Mumbai: As Diwali festivities wind down, the vibrant celebrations for Chhath Puja are just around the corner. This deeply revered festival, primarily celebrated in Bihar, Jharkhand, and eastern Uttar Pradesh, is dedicated to worshipping Lord Surya (Sun God) and Goddess Chhathi Maiya. The four-day festival, filled with rituals and fasting, is especially significant for women who observe it with dedication to the well-being of their children and family.
This year, Chhath Puja will commence on November 5 and culminate on November 8, marked by the offering of Arghya (water offering) to both the setting and rising sun. The festival is known for its rigorous 36-hour waterless fast, symbolising immense devotion and spirituality. Each day of the festival has its distinct rituals, and preparation for the Puja requires several specific items. Here’s a detailed guide to the festival dates, timings, and essential items for the celebrations.
Chhath Puja 2024: Important Dates and Timings
Chhath Puja in 2024 will begin on November 5, with rituals continuing for four days until the morning of November 8. According to the Hindu calendar, the auspicious Shashti Tithi (sixth day of the Kartik month) is the focal point, starting on November 7 and concluding on November 8. Here’s a breakdown of the schedule:
| Date | Day | Ritual |
| November 5, 2024 | Tuesday |
Nahay Khay (Holy Bath and Start of Fasting)
|
| November 6, 2024 | Wednesday |
Kharna (Preparatory Ritual and Evening Fasting)
|
| November 7, 2024 | Thursday |
Sandhya Arghya (Offering to the Setting Sun)
|
| November 8, 2024 | Friday |
Usha Arghya (Offering to the Rising Sun) and Vrat Completion
|
On November 7, devotees will offer the first Arghya to the setting sun, while the final morning Arghya will be given to the rising sun on November 8, followed by the breaking of the fast. According to the Hindu Panchang, the Shashti Tithi begins at 12:41 AM on November 7 and ends at 12:34 AM on November 8.
Essential Items for Chhath Puja
As devotees prepare for this sacred celebration, ensuring all necessary items for the rituals is crucial. The following items hold special significance in Chhath Puja and should be arranged beforehand:
- New Clothes: Observers, especially women, traditionally wear a new saree, while men wear new attire.
- Supa and Bamboo Baskets: Used for holding fruits and offerings during the rituals.
- Utensils: Essential items like a glass, lota, and thali are used for holding water and offerings.
- Sugarcane Sticks: Five sticks with leaves intact are traditionally required for the offerings.
- Fruits: Offerings include mango, pineapple, banana, apple, orange, grapes, and melon.
- Vegetables: Items like water chestnuts, sweet potatoes, carrots, and potatoes are also part of the offerings.
- Grains: Wheat and rice flour are commonly used.
- Sweets and Honey: Traditional sweets like Thekua, made specifically for Chhath, as well as honey and jaggery, are essential.
- Other Puja Essentials: Milk, water, mustard oil for lamps, incense, camphor, betel leaves, and betel nuts are also required.
| Puja Item | Description |
| New Clothes | Traditional attire for men and women observing the fast |
| Supa and Bamboo Baskets | For holding offerings during the puja |
| Fruits and Vegetables | Includes a variety of fruits and vegetables |
| Thekua and Sweets | Specially prepared offerings for Chhath Puja |
| Incense, Camphor, Oil |
Used for lighting and offering fragrance
|
| Milk, Water, Betel Nuts |
Essential for Arghya and final offerings
|
Daily Rituals and Significance of Chhath Puja
Each day of Chhath Puja has its unique rituals:
Nahay Khay (November 5): Devotees begin with a holy bath and consume a simple meal, symbolizing purity and dedication as they commence the fasting process.
Kharna (November 6): On this day, a salt-free meal is prepared and consumed as the last meal before the waterless fast begins. This marks the beginning of the 36-hour abstinence from food and water.
Sandhya Arghya (November 7): Devotees gather at water bodies to offer Arghya to the setting sun, marking a pivotal moment of the festival, with prayers and chants filling the air.
Usha Arghya (November 8): The festival concludes as devotees offer Arghya to the rising sun, symbolizing renewal and prosperity. The fast is then broken, and the celebrations conclude.
Significance of Chhath Puja
Chhath Puja is more than a festival; it embodies devotion, gratitude, and a harmonious relationship with nature. Worshipping the Sun God for health, prosperity, and familial well-being is central to the rituals, and each element, from the Arghya to the waterless fast, underscores a deep sense of faith and spirituality.
(Disclaimer: This information is based on traditional beliefs and practices. Readers are encouraged to participate in or observe Chhath Puja with respect for local customs and traditions.)
