Chhath Puja 2024: A Detailed Guide to the Festival of Devotion to the Sun God

Chhath Puja, a deeply revered Hindu festival, celebrates the Sun God (Surya) and his sister, Chhathi Maiya, who is believed to bestow health, prosperity, and longevity.

The festival is primarily observed in the Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and in parts of Nepal, as well as by diaspora communities worldwide. In 2024, Chhath Puja will be observed from November 6 to November 9.

Significance of Chhath Puja

It is believed that Chhathi Maiya, the sister of Surya, brings blessings of happiness, health, and fulfillment. The festival is also known for its rigorous observances, highlighting self-discipline, purity, and simplicity.

The Four-Day Observance of Chhath Puja

Chhath Puja is a four-day festival with each day dedicated to specific rituals and worship:

1. Nahay Khay (November 6, 2024)

• The first day, known as Nahay Khay, marks the beginning of Chhath Puja. Devotees take a holy dip in rivers or water bodies, symbolizing the cleansing of their body and soul.
• On this day, people typically consume a vegetarian meal prepared without onions and garlic. Devotees often eat rice, dal, and pumpkin sabzi cooked with pure ingredients, reflecting simplicity and purity.

2. Kharna (November 7, 2024)

• The second day, Kharna, is marked by a day-long fast observed by the devotees without even drinking water.
• In the evening, they break the fast after offering prayers. The offering, or prasad, prepared for this day includes kheer (a sweet rice pudding made with jaggery), chapati (a type of Indian flatbread), and fruits.
• After the evening rituals, devotees begin a 36-hour fast without food or water, displaying devotion and dedication to Surya and Chhathi Maiya.

3. Sandhya Arghya (November 8, 2024)

• The third day is dedicated to Sandhya Arghya, the evening offering to the setting sun. This day is the most significant, as families gather at riverbanks or ponds to offer their prayers.
• Devotees, dressed in traditional attire, offer arghya (water offering) to Surya as he sets. This is accompanied by the offering of fruits, sugarcane, coconuts, and seasonal vegetables arranged in dauras (bamboo baskets).
• The evening arghya is marked by the singing of traditional Chhath songs and folk music. Families stand in knee-deep water, praying for the health, well-being, and prosperity of their families.

4. Usha Arghya and Paran (November 9, 2024)

• The final day of Chhath Puja is Usha Arghya, where devotees gather at the water body before dawn to offer prayers to the rising sun.
• After offering arghya to the Sun, the 36-hour fast is broken, also known as Paran. Devotees break their fast by consuming prasad, typically consisting of thekua (a sweet cookie-like delicacy made from wheat flour, jaggery, and ghee) and other offerings prepared specifically for the occasion.
• This day concludes the Chhath rituals, with family members gathering to celebrate and share in the prasad as a blessing of Surya and Chhathi Maiya.

Rituals and Offerings in Chhath Puja

Chhath Puja rituals are known for their simplicity, yet they require great dedication and preparation. Some of the primary elements include:

• Arghya (Water Offering): Offering water to the Sun is central to Chhath Puja, symbolizing gratitude and reverence.
• Dauras and Prasad: Bamboo baskets called dauras are filled with offerings like thekua, fruits, coconuts, and sugarcane. These are offered to Surya and Chhathi Maiya during the arghya.
• Traditional Songs: Chhath Puja is accompanied by devotional songs and folk music in Bhojpuri and Maithili, which narrate the stories of Chhathi Maiya and invoke blessings from her.
• Fasting and Cleanliness: Devotees observe strict fasting, and cleanliness is maintained throughout the home and at the sites where arghya is offered.

The Origins and Mythology Behind Chhath Puja

The festival of Chhath has roots in Hindu mythology and ancient Vedic texts. According to one legend, Draupadi and the Pandavas in the Mahabharata observed Chhath Puja to regain their lost kingdom. Another legend suggests that Lord Rama and Sita observed the festival upon their return to Ayodhya after exile, thanking Surya for his blessings.

In the Vedic tradition, Chhath is believed to be an ancient form of sun worship, which involves rituals that aim to help humans attain immortality by absorbing the Sun’s energy through specific meditative practices. Chhath is therefore a powerful practice for achieving inner strength, mental clarity, and physical well-being.

Health and Environmental Aspects of Chhath Puja

Chhath Puja also promotes health and wellness. The act of offering prayers to the Sun involves spending time in the sun’s rays during dawn and dusk, known for providing Vitamin D and mental clarity. The practice of fasting detoxifies the body, while the environment-friendly rituals, such as using natural materials for prasad and decorations, make Chhath an eco-conscious festival.

Remarks

Chhath Puja is more than just a religious festival; it’s a time of community, tradition, and a celebration of nature’s vital forces. In 2024, as devotees gather by rivers and water bodies to offer their prayers to Surya and Chhathi Maiya, they carry forward a timeless legacy, upholding values of purity, discipline, and reverence. The festival is a reminder of humanity’s connection to the cosmos and the sustaining power of nature, a tradition that continues to inspire devotion, gratitude, and hope.