Chhath Puja is a 4-day long festival dedicated to the worship of the God Sun. In 2023, Chhath Puja will be celebrated between 17-20 November
Chhath Puja is one of the most significant festivals celebrated in the northern regions of India, especially in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand. It is a four-day-long festival dedicated to the worship of the Sun God and his consort, Chhathi Maiya. The festival is observed in the Hindu month of Kartik, which usually falls in October or November according to the Gregorian calendar.
Kartika Chhath Puja Dates 2023:
| Date | Day | Event | Hindi Tithi |
| 17th November 2023 | Friday | Nahay Khay | Chaturthi |
| 18th November 2023 | Saturday | Lohanda and Kharna | Panchami |
| 19th November 2023 | Sunday | Sandhya Arghya (Chhath) | Shashthi |
| 20th November 2023 | Monday | Usha Arghya, Parana Day | Saptami |
Chhath Puja holds immense significance in the Hindu religion and is observed to seek the blessings of the Sun God, who is believed to be the source of life and energy on earth. The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion, and the rituals and customs associated with the festival are observed with strict discipline.
Importance, Benefits & Astrological Connection of Chath Puja
It is dedicated to the worship of the Sun God (Surya) and his wife Usha and is celebrated in the month of Kartik, which falls in October or November according to the Gregorian calendar.
Here are the importance, benefits, and astrological connections of Chhath Puja:
Importance:
- It is believed that by performing Chath Puja, devotees can seek the blessings of the Sun God and his consort Usha for good health, prosperity, and happiness.
- The festival is also considered a way to thank the Sun God for sustaining life on Earth and providing the energy needed for survival.
- Chhath Puja is also a way to purify the mind and body and to seek forgiveness for sins committed in the past.
Benefits:
- It is believed that performing Chhath Puja can bring good health, wealth, and prosperity to the devotee and their family.
- The rituals of Chhath Puja involve fasting, meditation, and offering prayers to the Sun God, which can help to purify the mind and body and promote spiritual well-being.
- Chhath Puja is also a way to promote environmental awareness and conservation, as the rituals involve offering prayers to natural elements like water and the Sun.
Astrological connection:
- The Sun is considered to be a powerful astrological planet in Hindu mythology and is associated with health, vitality, and success.
- Chhath Puja is celebrated during the month of Kartik, which is considered an auspicious month for performing spiritual practices and seeking blessings from the gods.
- It is believed that performing Chhath Puja during this month can help to ward off negative astrological influences and bring positive energy and good fortune.
Chhath Puja is a four-day-long Hindu festival celebrated in various parts of India, especially in the states of Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh. It is also celebrated in Nepal. Chhath Puja is dedicated to the worship of the Sun God and is celebrated six days after Diwali. The festival is observed to thank the Sun God for sustaining life on Earth and to seek his blessings for well-being, prosperity, and happiness.
In 2023, Chhath Puja will be celebrated on between 17 November – 20 November.
The festival is celebrated for four days, with each day having its unique significance and rituals.
Chhath Puja Rituals: A 4 Days Process
Day 1: Nahay Khay
The first day of Chhath Puja is called Nahay Khay, which means taking a bath and having a meal. On this day, devotees take a holy bath in the river or any other water body and observe a strict fast. The fast is broken after preparing and consuming a special meal consisting of rice, lentils, and pumpkin.
Day 2: Kharna
The second day of this festival is called Kharna, which is also known as Lohanda. On this day, devotees observe a strict fast for the entire day, which is broken after sunset. They prepare Kheer (sweet rice pudding) and offer it to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya, after which they break their fast.
Day 3: Sandhya Arghya
The third day of Chath Puja is called Sandhya Arghya, which is the most important day of the festival. On this day, devotees offer prayers to the setting sun and the rising moon. They prepare offerings of fruits, sweets, and traditional delicacies, and offer them to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya.
Day 4: Usha Arghya
On the final day of Chath Puja, the devotees go to the riverbank early in the morning to offer ‘arghya’ or water to the rising sun. They offer special food and pray for the well-being of their family.
Chhath Puja is a festival that celebrates the essence of life and the importance of the Sun God in Hindu mythology. It is a time when families come together to seek blessings and celebrate the harvest season. The festival is also a way to promote social harmony and unity, as people from all walks of life participate in the celebrations.
FAQs
Q. What is Chhath MahaPuja?
Ans. Chhath Puja is an ancient Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of the Sun God (Surya Dev) and his consort Usha, who is the goddess of dawn. It is celebrated primarily in the northern regions of India, especially in the states of Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh.
Q. When is Chhath celebrated?
Ans. Chhath Puja is usually celebrated in the month of Kartik, which falls in October or November according to the Gregorian calendar. The festival begins on the sixth day after Diwali, and the main day of worship, known as Chhath, falls on the sixth day of the month.
Q. What is the significance of Chhath Puja?
Ans. Chhath Puja is a festival of thanksgiving and purification, where devotees seek blessings from the Sun God for prosperity, good health, and happiness. It is believed that by performing Chhath Puja, one can rid themselves of all sins and attain salvation.
Q. What are the rituals of this Puja?
Ans. Chhath Puja involves a series of rituals that span over four days, including bathing in the holy river, fasting, and offering prayers to the Sun God. On the first day, devotees take a dip in the river and prepare their homes for the puja. The second day is known as ‘Kharna,’ where devotees observe a fast without water or food. The third day is the main day of worship, where devotees offer prayers to the rising and setting sun. The final day is known as ‘Paarun,’ where devotees break their fast.
Q. Is Chhath Puja only celebrated by women?
Ans. No, Chhath Puja is celebrated by both men and women. However, it is more commonly observed by women, who fast and perform the puja rituals with great devotion and dedication.
Q. Where is Chhath Puja celebrated?
Ans. Chhath Puja is mainly celebrated in the northern regions of India, particularly in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh. However, it is also observed in other parts of the country, such as West Bengal, Assam, and Odisha. Additionally, it is celebrated by the Nepalese community in Nepal and some parts of India.