The Chhath Puja is a four-day Hindu festival that is predominantly celebrated in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, West Bengal and Nepal. In this festival, the sun god is worshipped and his blessings are sought. Chhath festival falls on the sixth day of the Shukla Paksh in the month of Kartik. This year, the Chhath festival is from November 17 to November 20, 2023.
See also: How to decorate your home this Chhath puja?
Chhath Puja: Significance
During the Chhath festival, the sun god is worshipped as he is the source of energy for everyone on earth. The festival is celebrated twice a year. The first one is known as the Chaiti Chatth as it falls in the month of Chaitra. The other one falls during Kartik month and is also the bigger festival. Women fast and worship the sun god and the Shashti Maa during this festival. In recent times, both men and women observe the Chhath fast.
Chhath Puja: How is it celebrated?
The Chhath Puja is celebrated for four days.
- November 17, 2023: The first day is called Naahay Khaey where after taking holy bath, people clean their house. This is followed by preparing a satwik meal- mostly made of bottle guard and lentils. The meal is offered to god and then eaten as Prasad and the fast begins. The muhurat for this is from 6.45 AM to 5.27 PM.
- November 18, 2023: The second day is called Kharna. It is also known as Lohanda or Rasiaav-Roti. On this day, the person who is fasting maintains the fast and doesn’t even drink water. In the evening, she eats a kheer made of jiggery with roti. The muhurat for this is from 6.46 AM to 5.26 PM.
- November 19, 2023: The third day is called the Sanjhka Aragh. Prasad is made during the day and is offered to the sun god in the evening. The Prasad is offered on the banks of a river. Temporary ponds are also made to offer the Arghya (prasad) to the Sun god. The muhurat for this is from 6.46 AM to 5.26 PM.
- November 20, 2023: The fourth day is called Bhorka Aragh. As the name suggests, bhog is offered to the sun god but early in the morning. Once the bhog is offered, the worshippers can break their fast. The muhurat for this is from 6.32 AM to 5.37 PM.
Chhath Puja Bhog offered
- Thekua
- Khajuria
- Tikri
- Food made of fruits
- Vegetarian food made without onion and garlic
FAQs
What does Chhath Puja 2023 begin?
Chhath Puja 2023 begins on November 17, 2023.
Who are worshipped during Chhath Puja?
During the Chhath Puja, the sun god is worshipped.
What is the importance of the Chhath Puja fast?
The sun god is prayed and thanked for his blessings on earth.
How long is the Chhath festival?
The Chhath festival is for 4 days and is from November 17- 20, 2023.
Who is Chhati maiya?
Chhati maiya who is the sister of the Sun god and daughter of Lord Brahma is worshipped during Chhath Puja.
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