Chhath Puja 2024 Dates and Timings : Significance of Celebrating Chhath Pooja

About Chhath Puja

Get ready to immerse yourself in the vivid and spiritual celebration of Chhath Puja, an ancient festival that honours Lord Surya (the Sun God) and Goddess Chhathi Maiya. Scheduled from November 5th to November 8th, 2024, Chhath Puja illuminates Bihar with its profound blend of tradition, devotion, and community spirit. This revered Hindu festival is dedicated to Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya, embodying a significant place in the cultural tapestry of Bihar.

Chhath Puja is not just a festival; it's a profound expression of gratitude toward nature’s abundance, a time for giving thanks, and a festivity that resonates deeply with both residents and visitors alike. Dive into the details of Chhath Puja and discover why it's celebrated, making it an essential experience in Bihar’s festive calendar.

Chhath Puja 2024 Date and Timings

Chhath Puja is a four-day festival that revolves around meticulous rituals, all of which are carefully timed according to the lunar calendar. For 2024, the festival will be celebrated from November 5th to November 8th.

Day 1: Nahay Khay- November 5, 2024 (Tuesday)

Day 2: Kharna- November 6, 2024 (Wednesday)

Day 3: Sandhya Arghya (Evening Offerings)- November 7, 2024 (Thursday)

Day 4: Usha Arghya (Morning Offerings)- November 8, 2024 (Friday)

Timings for Sandhya Arghya and Usha Arghya will depend on the local sunset and sunrise times. Typically, the Sandhya Arghya ritual is performed around 5:30 PM, and the Usha Arghya around 6:00 AM. These timings might vary slightly based on the location, so it’s advisable to check local schedules closer to the festival.

Origins and Cultural Significance of Chhath Puja

Chhath Puja holds immense significance in the hearts of many. Beyond the radiant rituals and vibrant Chhath Puja celebrations, it embodies several layers of importance. It symbolises a deep-rooted connection between humans and the environment, emphasising the vital role of the Sun in sustaining life and agriculture.

Chhath Puja also carries a historical and mythological backdrop, with legends like Draupadi's observance adding layers of reverence and tradition. This festival preserves and honours ancient customs, instilling a sense of cultural continuity.

Why is Chhath Puja Celebrated?

Chhath Puja is celebrated for various compelling reasons that make it an extraordinary and cherished festival. 

Firstly, it's a beautiful homage to Lord Surya, the Sun God, who is considered the ultimate source of energy and life. People express their gratitude to the Sun for its life-sustaining warmth and radiance, acknowledging its crucial role in agriculture and our well-being.

Secondly, Chhath Puja carries historical significance. It is deeply rooted in ancient Hindu scriptures and folklore. Draupadi, the wife of the Pandavas, is also associated with Chhath Puja. During their exile, Draupadi observed a similar fast and performed similar rituals. It is believed that these rituals helped the Pandavas regain their lost kingdom. The practice symbolizes the restoration of balance and the warding off of suffering and loss through the grace of the Sun God.

Thirdly, Chhath Puja celebration also emphasises the bond with nature. The ritual of standing in water and offering arghya (offerings) to the setting and rising Sun signifies the close connection between human life and the elements, emphasising environmental harmony and balance.

The Four Days of Chhath Puja

Chhath Puja isn't just a festival; it's a heartfelt tribute to the Sun, a nod to our cultural heritage, and a reminder of our intricate relationship with nature. 

Chhath Puja is a four-day festival filled with traditions and rituals that hold deep significance and reflect the devotion of its participants. Let's explore the day-wise Chhath Puja celebrations and the customs associated with each day

The Four Days of Chhath Puja: A Spiritual Journey

Chhath Puja is a deeply spiritual festival celebrated over four consecutive days, each with its own set of rituals that symbolize the journey towards purity, gratitude, and a connection with nature. This four-day celebration of Chhath Puja revolves around rigorous fasting, meticulous rituals, and the offering of Arghya to Surya Dev (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya (the Goddess of Dawn). Let’s explore the significance of each day and the rituals observed during this auspicious festival.

Day 1: Nahay Khay (Bathing and Eating): The first day of Chhath Puja, known as Nahay Khay, marks the beginning of the devotees’ spiritual cleansing. It takes place on the Chaturthi (fourth day) of the Kartik Shukla Paksha (the waxing phase of the moon), six days after Diwali. On this day, devotees take a holy dip in sacred rivers, particularly the Ganges, to purify their bodies and souls. This ritual of bathing symbolizes the washing away of impurities and marks the start of the strict fasting that follows.

After bathing, devotees bring holy water home to prepare the first meal of the festival, which is strictly vegetarian and free from onions, garlic, and other impure ingredients. The meal, known as Kadua-Bhaat, usually consists of rice, pumpkin, and pulses, all cooked in a simple and pure manner. The act of consuming this pure meal represents the cleansing of the body and soul, setting the stage for the rigorous spiritual journey ahead.

