Chhath Puja is one of the most significant festivals that is dedicated to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiyya. It is a four-day festival that includes Nahay Khay, Kharna, Sandhya Arghaya, and Usha Arghaya. This year, the festival begins on 13th November and will end on 16th November.
During this festival, devotees observe a strict Nirjala fast for 36 hours. Even a small mistake like touching the prasad without bathing can break the sanctity of the ritual.
Whether you are observing the Nirjala fast yourself or assisting a Vrati in your family, here are 5 things you must never do during Chhath Puja.
1. Never Cook Or Touch The Prasad Without Taking A Bath
Purity is the core theme of Chhath Puja. Clean your house, especially your mandir area, kitchen, and utensils. Anyone preparing the prasad, such as Thekua, Rasiya (jaggery kheer), or sacred fruits, must bathe and wear clean clothes.
One should never touch puja items or utensils with unwashed hands. Even small contact without completing morning cleanliness breaks the purity of the offering.
Anyone preparing the prasad, such as Thekua, must bathe and wear clean clothes (Image: Pexels)
2. Avoid Using Regular Table Salt, Garlic, Or Onion Near Puja Foods
The food prepared during Chhath Puja, from Nahay Khay rituals to Parana, should follow strict Sattvik guidelines. Never use table salt for making vrat food. Instead, use rock salt only on designated days like Nahay Khay.
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If possible, avoid onion, garlic and non-vegetarian food for all four days. Even storing regular table salt near the stove used for prasad preparation is believed to break the spiritual discipline.
3. Never Make The Offerings In Used Utensils
The offerings made for the Sun God should be made in new utensils, not on everyday cooking equipment. A dedicated stove, traditionally made of clay, or a brand-new gas stove should be used for making Chhath prasad.
4. Never Consume Food Or Water During The Nirjala Fast Hours
During Chhath Puja, devotees observe a strict 36-hour Nirjala fast from the evening of Kharna through the final morning Arghya.
The fast begins after consuming the Kharna Prasad. The Vrati, after this, cannot consume a single drop of water or morsel of food until the final morning Arghya is offered to the rising sun.
During this, avoid consuming anything, including fruit juices, milk, or tea. Accidental consumption breaks the vrat.
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5. Don't Carry Leather Items Or Modern Stitched Footwear At The Ghat
The Vrati and family members carrying the soop or daura walk barefoot to the Ghat. The journey to the riverbank or water body for evening and morning Arghya is a sacred procession.
The Vrati and family members carrying the soop or daura walk barefoot to the Ghat (Image: Pexels)
ALSO READ: Why Is Thekua An Essential Offering During Chhath Puja?
During this journey, never wear leather belts or leather shoes, or carry leather bags while carrying sacred items. In Hindu tradition, leather is considered an impure material.
FAQs
1. Can non-fasting family members touch the Chhath Soop?
No. Only the Vrati and family members who have taken a bath, washed their hands, and are actively assisting with clean hands should touch the Soop or Daura.
2. What happens if a mistake occurs during Chhath Puja?
If an unintentional mistake occurs, tradition dictates praying to Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya for forgiveness immediately and rectifying the physical error if possible.