Chhath Puja 2024: All You Need to Know About the Date, Traditions, and More
As the festive season progresses, with Navratri, Durga Puja, and Diwali lighting up homes, another important celebration is on the horizon - Chhath Puja . This sacred festival, deeply rooted in Hindu traditions, is celebrated with great enthusiasm, especially in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh and Nepal. Let’s dive into the details of Chhath Puja 2024 .
What is Chhath Puja ?
Chhath Puja is a four-day festival dedicated to the Sun God, Surya Bhagavan . It is known by various names such as Surya Shashti, Dala Puja, and Chhath Parv. During this time, devotees, especially women, observe rigorous fasting and offer prayers for the well-being of their family and children. The festival is marked by prayers, fasting, and bathing in holy rivers, reflecting deep reverence for nature and spirituality.
When is Chhath Puja in 2024 ?
Chhath Puja follows the Hindu lunar calendar, always occurring six days after Diwali. In 2024, the main celebration falls on November 7, although the festival spans from November 5 to November 8.
# Important Dates for Chhath Puja 2024
Day 1 (November 5, 2024): Nahay Khay
Time: 6:36 am to 5:33 pm
Devotees take a ceremonial bath and prepare pure, satvik meals, starting the festival with purity.
Day 2 (November 6, 2024): Lohanda and Kharna
Time: 6:37 am to 5:32 pm
Observers fast the entire day, breaking it after sunset with offerings.
Day 3 (November 7, 2024): Sandhya Arghya
Time: 6:38 am to 5:32 pm
The most significant day, where devotees offer prayers and Arghya (ritual offerings) to the setting sun by riverbanks.
Day 4 (November 8, 2024): Usha Arghya
Time: 6:38 am to 5:31 pm
Devotees offer prayers to the rising sun, concluding the festival with blessings for prosperity.
# Significance of Chhath Puja
Chhath Puja is a festival of gratitude. Devotees thank Surya for sustaining life on earth and pray for the prosperity and well-being of their families. Women play a central role in the rituals, preparing satvik meals and observing strict fasts. The festival symbolizes devotion, discipline, and the balance between humanity and nature.
The Community Spirit of Chhath Puja
More than just a religious observance, Chhath Puja is a communal celebration. Families and communities come together at riverside ghats to perform rituals. The act of offering Arghya to Surya Bhagavan and Chhathi Maiya reflects a deep connection between nature, spirituality, and familial bonds.
As November approaches, preparations for Chhath Puja 2024 will soon be in full swing, with markets bustling and families preparing for this joyous festival.