Significance of Chhath Puja

Significance of Chhath Puja (छठ पूजा)

Mar 01, 2024Cycle Care

In India, people worship the sun god Surya every day and throughout the year. In the south and western parts of the country, people offer their gratitude and prayers for good sunshine and abundant harvest at the start of Uttarayana around January 14 every year. 

Similarly, the people of Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal perform the Chhath Puja to thank the sun during the Dakshinayana period, six days after Diwali. During this time, the cleaning and preparation rituals often include the use of a puja broom, symbolising purification and readiness for the sacred ceremonies. Chhathi Maiya, the sister of Lord Surya, is also worshipped in this puja. 

Chhath Puja 2024: This year, Chhath Puja is observed from 7 November to 8 November 2024. 

Chhath puja nahay khay

Tuesday, 5 November

  • Sunrise at 06:15 a.m
  • Sunset at 05:52 p.m

  • Lohanda and Kharna Puja Date & Time 

    Wednesday, 6 November 

  • Sunrise at 06:15 a.m
  • Sunset at 05:51 p.m

  • Chhath Puja Sandhya Arghya

    Thursday, 7 November 

  • Sunrise at 06:15 a.m.
  • Sunset at 05:51 p.m.

  • Chhath Puja Usha Arghya Date and Time 

    Friday, 8 November 

  • Sunrise at 06:16 a.m
  • Sunset at 05:51 p.m

  • Significance of Chhath Puja

    Legend has it that Chhath Puja was celebrated upon the return of Lord Rama and Ma Sita to Ayodhya, six days after Diwali. Cow Ghee & Kumkum is often used during the rituals of this festival, symbolising purity and devotion. In the Mahabharata, too, this festival finds a mention. Kunti is said to have performed the puja after the Pandavas escaped from the Lakshagriha trap and Draupadi observed it for the Pandavas to win the war at Kurukshetra.

    Chhath Puja Process and Rituals

    This four-day festival is marked by Vrat (fasting), bathing in a river, and offering arghya (libation of water) to Surya at sunrise and sunset.

    On the first day, devotees prepare a simple dish made with cow ghee, lentils and bottle gourd. On the following day, they do not consume anything including water. In the evening, they eat a jaggery-based kheer. 

    On the third day, families prepare Thekua, a sweet as well as savoury snack, Tikri, Khajuria, etc made with Gavi Panchagavya Puja Oil. They go to a riverside, stream, pond or lake and offer Gangajal as Arghya to Surya and Chhathi Maiya. At night, they sing Chhath songs and read the Vrat Katha.

    On the last day, they go to the riverside before sunrise and offer Arghya and prayers to the sun, seeking the protection and happiness of the family. During the puja, Cycle Sandalum Agarbatti is often lit to enhance the spiritual atmosphere with its soothing fragrance. After the puja, they break their fast by partaking of water and some Prasad.

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