Chhath Puja is one of the most auspicious festivals in the Hindu community and hence it is celebrated with joy and happiness across the country. As per the Hindu calendar, it falls on the sixth day of Kartik Shukla Paksha in Sashti Tithi.
This festival carries special significance in the states of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand. It is said that the ritual of Surya Puja on the occasion of Chhath has been a tradition since the Vedic period. Arghya (any offering to the lord) is offered to Surya Dev in the morning and evening.
So, let’s get into the significance, worship method, and rituals of Chhath Puja.
When is Chhath Puja 2023?
In 2023, Chhath Puja starts on Nahay Khay on November 17, 2023, and concludes with Usha Arghya on November 20, 2023. The auspicious day starts after the sixth day of Diwali and on the sixth day of the month of Kartik.
| Nahay Khay | 17th November 2023 |
| Lohanda and Kharna | 18th November 2023 |
| Sandhya Arghya | 19th November 2023 |
| Usha Arghya | 20th November 2023 |
Chhath Puja 2023 Time and Muhurat:
| Muhurat Start of Chhath Puja | Sashthi tithi will begin at 9:18 am on 18th November 2023, Saturday |
| Muhurat End of Chhath Puja | Sashthi tithi will end at 7:23 am on 19th November 2023, Sunday |
| Significance of Chhath Puja | To praise the Surya Dev, Surya, and Chhati Maiya, his sister |
How is Chhath Puja Celebrated?
The four-day Chhath Puja festival is marked by great enthusiasm and devotion. Every day has a ritual attached to it and has a significance of its own. The following is the custom for each day of Chhath:
- Day 1 – Nahay Khay
On this day, people take a bath and begin their fast. They will prepare the Prasad which will be Lauki ki sabzi, chana dal, and Chawal which is offered first to the Surya Dev.
- Day 2 – Lohanda and Kharna
Gud Kheer and Roti among other things are served as Prasad. After this, the devotees observe a fast for the next upcoming day, without even consuming water.
- Day 3 – Sandhya Arghya
This is the main day of the festival, during which devotees prepare the prasad which is kept in a bamboo tray. During sunset, they take the prasad to a river bank and offer it to the Surya Dev.
- Day 4 – Usha Arghya
This is the last day of the festival. Devotees break their fast on this day. They gather at the river bank or near any water body and offer prayers to the rising sun. After the rituals, they share Prasad with family and friends.
What is the Significance of Surya Arghya in Chhath Puja?
It is a four-day festival celebrated by Hindus in India, Nepal, and other parts of the world. This festival honors the Sun (Surya) and involves fasting, prayers, and offerings to the Surya Dev.
On the third and fourth day of Chhath Puja, devotees offer arghya (prayers) to the setting and rising sun. This ritual is known as Surya Arghya.
This is the way for devotees to express their gratitude to the Surya Dev for the blessings. According to Hindu mythology, Surya Dev is a source of life energy, and prosperity. By offering arghya to the Sun God, devotees are seeking his blessings for good health, wealth, and happiness.
Devotees stand in waist-deep water, offering prayers to Surya Dev while holding fruits, Thekua (a type of wheat cookies), and flowers. The sun’s rays glisten on the water as they pray, creating a magical and unforgettable scene.
The benefits of Offering Arghya to Surya Dev:
- Offering Arghya to the Surya Dev on the day of Chhath Puja is believed to bring wealth.
- Devotees offer Arghya to Surya Dev, believing in his assistance in fulfillment of all requests.
- Devotion to Surya Dev is believed to lead to prosperity and success.
- Offering Arghya to Surya Dev cures negativity.
- Offering Arghya to Surya Dev is believed to remove all difficulties and obstructions, leading to the vanquishing of enemies.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- When Chhath Puja is celebrated in 2023?
Ans. Starts on 17th November and ends on 20th November.
- What are the benefits of offering water to Surya?
Ans. It makes you more disciplined and punctual in life.
- When to do Chhath Puja?
Ans. After Deepavali on Kartik Shukla Paksha Shashti that coincides with October & November.
