Chhath Puja 2024: Puja Vidhi & More!

In Hinduism, every festival carries its own unique significance, and among the most important is Chhath Puja, celebrated with immense enthusiasm each year. According to the Hindu calendar, this grand festival begins on the sixth day (Shashti Tithi) of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) in the month of Kartik, and is also known as ‘Surya Shashti.’ Chhathi Maiya is worshipped with great devotion and proper rituals during this special occasion. Chhath Puja is observed over four days, with special prayers and offerings made to the Sun God. Cleanliness and purity play a central role in the rituals. This vibrant festival is celebrated with great zeal, particularly in Eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

Now, let’s explore the dates, auspicious timings, and significance of Chhath Puja 2024 in more detail through this AstroSage blog.

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Chhath Puja 2024: Date & Time

Chhath Puja is celebrated every year on the sixth day (Shashti Tithi) of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Kartik, which usually falls between October and November. This year, the grand festival of Chhath Puja 2024 will begin on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, with the ‘Nahay-Khay’ ritual and will conclude on Friday, November 8, 2024, with the offering of ‘Arghya’ to the rising Sun.

Timing for Offering ‘Arghya’ to the Sun

November 7 (Evening Arghya) Sunset time: 5:31 PM

November 8 (Morning Arghya) Sunrise time: 6:38 AM

Chhath Puja 2024 Calendar 

First Day of Chhath Puja 2024: Nahay-Khay, Tuesday, November 5

Second Day of Chhath Puja 2024: Lohanda and Kharna, Wednesday, November 6

Third Day of Chhath Puja 2024: Chhath Puja, Evening Arghya, Thursday, November 7

Fourth Day of Chhath Puja 2024: Offering Arghya to the Rising Sun, Paran, Friday, November 8

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Significance of Chhath Puja 2024

Chhath Puja is a major festival dedicated to the worship of the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya, celebrated with great fervor, especially in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Nepal. This festival holds immense religious, cultural, and social significance. Chhath Puja spans four days, during which women observe a strict 36-hour waterless fast for the long life and good health of their children.

Additionally, this fast is believed to be fruitful for those seeking the blessing of children. Considered one of the most challenging fasts, Chhath begins with the ritual of ‘Nahay-Khay.’ Devotees first offer ‘Arghya’ to the setting sun, followed by ‘Arghya’ to the rising sun, marking the end of the fast. The entire family observes this fast together, promoting unity and harmony within families and the community. The festival fosters a deep sense of affection, love, and cooperation among all.

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Significance of the Four Days Of Chhath Puja 2024

Chhath Puja 2024 is a four-day-long festival, with each day holding special religious and spiritual significance. These four days are completely dedicated to purity, devotion, and penance. Let’s explore the importance of each day of Chhath Puja.

Day 1: Nahaay-Khaay

The first day of Chhath Puja is known as ‘Nahay-Khay.’ On this day, the women who observe the fast bathe in a holy river or water body while maintaining strict cleanliness. After the bath, they eat a simple, sattvic meal. The house is cleaned thoroughly, and only pure food is prepared. Special significance is given to dishes like pumpkin curry, chana dal, and rice.

Day 2: Kharna

Kharna is the second day of Chhath Puja and is considered highly sacred and significant. On this day, the devotees observe a strict waterless fast (nirjala vrat) throughout the day, breaking it only after sunset with specially prepared offerings. The prasad typically includes kheer, roti, and fruits. After this, the devotees begin a rigorous 36-hour waterless fast.

Day 3: Sandhya Arghya

On the third day, the ritual of ‘Sandhya Arghya’ takes place, during which devotees offer prayers to the setting sun. This ceremony is performed in the evening at a riverbank or waterbody. The devotees, still fasting, offer ‘Arghya’ to the Sun God. In a bamboo basket, items such as Thekua– a traditional sweet, fruits, coconuts, sugarcane, and other offerings are placed. Families and communities gather together at the riverbank to pay homage to the Sun.

Day 4: Usha Arghya

The fourth and final day of Chhath Puja is dedicated to offering prayers to the rising sun, known as ‘Usha Arghya.’ Early in the morning, devotees go to the riverbank or waterbody to offer ‘Arghya’ to the first rays of the sun. After this offering to the rising sun, the devotees break their fast and partake in the prasad.

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Items Used In Chhath Puja 2024

In Chhath Puja, Lord Surya (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya are worshipped. The puja must be performed with complete rituals, and each material has special significance. Let’s look at the essential items required for Chhath Puja:

Bamboo Basket (Soop): Used to hold the offerings for the puja.

Thekua: A special prasad made from wheat flour and jaggery.

Fruit Offerings: Includes bananas, coconuts, sugarcane, pomegranate, apples, lemons, and other seasonal fruits.

Ganga Water: For bathing and offering Arghya to the Sun.

Coconut: A coconut filled with water is an essential offering.

Lamp: A clay lamp with pure ghee for the ritual.

Incense and Agarbatti: Used during the aarti (rituals) for Surya Dev.

Sindoor and Turmeric: Special offerings for married women.

Camphor: Used for the aarti during the puja.