Day 2: Kharna (The Day of Fasting): The second day of Chhath Puja, called Kharna, is marked by intense fasting and devotion. On this day, devotees observe a full day of Nirjala Vrat, a fast without even consuming water, which signifies their dedication and self-discipline. The fast is broken in the evening, after sunset, with prasad (offering) made from rice, jaggery, and milk. This sweet dish, commonly known as jaggery kheer, is prepared without salt and is offered first to Chhathi Maiya, before being shared with family and neighbours.

After Kharna, devotees begin an even more rigorous fast, abstaining from food and water for the next 36 hours. This fast is considered one of the toughest in Hindu rituals, reflecting the devotees’ deep spiritual commitment. The evening meal after Kharna is considered the last intake before the offering of Arghya to the Sun on the following days.

Day 3: Sandhya Arghya (Evening Offering): The third day is the highlight of Chhath Puja and is known as Sandhya Arghya, meaning the evening offering. On this day, devotees gather at riverbanks or water bodies during sunset to offer their prayers and gratitude to the setting sun. The offering, called Arghya, is made by standing in knee-deep water and presenting a soop (bamboo basket) filled with fruits, sugarcane, and Thekua (a special sweet made of wheat and jaggery). The setting sun is worshiped as it symbolizes the end of a cycle and the promise of rebirth, representing the concept of life and death.

Sandhya Arghya is an incredibly mesmerizing and communal event. Women, dressed in vibrant sarees, hold their offerings while standing in the water, surrounded by the flickering light of diyas (earthen lamps) placed along the riverbanks. The sight of thousands of devotees, hands raised in prayer, is awe-inspiring and reflects the deep connection between humanity and nature. Devotional songs and chants fill the air as the sun sets, creating an atmosphere of unity, reverence, and spirituality.

Day 4: Usha Arghya (Morning Offering): The final day of Chhath Puja is called Usha Arghya, where prayers are offered to the rising sun at dawn. On this day, devotees return to the riverbanks before sunrise to offer their final Arghya. The morning sun is revered as a symbol of new beginnings and renewal, marking the cycle of rebirth and hope. As the sun rises over the horizon, devotees stand in the water and offer fruits, Thekua, and other prasad to express their gratitude for the sun’s life-giving energy.

The atmosphere during Usha Arghya is peaceful yet filled with anticipation as devotees break their fast after the morning prayers. The Prasad (offering) is then distributed among family, neighbours, and friends, signifying the end of the fasting period and the communal sharing of blessings. This marks the conclusion of Chhath Puja, leaving behind a sense of spiritual fulfilment, hope, and rejuvenation.

Rituals and Offerings: An Expression of Simplicity and Purity

Chhath Puja stands out among Indian festivals due to its emphasis on simplicity, purity, and a deep connection with nature. The festival is marked by rituals that are both physically and spiritually intense, focusing on self-discipline, cleansing, and offering humble yet heartfelt tributes to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya.

• The Ritual of Arghya: Offering to the Sun: The central act of Chhath Puja is the offering of Arghya to Surya Dev (the Sun God) during both sunset and sunrise. This ritual, which involves devotees standing waist-deep in water, is symbolic of humility and reverence towards the sun as the life-giver. The evening Arghya represents the end of the day and is an acknowledgment of the sun’s power to sustain life. The morning Arghya is performed at dawn, representing new beginnings and the eternal cycle of life.

During the offering, devotees present soop—woven bamboo baskets filled with fruits and other offerings—while chanting prayers. Arghya is the most spiritually significant part of the festival, as it ties the devotee’s soul to the cosmic forces of nature.

• Key Offerings of Chhath Puja: The offerings made during Chhath Puja are humble yet carry profound symbolic meaning. Unlike other festivals where grandiose offerings are common, Chhath Puja focuses on purity and simplicity. The items used are sourced naturally, symbolizing a direct connection with nature. 

Here is a list of essential offerings:

• Thekua: A traditional sweet made from wheat flour, jaggery, and ghee. This crunchy delicacy holds a prominent place in Chhath Puja as it symbolizes the purity and devotion of the worshippers. Thekua is not only offered to the gods but is also distributed among family and neighbors.
• Fruits: The Chhath Puja fruits list includes bananas, coconuts, apples, pomegranates, and oranges. These fruits symbolize abundance and gratitude to the Sun God for the life-sustaining harvest. Coconut, in particular, is considered auspicious and is often placed in the soop along with sugarcane.
• Sugarcane and Betel Leaves: Both are integral parts of the offerings. Sugarcane symbolizes sweetness and vitality, while betel leaves are considered auspicious and are offered to the gods along with other fruits.
• Turmeric and Ginger: These root vegetables symbolize growth and health, representing the life-sustaining powers of the earth.
• Purity in Preparation and Conduct: The emphasis on purity during Chhath Puja extends to both the offerings and the personal conduct of devotees. All food items prepared during the festival are cooked without salt, garlic, or onions, as these ingredients are believed to hinder spiritual purity. The food must be prepared with meticulous care, and the kitchen is kept scrupulously clean to maintain a sacred environment.

