enables devotees to focus their thoughts, emotions, and energies on the divine.
The significance of Nahay Khay extends beyond physical cleansing. It symbolises the commencement of a spiritual journey, where individuals seek spiritual growth, self-reflection, and enlightenment. By surrendering to the divine, devotees invite positive energies and seek blessings for their families, health, and prosperity. This initial ritual sets the tone for the subsequent days of worship, prayers, and offerings, fostering a deep sense of devotion and connection with the divine.
Nahay Khay marks the first day of the grand Chhath Mahaparv. (Image Source: Freepik)
Chhath Puja 2024 Day 1: Nahay Khay Rituals
During Nahay Khay, devotees rise early and take a holy bath, typically in a river, pond, or Ganges, to purify their bodies and minds. They wear new clothes, usually yellow or orange, symbolising spirituality and devotion. After bathing, they return home to cook a simple, vegetarian meal, often consisting of rice, lentils, and vegetables. This meal is considered sacred, as it's the first offering to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya. Family members gather to share this meal, fostering unity and spiritual connection.
Key rituals during Nahay Khay include: worshiping the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya, offering prayers and flowers, and lighting diyas (earthen lamps). Devotees also abstain from consuming meat, alcohol, and other vices, embracing a period of spiritual detoxification. The cooked meal is then offered to the gods and later shared among family and friends, spreading blessings and harmony. These rituals pave the way for the subsequent days of Chhath Puja, culminating in the arghya (offering) to the setting sun.
(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.)