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Chhath Puja 2023: Chhath Puja holds a significant place in Hinduism, and it is eagerly anticipated by people year-round. While this festival is most prominently celebrated in regions like Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Uttar Pradesh, it is observed across the country. Chhath Puja 2023 occurs annually on the sixth day of the bright half of the Kartik month, spanning four days of devotion to Lord Surya, the Sun God, and Chhathi Maiya.
During this festival, women who observe a fast pay their respects to the sun by offering arghya, a ritual involving water, during sunrise and sunset. The Chhath Puja ceremony involves fasting and taking holy baths. The four days are dedicated to specific rituals: the first day for bathing and eating, the second for fasting and preparing prasad (offerings), the third for Chhath Puja and evening arghya, and the fourth for offering arghya to the rising sun and concluding the fast.
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Chhath Puja is referred to by various names in different regions, such as Surya Shashthi, Chhath, Chhathi, Chhath Parv, Dala Puja, and Dala Chhath. Preparing Thekua, a special sweet, is an integral part of this festival, and the puja is considered incomplete without it.
Let’s proceed in this sequence to explore Chhath Puja 2023’s date, puja timings, its significance, the mythological narrative, and the simple practices carried out on this special day.
Chhath Puja 2023: Date & Time
The festival of Chhath Puja is an annual celebration held on the sixth day of the bright half of the Kartik month, which typically spans October and November. This year, the magnificent Chhath Puja 2023 festival is set to commence on November 17, 2023, a Friday, with the traditional Nahaye-Khaye ritual. It will culminate on November 20, 2023, a Monday, with the offering of Arghya to the rising sun.
According to the Hindu Panchang, the Shashti will start at 9:20 AM on the morning of November 18 and conclude at 7:25 AM on the morning of November 19. Recognizing the Udaya Tithi, Chhath Puja 2023 will be observed on November 19.
Time To Offer Arghya to the Sun
Arghya During Sunset time: From 05:26 PM on November 19, 2023.
Arghya During Sunrise time: Until 06:47 AM on November 20, 2023.
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Chhath Puja Schedule for 2023
First Day of Chhath Puja 2023: Nahaye-Khaye (Bathing and Eating) on Friday, November 17th.
Second Day of Chhath Puja: Lohanda and Kharna on Saturday, November 18th.
Third Day of Chhath Puja 2023: Chhath Puja and Evening Arghya on Sunday, November 19th.
Fourth Day of Chhath Puja 2023: Offering Arghya to the Rising Sun and Concluding the Fast on Monday, November 20th.
The Significance of the Four Days of Chhath Puja 2023
Naharye-Khaye
Chhath Puja 2023 begins with the ritual of Nahaye-Khaye, where cleanliness holds special importance, and preparations for Chhath prasad begin. The first day of this four-day festival is of great significance. Women observing the fast rise early, perform their morning ablutions, and initiate Chhath rituals.
Kharna Or Lohanda
The second day, known as Kharna or Lohanda, falls on Panchami of the bright half of the Kartik month. After a day of fasting, the fast is broken in the evening with a special dessert made from jaggery, followed by a 36-hour Nirjala fast. On this day, a special preparation of rice, milk, and jaggery pudding is cooked over a clay stove. In the evening, devotees visit rivers or ponds, offering Arghya to the setting sun, marking the beginning of the challenging Chhath fast.
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Shashti or Chhath Puja 2023
The fast of Chhath Puja 2023 continues on the Shashti day, dedicated to the main Chhath Puja. Devotees gather at rivers or ponds during sunrise to offer Arghya to the rising sun and pay their respects to Chhathi Maiya. Fasting persists throughout the day, concluding with the evening Arghya offered to the setting sun.
The Fourth Day Of Chhath Puja 2023
The fourth day of Chhath, known as Saptami, marks the culmination of the festival of Chhath Puja 2023. On this day, devotees offer Arghya to the rising sun in the morning, signaling the end of the festival. Women who have observed the fast offer their prayers for the long and prosperous lives of their children.
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The Importance of Chhath Puja 2023
Chhath Puja is a significant festival during which worship is dedicated to Lord Surya (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya, believed to be the divine daughter of Lord Brahma. Women fast for a period of 36 hours on this occasion. The initial day of Chhath, known as Nahaye-Khaye, involves a sacred bath in bodies of water such as the Ganges. Women following the Chhath tradition meticulously prepare prasad for Lord Surya while adhering to a rigorous Nirjala fast.
The next two days, called Kharna and Chhath Puja, require women to maintain a strict nirjala fast, refraining from both food and water. Additionally, on the fourth day, known as Usha Arghya, women stand in water to offer arghya to the rising sun and then conclude their 36-hour fast. Chhath Puja is observed to seek the prosperity of their offspring and the longevity and happiness of their children. This fast is renowned for its level of challenge.
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Chhath Puja 2023: Rituals and Necessary Items
- To perform Chhath Puja 2023, it is crucial to have two large bamboo baskets referred to as “Pathiya” or “Soop.” Additionally, you should gather the following items: a winnowing basket, poniya (a small stool), dhakkan, kalash, pukhar (a small pot), and sarva.
- Within these bamboo baskets, prepare Prasad for the offering to Lord Surya. This prasad should include Thekua, roasted grams, betel leaves, clarified butter, akshat, Ankuri (germinated grains), and sugarcane.