Additionally, devotees observing the Chhath fast maintain a high level of self-discipline. The fast is one of the most rigorous in Hinduism, where worshippers abstain from food and even water for nearly 36 hours, testing their physical and spiritual endurance. This act of self-purification underscores the idea that true devotion requires sacrifice and discipline.

• The Symbolism of the Soop: The soop, a winnowing basket made from bamboo, plays a central role in the rituals of Chhath Puja. The soop is filled with fruits, Thekua, and other offerings and carried by devotees as they approach the river to offer Arghya. The act of using a simple, handcrafted basket as the vessel for offerings reinforces the themes of humility and connection to nature. It symbolizes the harvesting and winnowing of life, where the spiritual is separated from the material.

The ambience of Chhath Puja

Chhath Puja transforms the ambience of the place into vibrant hubs of devotion and community, where spirituality meets cultural splendour. As devotees gather on meticulously cleaned and decorated ghats, the atmosphere is both serene and electrifying. The main attractions include:

The Ghats: As the focal point, the ghats host thousands of devotees who stand in the river, offering prayers and hymns to the Sun God. The scene is picturesque with diyas (earthen lamps) lighting up the riverbanks, reflecting on the water as the sun sets, creating a celestial vibe.

Visual and Cultural Display: The festival is a visual feast with women in bright sarees carrying bamboo baskets filled with traditional offerings like fruits and Thekua. As evening approaches, the glow from countless diyas and floating lamps casts a magical light over the area, enhancing the festive mood during the Sandhya Arghya (evening offering).

Sounds of Devotion: The air resonates with the sound of "Chhath geet," devotional songs dedicated to Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya, accompanied by traditional instruments like dholak and tabla. These hymns not only add a spiritual depth but also echo the cultural heritage, making Chhath Puja a profound experience of unity and reverence.

Immerse yourself in the festivities of Chhath Puja

There are several activities and sights you can partake in to fully experience the festival of Chhath Puja.

Witness the Arghya Ceremony: The most significant ritual of the festival, the Arghya, is an offering made to the sun. Watching the devotees present their offerings at dawn and dusk is a powerful spiritual experience that showcases the purity and depth of their faith.

Join the Evening Processions: Many cities host processions leading to the ghats where devotees, clad in traditional attire, carry their offerings to the river. Participating or observing these processions gives a glimpse of the communal harmony that Chhath fosters.

Enjoy the Local Fairs and Cultural Programs: Many towns in Bihar hold local fairs during Chhath Puja, where visitors can enjoy traditional Bihari food, arts, and crafts. Cultural programs featuring folk music, dances, and plays add to the festive atmosphere.

Experience the Spiritual Energy at Dawn: The Usha Arghya at dawn is one of the most peaceful and spiritual moments of Chhath Puja. Devotees, after fasting for 36 hours, offer their prayers to the rising sun, symbolizing hope and renewal. As the sun rises, the ghats come alive with chants of gratitude, marking the end of the fast.

Best Places to Witness Chhath Puja 2024 Celebrations in India

If you're looking for the best spots to witness the Chhath Puja 2024 celebrations, here are some remarkable destinations to consider:

1. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh: Varanasi, situated along the sacred Ganges River, is one of the most iconic places to experience Chhath Puja. The ghats of Varanasi come alive with devotees offering prayers and performing rituals, creating a mesmerising and spiritually charged atmosphere.
2. Patna, Bihar: As the capital of Bihar, Patna hosts some of the grandest Chhath Puja celebrations in the country. The city's riverbanks and public spaces transform into vibrant hubs of devotion during this time, with thousands of people gathering to pay homage to the Sun God.
3. Kolkata, West Bengal: The banks of the Hooghly River in Kolkata witness a significant Chhath Puja celebration. The city's cosmopolitan charm blends with the traditions of this festival, making it a unique and culturally diverse experience for observers.
4. Ranchi, Jharkhand: Ranchi, the capital of Jharkhand, offers a serene and picturesque setting for Chhath Puja celebrations. The lakes and water bodies in and around Ranchi become the focal point of the festivities, with devotees gathered for rituals and prayers.

If you're planning to attend the vibrant Chhath Puja in Bihar, consider staying at Club Mahindra Marasa Sarovar Premiere in Bodh Gaya. This resort in Bihar offers comfortable and elegantly furnished rooms and suites, equipped with modern amenities for a relaxing stay. Its strategic location near the sacred site of Bodh Gaya allows easy access to participate in the Chhath Puja celebrations and explore local attractions.