The Chhath Puja is a festival of the sun, devotion, and tradition.
India is a state with a lot of events and cultural diversity. There are many celebrations that bring people together in happy harmony. During these colorful events, Chhath Puja is a big way to show how much people love the Sun God, Lord Surya, and his partner, Usha, who is also known as Chhathi Maiya. This blog aims to walk you through the meaning, importance, and traditions of Chhath Puja, a four-day event that is very popular, especially in Bihar and Jharkhand.
What the Chhath Puja Means
Chhath Puja is the name of the holiday. The word “Chhath” means the sixth day of the Hindu month of Kartikeya, which is usually in October or November. This pageant lasts for four days, making it the second biggest after Navratri. People in Jharkhand and Bihar have a special place in their hearts for it, and hundreds of followers flock to bodies of water like rivers, ghats, and ponds.
Why Chhath Puja Is Important
Hindus have been doing Chhath Puja for a very long time. During this ceremony, people thank the Sun God for letting them live on Earth and ask for his help with their health and progress. People worship both Lord Surya and Chhathi Maiya because they believe she can make children live long. The traditional Chhath vrat, during which followers eat one full vegetarian meal every day, is one thing that makes Chhath Puja stand out. It’s only a week after Diwali, and everyone knows it to be a huge treat, with a happy environment.
Dates and times for Chhath Puja 2023
Based on the Hindu schedule, Chhath Puja is held on the sixth day of the Kartik month. There are exact times for sunrise and sunset each day of the event.
Day 1: Chaturthi (Bahu Yah)
November 17, 2023
Sunrise: 6:45 a.m.
Sunset time: 5:27
Day 2: Panchami (Lohanda and Kharna) Date: November 18, 2023
Sunrise: 6:46 a.m.
Sunset time: 5:26
Today is Shashthi, which means Chhath Puja or Sandhya Arghya.
Chhath Puja Date: November 19, 2023
Sunrise: 6:46 a.m.
Sunset time: 5:26
Days 4 and 5 are Ashtami (Usha Arghya and Parana Days).
Date: October 20–November 20, 2023
The sun rose at 6:32 AM.
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How Chhath Puja Came to BeYou can find the history of Chhath Puja in the Brahma Vaivarta Purana. According to a story, King Priyavrat, who was the son of Manu Swayambhu, stopped having children and became very sad. He did a yajna on Maharishi Kashyap’s advice, which led to the birth of a stillborn child. In his sadness, a divine craft with Shashti Maa on it appeared and brought the child back to life, blessing King Priyavrat with children. The king was so thankful that he worshiped Mata Shashti. This was the start of Chhath Puja as a way of life around the world.
Chhath Rituals Unique to It
Over the course of four days, there are a number of ceremonies called Surya Shashthi, Chhathi, Dala Chhath, and Prathihar.
Hello Khaye (Day 1)
People who believe in the holy dip do it in rivers, ponds, or other bodies of water.
In the afternoon, homes are cleaned and a meatless meal is made and served as bhog.
Day 2 of Kharna
As part of the Nirjala fast, devotees don’t drink any water.
A special Prasad is made with milk, sugar, and rice, and it is given to Chhati Maiyya.
People give this Prasad, along with spices, betel leaves, green ginger, and sweets, to their family and friends.
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Lord Sun is given Arghya by putting Thekua, rice laddoos, and fruits on a soop.
People honor Chhathi Mata by giving her milk and water.
In the evening, devotional songs are played and Chhath Vrat Katha is read.
Usha Arghya (Day 4)
On the last day, Arghya is offered to the rising Sun.
People who are devoted go to riverbanks with their families and ask for happiness and wealth.
People fasting often break their fast with ginger and sugar to facilitate proper digestion. Here is what and why of Chhath Puja:
Chhath Puja is an event which celebrates nature and all it provides us. Without idol worship to distract from its message, Chhath Puja stands apart from other Hindu holidays as being relatively pure and simple in spirit. Instead, its purpose is to honor Sun as the world’s soul and God’s eye – offering protection, happiness and the divine blessings from Lord Sun and Mata Shashti; may Chhath Puja bring you and your family great happiness and safety!
Chhath Puja symbolizes how dedicated people are and the depth of India’s cultural traditions. Here, spirituality and tradition merge, drawing people closer to divine forces through sunlight rays. Enjoy Chhath Puja!
