Chhath Puja 2024: The four-day Chhath Puja, celebrated in India and around the world, begins on Tuesday, November 5 and ends on Friday, November 8. Each day of the festival is marked by unique rituals and intense fasting practices. The festival pays homage to the Sun God (Surya) and Chhathi Maiya (Mother Shashti), considered the sister of the Sun.

The rituals of Chhath Puja are demanding, but those who observe them successfully are believed to receive great spiritual benefits.

When is Chhath Puja celebrated?

Chhath Puja takes place on the sixth day of the Kartik month, which usually falls in October or November. The festival is divided into four key days:

• Nahay Khay: November 5, from 6:36 a.m. to 5:33 p.m.
• Kharna: November 6, from 6:37 a.m. to 5:32 p.m.
• Sandhya Arghya: November 7, from 6:38 a.m. to 5:32 p.m.
• Usha Arghya: November 8, 6:38 a.m. to 5:31 p.m.

What is Nahay Khay?

The first day of Chhath Puja is called Nahay Khay. On this day, devotees take a ceremonial bath (Nahana) in a river, pond or other body of water, after which they prepare a meal. Water from the river or pond is used to power a stove (chulha) for cooking. The meal is usually a pumpkin dish, symbolizing purity and devotion.

What is Kharna?

The second day, known as Kharna, involves fasting for the whole day, which is only broken after sunset. Devotees prepare roti (flatbread) and kheer (rice pudding), which are first offered to the gods. Then, family and friends gather to share the meal together, often served on a banana leaf, symbolizing unity and togetherness. After Kharna, devotees enter into a rigorous 36-hour fast, abstaining even from water. This makes it one of the most difficult religious practices, driven by devotion and faith.

What is Sandhya Arghya?

The third day is when the most important ritual, Sandhya Arghya, takes place. Worshipers, usually women, gather near rivers or ponds before sunset. Standing in waist-deep water, they offer ‘arghya’ (water offerings) to the setting sun while singing hymns and prayers, expressing their gratitude and devotion.

What is Usha Arghya?

The fourth and final day involves the Usha Arghya, where the same ritual is performed at dawn, offering water to the rising sun. After completing the ritual, devotees return home from the banks of the river, grateful for the spiritual journey and successful celebration of the festival. The prasadam (offerings) are then consumed and shared with neighbors, marking the end of the Chhath Puja celebrations.