Chhath Puja: A Celebration of Sun, Devotion, and Tradition
India is a state plentiful in fairs and cultural range, with many festivities that carry humans together in joyful concord. Amid these colourful celebrations, Chhath Puja is a noteworthy manifestation of deep adoration for the Sun God, Lord Surya, and his partner, Usha, also referred to as Chhathi Maiya. This weblog ambitions to manual you thru the meaning, significance, and customs of Chhath Puja, a four-day event this is an awful lot expected, especially in Bihar and Jharkhand.
The Meaning Behind Chhath Puja
The name of the festival, Chhath Puja, comes from the word “Chhath,” which refers to the sixth day of the Hindu month of Kartikeya, which usually occurs in October or November. After Navratri, this pageant is the second longest, lasting four days. It possesses a particular place in the hearts of people in Jharkhand and Bihar, attracting hundreds of devotees to bodies of water such as ghats, ponds, and rivers.
Significance of Chhath Puja
Hindus have a long history of celebrating Chhath Puja, during which participants thank the Sun God for allowing them to live on Earth and ask for blessings for their well-being and advancement. Not only is Lord Surya worshipped, but Chhathi Maiya is also honored as she is thought to bestow longevity to children. One distinctive aspect of Chhath Puja is the ceremonial Chhath vrat, in which followers eat one full vegetarian meal each day. Only a week after Diwali, it is generally recognized to be a gigantic delight, along with the festive atmosphere.
Chhath Puja 2023: Dates and Timings
Chhath Puja is observed on the sixth day of the Kartik month in accordance with the Hindu calendar. The festival’s four days feature exact sunrise and sunset times.
Day 1 – Chaturthi (Nahay Khay)
- Date: November 17, 2023
- Sunrise: 06:45 AM
- Sunset: 05:27 PM
Day 2 – Panchami (Lohanda and Kharna)
- Date: November 18, 2023
- Sunrise: 06:46 AM
- Sunset: 05:26 PM
Day 3 – Shashthi (Chhath Puja, Sandhya Arghya)
- Chhath Puja Date: November 19, 2023
- Sunrise: 06:46 AM
- Sunset: 05:26 PM
Day 4 – Ashtami (Usha Arghya, Parana Day)
- Date: October 20 November 2023
- Sunrise: 6:32 AM
- Sunset: 5:37 PM
The Story of Chhath Puja
The origins of Chhath Puja may be traced returned to the Brahma Vaivarta Purana. Legend has it that King Priyavrat, son of Manu Swayambhu, became childless and deeply despondent. Upon the advice of Maharishi Kashyap, he carried out a yajna, main to the start of a stillborn toddler. In his melancholy, a divine craft seemed, sporting Shashti Maa, who revived the kid, blessing King Priyavrat with progeny. Overwhelmed with gratitude, the king worshipped Mata Shashti, marking the inception of Chhath Puja as a international lifestyle.
Chhath Special Rituals
The four days of Chhath Puja bring forth a series of rituals known as Surya Shashthi, Chhathi, Dala Chhath, and Prathihar:
Nahaye Khaye (Day 1)
- Devotees take a holy dip in rivers, ponds, or other water sources.
- Homes are cleaned, and a vegetarian meal is prepared and offered as bhog in the afternoon.
Kharna (Day 2)
- Devotees observe the Nirjala fast, abstaining from water consumption.
- A special Prasad of milk, jaggery, and rice is prepared and offered to Chhati Maiyya.
- This Prasad, along with spices, betel leaves, green ginger, and fruits, is distributed to relatives and friends.
Sandhya Arghya (Day 3)
- Arghya is offered to Lord Sun using Thekua, rice laddoos, and fruits arranged on a soop.
- Devotees worship Chhathi Mata, offering water and milk.
- Devotional songs are sung, and Chhath Vrat Katha is recited during the evening.
Usha Arghya (Day 4)
- The final day involves offering Arghya to the rising Sun.
- Devotees, along with their families, visit riverbanks with great zeal, praying for happiness and prosperity.
- Fasting individuals break their fast with ginger and jaggery.
The Essence of Chhath Puja
Chhath Puja is a celebration deeply intertwined with nature and its blessings. Its simplicity and purity set it apart from other Hindu festivals, as it involves no idol worship. Instead, it pays homage to the Sun, the soul of the world and the eye of the creator. This festival radiates with grandeur, symbolizing protection, happiness, and the divine blessings of Lord Sun and Mata Shashti. May Chhath Puja bring you and your family boundless joy and protection as you celebrate this auspicious occasion!
In conclusion, Chhath Puja is a testament to the unwavering devotion and rich cultural heritage of India, where tradition and spirituality intertwine, connecting people to the divine through the radiant rays of the Sun. Happy Chhath Puja!
