Chhath Puja 2024: Date, Puja Vidhi, Rituals, History, Significance, Wishes and FAQ’s

What is the history behind Chhath Puja?

The history of Chhath Puja is deeply rooted in Indian mythology and ancient traditions, celebrating the Sun God (Surya) as the ultimate source of life and energy. Tracing its origins to the Vedic period, this festival is mentioned in early Hindu scriptures, where hymns in the Rig Veda praise the Sun as a divine and life-giving force. Worship of Surya through rituals like Chhath Puja developed as a way to express gratitude and seek blessings for health and prosperity.

The Puja’s deep cultural roots are linked to stories from the Hindu epics. In the Mahabharata, Draupadi, wife of the Pandavas, is said to have performed similar rituals to seek prosperity for her family, which contributed to their success. Likewise, in the Ramayana, Sita is believed to have observed rituals resembling Chhath Puja to secure the wellbeing of her family. These connections highlight themes of devotion, discipline, and reverence for nature, central to Chhath Puja celebrations.

Originating in regions like Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh, Chhath Puja continues to resonate with devotees, fostering a powerful connection to nature and celebrating resilience and devotion through its rigorous fasting and worship.

How long does Chhath Puja last?

Chhath Puja is celebrated over four days, each with unique rituals and significance, making it one of the most intensive Hindu festivals. The festivities start with “Nahay Khay,” where devotees cleanse themselves and begin their fast with a single, pure meal. The second day, “Kharna,” involves a rigorous fast from sunrise to sunset, broken only with a meal of kheer made with jaggery and rice after sunset. On the third day, “Sandhya Arghya,” devotees offer evening prayers to the setting sun. The final day, “Usha Arghya,” is dedicated to offering morning prayers to the rising sun, concluding the fast and the festival.

The entire process lasts about 36 hours of strict fasting, including a final 24-hour period without food or water, embodying the devotion and discipline of Chhath Puja.

How to perform Chhath Puja at home?

Performing Chhath Puja 2024 at home is meaningful for devotees who may not have access to nearby rivers or ponds. Here’s a simple guide to observe the rituals in a home setting:

1. Nahay Khay (Day 1): Begin by thoroughly cleaning the home, especially the kitchen and puja area. The devotee should take a bath and prepare a simple, sattvic meal (without onion or garlic) like rice, dal, and vegetables. This meal is the only one consumed by the devotee on this day.
2. Kharna (Day 2): On this day, observe a fast from sunrise to sunset, ending it only after preparing and offering a special prasad, typically made from jaggery-based kheer. After consuming this meal, devotees start a 36-hour nirjala (waterless) fast.
3. Sandhya Arghya (Day 3): The main puja begins at sunset. Set up a small altar or a basin of water facing west, representing a river or pond. Decorate the altar with diyas (lamps) and offer fruits, thekua (a traditional sweet), and other prasad. Facing the sun, devotees offer arghya (water) with prayers, seeking blessings for prosperity and health.
4. Usha Arghya (Day 4): At sunrise, perform the final arghya by offering water to the rising sun. Standing in the water basin or nearby, devotees complete their fast with this morning offering, after which they consume prasad to end the fast.

This home-based version of Chhath Puja enables devotees to maintain the essence of the ritual while adapting it to a household setting, allowing them to connect deeply with the festival’s spiritual significance even without traditional outdoor gatherings.

What are the preparations needed for Chhath Puja?

Preparing for Chhath Puja 2024 involves meticulous attention to rituals and cleanliness, as devotees dedicate four days to honoring Surya Dev (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya. Here’s a breakdown of the main preparations:

1. Cleanliness and Satvik Food: In the days leading up to Chhath Puja, devotees clean their homes and surroundings thoroughly to create a pure atmosphere. Cooking is done with strict hygiene, and only satvik (pure vegetarian) meals are prepared, avoiding ingredients like garlic and onion. Cooking utensils used during this time are often separate from daily use items to maintain purity.
2. Nahay Khay (First Day): Devotees begin by taking a dip in holy rivers or other sacred water bodies to purify themselves. They then prepare a simple meal, often including dishes like pumpkin, bottle gourd, and rice, which they share with family after offering it to Chhathi Maiya.
3. Prasad and Offerings: Traditional sweets such as Thekua (a jaggery and wheat flour biscuit) are made with great care. Thekua, rice, and seasonal fruits like bananas are arranged on bamboo trays, as these are key offerings for the evening and morning rituals.
4. Kharna (Second Day): This day involves preparing a meal of kheer (a type of rice pudding), made with jaggery instead of sugar, which devotees consume as prasad after fasting. Post-Kharna, devotees begin a 36-hour fast, avoiding even water.
5. Building Altars and Preparing for Arghya: Many devotees set up small altars or platforms along river banks or other water bodies for the main offerings (arghya) to the setting and rising sun. These setups are typically decorated with diyas (oil lamps), flowers, and rangolis to create a devotional space.

What is the importance of offering Arghya during Chhath Puja?

The importance of offering Arghya during Chhath Puja is deeply rooted in both spiritual significance and cultural practices. Arghya, which refers to the ritual offering of water to the Sun God, is performed at sunrise and sunset and symbolizes gratitude and devotion towards Surya, the Sun God, who is regarded as the source of life, energy, and prosperity.

Spiritual Significance

1. Connection to Nature: Offering Arghya is a way for devotees to connect with nature and express gratitude for the sun’s role in sustaining life on Earth. The act of standing in water while offering Arghya signifies purity and respect for natural elements.
2. Blessings for Well-Being: Devotees believe that by performing this offering, they not only seek blessings for themselves but also for their family members. It is a prayer for health, prosperity, and the fulfillment of wishes.
3. Cultural and Community Bonding: Arghya is often offered in groups by families and communities at riverbanks or ponds, fostering a sense of togetherness. This communal aspect enhances the festival’s spirit, reinforcing social bonds and collective faith.

Ritual Practices

1. The Offering Process: During the Sandhya Arghya (evening offering) and Usha Arghya (morning offering), devotees prepare traditional items, including fruits and sweets, placed in bamboo baskets or clay pots. These offerings are then presented along with water from the river, signifying purity and the cyclical nature of life.
2. Environmental Consciousness: The rituals of Chhath Puja, including the offering of Arghya, are often conducted in eco-friendly ways, using natural materials that do not pollute the surroundings. This aspect highlights the festival’s commitment to environmental preservation.