Rules To Follow On Chhath Puja 2024

The rules of Chhath Puja are very strict and sacred. Adhering to these rules is considered essential, as purity, restraint, and discipline hold significant importance in this worship. Let’s explore the rules associated with Chhath Puja:

• The person observing the fast must maintain purity throughout the duration of the vrat (fast). It is mandatory to wear clean clothes after bathing. Purity must be upheld in all activities, from meals to rituals.
• Only pure Sattvic food is consumed during Chhath Puja. The intake of onions, garlic, and non-vegetarian items is strictly prohibited.
• The food prepared by the observer must use Ganga water and should be cooked in clay or brass utensils.
• The most challenging rule is the Nirjala Vrat (fast without water). After the ‘Kharna’ ritual, the fasting woman abstains from food and water for 36 hours.
• This fast is observed with complete devotion, faith, and dedication, during which no water or food is consumed.
• Offerings, fruits, and items for Arghya are placed in a bamboo basket (soop). This basket is considered essential for the puja.
• The lamps and containers used for offering Arghya must be natural, such as clay lamps.
• It is mandatory for the person observing the fast to bathe in a river, pond, or any clean water body. This bath is essential for the purification of body and mind.
• During the evening and morning Arghya, offerings are made to the Sun God while standing in water.
• Care should be taken to avoid any haste or negligence while performing the rituals. Attention and restraint are necessary in all stages of the puja.
• The observer must stay away from leather items during the puja, as they are considered impure.
• The utensils and stove used for preparing prasad must be clean and should be ignited using wood or cow dung cakes.
• On this day, the person observing the fast should not sleep on a bed or cot.
• It is also forbidden to use steel or plastic vessels while offering water to the Sun.

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The Story Of Chhath Puja

There are several mythological stories associated with the Chhath Puja, and one of the prominent ones is as follows:

First Story

In ancient times, King Priyavrat of the Suryavanshi dynasty and his wife, Queen Malini, were troubled by their inability to have children despite performing various religious rituals. This caused great sadness for the king. In their longing for a child, they organized a yajna as instructed by Sage Kashyap.

As a result of the yajna, Queen Malini became pregnant, but when the child was born, it was stillborn. Overwhelmed with grief, both the king and queen were heartbroken, and King Priyavrat decided to end his life.

At that moment, by the grace of God, Goddess Shashthi appeared, who is also known as Chhathi Maiya. The goddess told the king that if he worshipped her and observed the fast with devotion, they would be blessed with a child. Following the goddess’s command, King Priyavrat and Queen Malini observed the Chhath fast, and as a result, they were blessed with a beautiful son.

Second Story

Another prominent tale of Chhath Puja dates back to the Mahabharata era. After the Pandavas lost their kingdom, Draupadi observed the Chhath fast. She prayed to Lord Surya (the Sun God), seeking the well-being of her husband and family, as well as the restoration of their lost kingdom. Due to her deep devotion and penance, the Pandavas were blessed, regaining both their kingdom and their wealth.

Third Story

Chhath Puja holds profound importance in the worship of Surya Dev (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya. According to mythological traditions, Goddess Shashthi, the sister of Surya Dev, is honored during this festival. Chhathi Maiya is revered as the goddess who protects children, especially newborns and mothers. It is believed that those who worship Chhathi Maiya and Surya Dev with complete faith and devotion see all their desires fulfilled.

Fourth Story

As described in the Mahabharata, Karna was an ardent devotee of Lord Surya. Every day, he would stand in the water for hours, offering prayers to the Sun. With the blessings of Surya, Karna grew into a powerful and valiant warrior. It is said that Karna was the first to begin the tradition of Chhath Puja in honor of Surya Dev.

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Chhath Puja 2024: Zodiac Wise Remedies To Perform

Performing specific remedies based on your zodiac sign during Chhath Puja can bring greater benefits. Here are some special remedies for each zodiac sign, which can help you receive the blessings of Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya:

Aries

People of Aries should wear red clothing and offer Arghya (water offering) to Surya Dev with red sandalwood. This remedy will be auspicious and bring mental peace.

Taurus

Taurus individuals should wear white clothing and offer Arghya to Surya Dev using cow’s milk. This practice will bring happiness and prosperity to the family and provide relief from health issues.

Gemini

Wear green clothing and offer Arghya to the Sun by mixing Durva grass in Ganga water. This remedy will bring success in education, intelligence, and business.

Cancer

Those born under the Cancer zodiac should offer Arghya (water oblation) to Surya Dev using water in a silver vessel while wearing white clothing. This practice will promote peace and harmony within the family.

Leo

Leos should offer Arghya to Surya Dev with saffron-infused water and wear golden-colored attire. This ritual will enhance your social standing, bringing greater respect and recognition.

Virgo

Virgo individuals are advised to wear green or light-colored clothing and offer Arghya to Surya Dev with water from a copper vessel. This remedy will boost financial growth and improve health.

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Libra

Libras should wear blue clothing and offer Arghya to Surya Dev with water mixed with honey. This will ensure happiness and peace in your marital life while fostering mental tranquility.

Scorpio

Scorpio natives should dress in red and offer Arghya to Surya Dev with water mixed with jaggery. This ritual will help in overcoming financial difficulties.

Sagittarius

During Chhath Puja, Sagittarius individuals should offer sugarcane to Surya Dev. This will bring success to your children, especially in overcoming adversaries.

Capricorn

Capricorns are advised to offer Arghya to Surya Dev with water mixed with vermillion (kumkum). This will bless your children with happiness, prosperity, and success.

Aquarius

Aquarius natives should offer custard apples to Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya during Chhath Puja. This practice will lead to significant success in business ventures.

Pisces

Pisces natives should offer water chestnuts to Chhathi Maiya and Surya Dev on this holy day. This ritual will ensure rapid career advancement.

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