Chhath Puja 2024: Sacred Rituals And Arghya Offerings Know More
Chhath Puja, a revered festival dedicated to worshipping the Sun God (Lord Surya) and Chhathi Maiya, begins on November 5, 2024
Observed on the sixth day of Kartik's Shukla Paksha, the festival spans four days, ending with an Arghya offering to the rising sun on November 8
During this time, women uphold a 36-hour waterless fast, seeking blessings for their family’s health, success, and longevity
Ritual Schedule for Chhath Puja 2024 The four-day ritual sequence includes Nahay-Khay, Kharna, and two Arghya offerings:
November 5 – Nahay-Khay: On the first day, homes are thoroughly cleaned, symbolizing purification
Devotees bathe and make a vow for the fast, marking the beginning of the rituals with traditional prasad, including chana dal, pumpkin curry, and rice, is consumed
November 6 – Kharna: This day involves a day-long fast, culminating in the preparation of prasad made from jaggery-sweetened kheer cooked on a clay stove
After offering the prasad to the Sun God, women break their fast and then commence a 36-hour waterless fast, showing intense devotion and discipline
November 7 – First Arghya: Devotees gather at water bodies in the evening to offer Arghya to the setting sun, symbolizing gratitude and respect
November 8 – Conclusion of Chhath: The festival concludes with the final Arghya offering at sunrise
Devotees enter rivers or ponds to offer prayers to the rising sun, marking the end of their fast and the culmination of Chhath Puja rituals
Important Ritual Practices for Chhath Puja Morning Rituals on the First Day Begin Chhath Puja by waking up early, bathing, and offering Arghya to Lord Surya
It is traditional to offer raw rice and jaggery by a sacred river and to consume kheer made with rice, milk, and jaggery, believed to invoke blessings from the Sun
During Chhath Puja, immersing a copper coin in a flowing river is considered auspicious
This practice is said to help individuals honour Lord Surya and invite positive energy into their lives
Observing Chhath Puja with Devotion Chhath Puja is more than a festival; it is a display of devotion, discipline, and gratitude toward nature and divine blessings
The rituals and offerings, particularly the Arghya to the Sun, reflect a deep connection with the elements and the cultural heritage passed down through generations