- Moreover, the baskets must also contain five varieties of fruits: Sharifa (custard apple), banana, pear, coconut, and a large lemon known as “Daabh.” It is important to include these fruits in the baskets.
- In addition, apply Sindoor and Pithar (rice flour) to the baskets designated for Chhath Puja 2023 offerings.
- To conduct Chhath Puja 2023, wake up early during the auspicious Brahma muhurta, complete your morning ablutions, don clean attire, and make a solemn vow for the fast. Then, direct your devotion towards Lord Surya and Chhathi Maiya.
- On the day of Chhath Puja 2023, the people observing the fast do not consume food. If possible, it is advisable to maintain a Nirjala fast while participating in the rituals.
- During the evening of the first day of Chhath, a unique ceremony called “Sandhya Arghya” transpires, where devotees stand in the water and offer arghya to the setting sun. On this day, it is recommended to arrive at the Chhath Ghat a little before sunset, take a bath, and then present arghya to the setting sun.
- Bamboo or brass baskets are employed to offer arghya to Lord Surya. While using these baskets, offer arghya to the sun god by holding the basket and offering water.
- Within the Chhath Puja baskets or soop, include fruits and sweets. Additionally, arrange your puja materials, offer your prayers, and, while observing a nirjala fast throughout the night, present water to the rising sun the following morning. While offering arghya to Lord Surya, silently convey your wishes and prayers in your mind.
Follow These Rules During Chhath Puja 2023
There are important rules that should be followed while fasting for Chhath Puja 2023. Here is a list of all the important guidelines:
- Pay special attention to cleanliness during Chhath Puja 2023. On this day, the house is thoroughly cleaned, and sattvic (pure) food is prepared. Starting from this day and until the day after fasting, onions and garlic are not used in the house.
- The Prasad for Chhath Puja is prepared exclusively by women who observe the fast. The grains used in Prasad should be cleaned thoroughly. Chhath Prasad is always prepared at home.
- Do not touch the prasad made for the puja with unwashed hands, and avoid contaminating it. Chhath Puja prasad is cooked over a clay stove with special attention to its purity. Always touch the prasad with clean hands.
- Everything offered to Chhathi Maiya must be in perfect condition. Fruits and flowers that have been altered or spoiled should not be included in the puja.
- The saree worn during the puja should be new and undamaged, meaning it should not have any stitches or patches and should be free from any defects.
- Women observing the Chhath fast should sleep on the ground with a mat during this period and refrain from using a bed.
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The Mythological Story Of Chhath Puja
According to ancient mythology, King Priyavrat experienced a prolonged period of infertility. Subsequently, the sage Kashyapa conducted a yajna and instructed Priyavrat’s wife to partake in the prasad prepared for this ritual. Although she did give birth to a child, tragically, the child was stillborn. Filled with grief, Priyavrat carried his lifeless son to the cremation ground to perform the final rites.
It’s said that at that moment, the divine daughter of Lord Brahma, known as Devsena (Chhathi Maiya), appeared and informed the king that by venerating her, he would be blessed with the precious gift of a son. Following Chhathi Maiya’s guidance, King Priyavrat earnestly conducted the Chhath Puja and faithfully followed the associated customs, ultimately leading to the birth of a radiant son. Since then, the tradition of worshipping Chhathi Maiya on Kartik Shukla Shashti has endured.
Moreover, it is believed that Lord Rama and Sita also observed the Chhath Vrat. After their triumph in Lanka, Lord Rama and Sita are said to have performed the Chhath Vrat and offered their devotions to Lord Surya on Kartik Shukla Shashti.
During the era of the Mahabharata, it is said that Karna, the son of Lord Surya, offered his prayers to Lord Surya as well. Karna was renowned for his unwavering devotion to Lord Surya, as he would stand in the water daily, offering his prayers and arghya. It is believed that his dedication and commitment to Lord Surya contributed to his greatness and triumphs in life.
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Remedies To Perform On Chhath Puja 2023
During Chhath Puja, there are easy remedies available to assist worshipers in addressing various concerns. Let’s delve into these practices that offer special advantages on Chhath Puja 2023.
For Fulfilling Desires
On the auspicious occasion of Chhath Puja 2023, submerge uncooked rice and jaggery in flowing water. This action is believed to usher in special blessings and grant the fulfillment of all your aspirations. Furthermore, it’s crucial to partake in rice, milk, and jaggery-based kheer on this day, as it is thought to attract the benevolence of the Sun.
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To Alleviate Surya Dosha
As per astrological beliefs, during Chhath Puja, throw a copper coin into flowing water to reduce the Surya Dosha. It is believed that this practice can mitigate any doshas associated with the Sun.
To Attain Relief From Financial Stress
During Chhath Puja 2023, it is recommended that people offer wheat and jaggery, enveloped in red fabric, as a form of charity. This act is believed to bring economic relief and safeguard individuals from ever experiencing financial hardships.
Wishing for the Lifelong Well-Being of Partners
On the day of the Chhath Puja 2023, married women are advised to present red flowers to the ascending sun while performing the arghya ritual. Additionally, they should beseech for the enduring health and vitality of their spouses. This custom is thought to be instrumental in ensuring the longevity of husbands and nurturing harmonious married lives.
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