Chhath Puja, also known as Surya Shashthi, is a Hindu festival with deep spiritual importance. It is a celebration of sun worship, a practice that stretches back to ancient times and is still practiced today. This detailed guide will delve into the complexities of Chhath Puja, its historical and mythical roots, rites and customs, and the vivid celebrations that accompany it. Join us on this trip as we delve deep into the heart of the upcoming Chhath Puja in 2024.
When is Chhath Puja in 2023 with Dates
To begin our investigation of Chhath Puja, we must first determine when this lovely celebration will be held in 2023.
| Date | Day | Event | Hindi Date |
| 5 November 2023 | Tuesday | Nahay Khay | Chaturthi |
| 6 November 2023 | Wednesday | Lohanda and Kharna | Panchami |
| 7 November 2023 | Thursday | Sandhya Arghya (Chhath) | Shashthi |
| 8 November 2023 | Friday | Usha Arghya, Paran Diwash | Saptami |
According to the Hindu calendar, Chhath Puja takes place on the sixth day of the lunar month of Kartik. Depending on the lunar cycle, this is usually in October or November in the Gregorian calendar. The event lasts four days, each with its own set of ceremonies and importance.
The Four Days of Chhath Puja
Day 1: Nahay Khay (First Day: 5 November 2024)
The first day of the Chhath Puja celebrations is Nahay Khay. Before sunrise, devotees rise early and take a holy bath in a river or other body of water. This bath’s collected water is used to make prasad (offerings) and meals. On this day, worshippers eat only one meal, signaling the start of their fast.
Day 2: Lohanda and Kharna (Second Day: 6 November 2024)
The second day, known as Lohanda, is a fasting day during which no water is consumed. Devotees perform Kharna in the evening, as the sun begins to set. They fast until dusk and then worship the setting sun. Prasad is given to the sun god and often consists of kheer (rice pudding) and fruits.
Day 3: Sandhya Arghya (Third Day: 7 November 2024)
The third day of Chhath Puja, Sandhya Arghya, is the most important. During the day, devotees fast and prepare for evening prayers to the setting sun. They congregate on the riverbanks, dressed in traditional garb, and make offerings to the setting sun of fruits, sugarcane stalks, and thekua (a traditional sweet snack). As worshippers express their devotion and thanks, the recitation of Vedic mantras fills the air.
Day 4: Usha Arghya (Fourth Day: 8 November 2024)
Usha Arghya is the final day of Chhath Puja. Devotees get up before daybreak to pray to the rising sun. This is the festival’s climax, and after the morning rites, worshippers break their fast, frequently with prasad.
The Significance of Chhath Puja
Worshiping the Sun God
The main purpose of Chhath Puja is to honor Lord Surya, the sun god. The sun is a symbol of life and energy in Hinduism, and Chhath Puja is a way for believers to express their thanks for the sun’s life-sustaining vitality. The celebration serves as a reminder of the sun’s importance in supporting life on Earth.
Historical and Mythological Roots
Chhath Puja has its origins in ancient Indian literature, particularly the Rigveda. Draupadi, the Pandava brothers’ wife, is said to have observed Chhath Puja during their exile in the Mahabharata. Another tale connects Chhath Puja to Lord Rama, who is claimed to have celebrated it after returning to Ayodhya.
Environmental and Cultural Significance
Chhath Puja is more than just a religious event; it is also culturally and environmentally significant. Chhath Puja ceremonies and practices emphasize cleanliness, discipline, and a healthy relationship with nature. Devotees take a holy bath in rivers or other bodies of water, present prasad (offerings) to the sun, and fast for a day, abstaining from food and water.
Strengthening Family Bonds
Chhath Puja is a family-bonding holiday that encourages oneness. It is a time when family members gather to take part in rituals and celebrations. Women, in particular, play an important role in Chhath Puja preparations and rituals, strengthening family bonds even further.
Chhath Puja Celebrations Across India
While Chhath Puja is most popular in the northern Indian states of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand, its popularity has spread to other regions and even beyond India’s borders.
Bihar: The Heart of Chhath Puja
Bihar is the hub of Chhath Puja festivities. With bright processions, brilliant displays, and ardent devotional chants, the entire state comes alive. The ghats along the banks of rivers like the Ganges are crowded with devotees praying to the sunset and rising sun.
Uttar Pradesh: Grand Celebrations
Chhath Puja is widely celebrated in Uttar Pradesh, particularly along the banks of the Yamuna and Ganges rivers. Cities like as Varanasi and Gorakhpur are well-known for their spectacular Chhath Puja celebrations, which draw devotees from all across the country.
Delhi: Chhath in the Capital
Chhath Puja is celebrated with zeal even in the bustling capital city of Delhi. Many Bihar and other North Indian families who have settled in Delhi continue to celebrate the occasion with traditional zeal.
Nepal: Chhath Beyond Borders
Chhath Puja is not only celebrated in India; it is also celebrated with equal zeal in Nepal. The ceremonies and traditions are identical, and worshippers congregate on the banks of rivers and ponds to pay their respects to the sun god.
Other States/Country: Embracing the Tradition
Chhath Puja has crossed geographical lines and acquired popularity in areas such as West Bengal, Maharashtra, Gujarat and other country also. This development demonstrates the festival’s ability to overcome cultural divides and unite people in the spirit of devotion.
The Essence of Chhath Puja
Chhath Puja is fundamentally a celebration of spirituality, family relationships, and environmental awareness. It is a time when millions of worshippers gather to express their appreciation to and seek the blessings of the sun deity. The rising and setting of the sun marks not only the start and end of the day, but also the continuity of life and the endless cycle of nature—a powerful reminder of the timeless traditions and ideals that Chhath Puja celebrates.
Consider joining the believers in paying respect to the sun deity and experiencing the romance and devotion that surround this ancient festival this year, as you mark your calendar for Chhath Puja 2023. May Chhath Puja offer you and your loved ones happiness, health, and a closer relationship with the almighty.
Chhath Puja: A Cultural and Spiritual Odyssey
Chhath Puja in 2023 promises to be a huge cultural and spiritual feast. It’s a chance to see ancient traditions blended with modern dedication, a reminder of the enduring power of rituals and the peace that may be created with nature.
Let Chhath Puja serve as an inspiration to reconnect with the natural world, develop family relationships, and express thanks for the life-sustaining energy that the sun offers as you prepare to participate or learn more about this interesting celebration.
Chhath Puja 2024 is ready to engulf you in its warmth and spirituality, with its rituals, colors, and dedication. Chhath Puja has something special to offer, whether you’re a seasoned participant or a curious observer—a glimpse into the ageless and profound tradition of sun worship.
Join in the celebration of Chhath Puja and immerse yourself in the festival of sun worship as the sun rises and sets on the horizon, marking the endless passage of time.