Chhath Puja 2024 Date: Significance, Rituals, Arghya Dates & Time

Chhath Puja 2024 Date is November 5, 2024, Tuesday. Chhath Puja, one of the largest festivals of India is devoted to worshiping the Sun God as well as Chhathi Maiya which symbolises respect and gratitude for the life-sustaining forces. It is celebrated with many devotion and devotion, particularly in states like Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh, this festival is characterized by rigorous ceremonies that are performed for four days.

This includes the holy bathing of saints, fasting as well as offering Arghya (devotional offering) for the setting sun and rising sun. This blog will discuss how important is Chhath puja and its most important rituals as well as offer information on the most important dates and timings for Arghya for 2024.

What is Chhath Puja?

Chhath Puja can be described as a long-standing Hindu celebration that is dedicated to the celebration of the Sun God (Surya) as well as Chhathi Maiya (Mother Goddess) and is a time to express our gratitude to sustain life on Earth and seek out blessings for health and prosperity.

The festival is especially loved throughout areas like the Indian state which includes Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Nepal. It lasts for 4 days, and includes ceremonies like fasting bathing in rivers, and praying to the sunrise and the setting sun also which is known as “Arghya.” The festival has a huge spiritual and religious significance to the devotees.

Historical Significance of Chhath Puja

Chhath Puja has deeply spiritual and historical roots that date back to the beginning of time which was believed to be performed by Sages (rishis) to harness the power of the Sun to improve mental and physical well-being.

This festival is featured in a variety of Hindu writings and stories linked to the story of Mahabharata that describes the Mahabharata as a place where Draupadi as well as the Pandavas were believed to have performed Chhath Puja to conquer difficulties and restore their kingdom.

Chhath is also linked to Karna who was the one-time son of the Sun God, who is believed to be a fervent worshipper of Surya. This puja is a symbol of respect for nature as well as the rhythmic cycle of life.

Key Rituals Observed During Chhath

Chhath Puja has several important rituals, which are followed with great passion during 4 days:

1. Nahay Khay (Day 1.): The first day starts with devotees having holy baths, typically in the water or river as well as cleaning their houses to preserve their cleanliness. The day is the beginning of fasting. It is followed by only one meal served as a pure vegetarian meal.
2. Lohanda as well as Kharna (Day two): On the second day of the festival, people fast throughout the day and break it only at night after offering prayers. The meal that breaks the fast, referred to as Kharna is made up of jaggery-sweetened Kheer (rice pudding) as well as chapati. Both are given to the Sun God.
3. Sandhya Arghya (Day 3): This is the day of greatest significance that devotees observe as the full day of fasting and without drinking water (Nirjala Vrat). After sunset, the riverbanks or bodies of water offer Sandhya Arghya (evening sacrifices) towards the sun setting and are accompanied by songs from folklore as well as rituals.
4. Usha Arghya (Day 4): On the last day of the festival, worshippers make a prayer for the rising Sun also named Usha Arghya as dawn approaches. Following the ceremony the devotees break their fast to mark the completion of the celebration of Chhath Puja.

Chhath Puja Dates 2024

• Chhath Puja Day 1: Nahay Khay – November 5, 2024, Tuesday
• Chhath Puja Day 2: Kharna – November 6, 2024, Wednesday
• Chhath Puja Day 3: Sandhya Arghya – November 7, 2024, Thursday
• Chhath Puja Day 4: Usha Arghya – November 8, 2024, Friday

Chhath is one of the major festivals in Bihar, eastern Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Madhya Pradesh. It is celebrated with a lot of devotion and goes on for four days culminating with Usha arghya to Sun God during sunrise.

Chhath Puja 2024 Timing

When is Chhath Puja 2024- Shashthi Tithi will start on 07 November 2024 at 12:41 am and end on 08 November at 12:34 am. According to Udaya Tithi, Chhath Puja will be celebrated on 07 November 2024, Thursday.

Preparations for Celebrating Chhath Puja

The preparations for the Chhath Puja celebration are elaborate and spiritual, expressing the love of the devotees. The ceremony begins by meticulously cleaning the homes and surrounding areas to ensure a clean environment. Many devotees observe a fast that begins by performing a Nahay-Khay ceremony, during which they bathe in holy water and eat simple vegetarian meals. Special offerings, known as Prasad which include thekua (a traditional sweet) rice, rice, and fruits, are made to honor worshipping the Sun God.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to preparing the Chhath Puja:

1. Cleaning the House and its surroundings:
   The first step of Chhath Puja preparations is to clean the entire home as well as the surrounding area to preserve its purity. The devotees must also prepare or clean the area in which the puja is held, which is usually on the riverbank or in a water pond.
2. Nahay-Khay (First Day):
   On the first morning of Chhath Puja, devotees bathe in holy baths, generally in a river or a water body, and then bring the water back to the household. The water used for this is used to prepare the day’s simple vegetarian meal, which usually includes lentils, rice, and pumpkin. The day is the beginning of the fasting season.
3. Preparing Prasad (Offerings):
   Special offerings, also known as Prasad made for to the Sun God. They include thekua (a sweet made from jaggery and wheat flour) fruit like coconuts and bananas, as well as sweets made of rice, such as Kheer (rice pudding). These foods are important because they are consumed for the Arghya (offering) on the third and fourth day of.
4. Kharna (Second Day):
   The second day is when devotees follow the strictest fasting, drinking only water at sunset. At night, an evening meal known as Kharna is cooked, which comprises Kheer fruit, kheer, and Chapati (flatbread). This meal marks the conclusion of the fast and the following day, devotees are still fasting but without water for the following 36 hours.
5. Purchasing Ritual Items:
   The latest clothes are usually bought to the women who are performing the rituals. They are usually made of silk or cotton in vibrant shades. Clay pots bamboo baskets and trays are used to hold the prasad as well as other offerings. The earthen lamps ( diyas) can also be prepared to use during evening rituals.
6. Preparing the Ghat:
   A large part of the preparations involves cleaning or building of the Ghat (riverbank) in which the principal offerings are offered. If it is done at home, devotees can set up an interim water source typically in the form of a large pool or tub that represents the river of worship.
7. Sourcing Fruits and Flowers:
   Fresh fruits like bananas sugarcane, coconuts, and more are collected. Leaves and flowers as part of the offerings are gathered to be used in rituals of puja. The items are then carefully put in baskets and arranged to be used in to be used in the celebration of the Arghya.
8. Sanjhka Arghya (Third Day):
   On the 3rd day after sunset, the first Arghya (offering) is offered to the sun that is setting. The devotees, dressed in fresh clothes, take offerings to the body of water and pray while sitting in the water. Baskets are filled with Prasad and fruit is also given during this ceremony.
9. Bihanka Arghya (Fourth Day):
   The fourth day starts early, with two Arghya made to the sun rising at dawn. People who are devoted break their fasts after making this offer. After this, the fast is ended by eating the prasad and is then shared among family members and neighbors.
10. Community Celebrations:
    It is believed that the Chhath puja is also known as the Chhath communal occasion where families and friends get together. The community offers mutual assistance in planning and celebrating the event and makes it a uniting and joyful event.

Following these steps, devotees will warrant that all the preparations for Chhath puja are carried out correctly, preserving the purity and fervor needed for this significant celebration.

Related Read: Dussehra 2024: Starting Date, Timings, History, Puja Vidhi, and Significance

Traditional Foods and Offerings Made

Food and rituals from the past are a major part of Chhath Puja. They symbolize purity and dedication. Here are a few most important items that are prepared and served in the course of the festival:

1. Thekua:
   Thekua is one of the main offerings of Chhath Puja. Thekua is a sweet, savory snack comprised of wheat flour as well as jaggery (unrefined sugar) as well as ghee. It is cooked until it is golden brown. Thekua is renowned due to its flavor as well as its symbolic meaning, which represents commitment and perseverance.
2. Rice and Wheat Laddus:
   The flour of wheat or rice is utilized to make the laddus (sweet ball sweet) which are often made with jaggery and ghee. They are then offered to the Sun God in the course of the ritual of Prashad.
3. Kheer (Rice Pudding):
   Kheer is a popular food made with rice, milk as well as sugar or jaggery. It is cooked at Kharna in the evening of Kharna of the week and consumed as a part of the traditional dinner. It is sometimes flavored with cardamom, or garnished with dried fruits.
4. Fruits:
   Fruits that are fresh and seasonal like coconuts, bananas, sugarcane as well as apples are important offerings. The fruits are placed in bamboo baskets and served at the time of Arghya ceremonies. Coconuts and bananas particularly, are believed to be to be a sign of good luck.
5. Puris (Deep-Fried Bread):
   Puris are bread that have been fried and comprised of wheat flour and ghee. These are usually served with the kheer and other sweets in the puja and are given for the worship of God of the Sun. Sun God.
6. Kasaar (Puffed rice infused with jaggery):
   Puffed rice and jaggery, referred to as Kasaar is another popular offer. It is a symbol of purity and simplicity and is in line with the spirit of the fast as well as the festival.
7. Raw Sugarcane:
   Sugarcane, usually with its leaves that are still in place, is usually served in the Prasad throughout the evening and early morning Arghya. Sugarcane is considered to be a symbol of fertility and growth.
8. Sweets:
   Other than the kua and other traditional sweets such as the pedals (milk-based sugars) as well as barsfi are presented to divinities, and are shared with families and friends.

Traditional foods and offerings are made with attention to detail and are guaranteed pureness and hygiene because they form the basis of the ceremonies and worship to the festival of Chhath Puja.

Celebrations Around the World

Chhath Puja, traditionally observed throughout India, in particular in the Indian States that include Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and areas of Nepal has acquired the world’s attention because of the Indian diaspora. This is the way Chhath Puja is celebrated around all over the globe:

1. India: In India, particularly in states such as Bihar as well as Uttar Pradesh, Chhath Puja is a festival that is held with great commitment. The people gather around lakes, rivers, and lakes to give the Arghya (prayers) for the sun rising and setting. Cities such as Patna and Varanasi are the scene of large-scale celebrations that see thousands of worshippers taking part.
2. Nepal:
   Chhath Puja is of significant cultural significance in the Terai region in Nepal, especially for the Madhesi group. The water bodies and rivers are filled with people praying towards the Sun God as do festivals in India.
3. Mauritius:
   In Mauritius which has a huge group of Indo-Mauritians who trace their origins back to Bihar as well as Uttar Pradesh, Chhath Puja is a major celebration. The people gather along the river’s shores to celebrate rituals. this festival is celebrated as a day of public celebration.
4. United States:
   Indian communities in cities such as New York, New Jersey, and California have Chhath Puja gatherings by lakes as well as rivers. Even though the events are less in scope, are nevertheless marked by the same fervor, where families gather to share arghya and engage in traditional ceremonies.
5. United Kingdom:
   The UK has Chhath Puja celebrations among the Indian as well as Nepalese communities. The devotees congregate near rivers such as the Thames and the Thames, as well as parks specifically designated to host the celebrations. In recent years, the growing popularity of the Indian diaspora in the United States has led to an improvement in celebrations held for public events of Chhath over the past few years.
6. Fiji:
   There is a large population of Indian Origin, in particular people who are from Bihar, Fiji observe Chhath Puja with a deep sense of religious devotion. Folks gather near waters and rivers, praying prayers towards the Sun God and sharing customary Prasad in the presence of their neighbors.
7. Trinidad and Tobago:
   It is in Trinidad and Tobago, where there are a lot of Indo-Trinidadians who retain their close ties to India, Chhath Puja is observed with fervor. It is usually held close to water bodies and traditional rituals like thekua are presented in honor of gods like the Sun God.
8. Suriname:
   The Indo-Surinamese people, who are mostly descendants of immigrants of Bihar and Bihar, are awash in Chhath Puja in a reverent manner. Similar to India the rivers and lakes serve as a gathering place for devotees The festival also increases the bonds between cultures among the local community.

All over the globe, The Chhath Puja acts as a reminder of the religious and cultural solidarity among those who are of Indian roots, linking them with their ancestral roots via common traditions and customs.

Related read:- Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Vratham: 2025 Date, Process, & Importance

Conclusion:

Chhath Puja is much more than simply a celebration It is an incredibly powerful display of love, appreciation, and a connection to the natural world. It is rooted in ancient traditions. it celebrates the Sun God as well as Chhathi Maiya which symbolizes the forces of life that sustain and support our lives.

The festival is a celebration of immense faith especially across Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh as well as all over the world, Chhath Puja creates a sense of family along with pride in culture and contemplation of the spiritual. Rituals, rituals, and global celebrations make it an event that is unique and can bring people together and transcend geographical borders.