Chhath Puja 2024 Date: Significance, Rituals, and Celebration Guide

Chhath Puja is one of the most revered Hindu festivals celebrated with great fervor, devotion, and rituals, primarily in the Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Nepal. Dedicated to Lord Surya (the Sun God) and his consort Usha (Chhathi Maiya), this festival spans four days, symbolizing gratitude to the sun for sustaining life on Earth. In 2024, devotees eagerly await this auspicious occasion to offer their prayers, participate in traditional rituals, and seek blessings for health, happiness, and prosperity.

When is Chhath Puja 2024?

Chhath Puja 2024 will be celebrated from Wednesday, November 6, to Saturday, November 9. The festival follows a four-day ritual with specific customs for each day, starting from Nahay Khay on the first day and culminating with Usha Arghya (morning offerings) on the final day.

Day	Date	Rituals
Day 1 – Nahay Khay	November 6, 2024	Purification and preparation for the festival
Day 2 – Lohanda and Kharna	November 7, 2024	Fasting and offering prayers
Day 3 – Sandhya Arghya	November 8, 2024	Evening offerings to the setting sun
Day 4 – Usha Arghya	November 9, 2024	Morning offerings to the rising sun

Significance of Chhath Puja

The Sun God, Surya, is revered for life and vitality, and worshipping him is believed to grant divine blessings, cure diseases, and promote well-being. Chhath Puja is not only a religious observance but also a tribute to nature and the elements. Devotees fast, take holy dips in rivers, and offer arghya (water offering) to express gratitude and pray for the prosperity of family members. The rituals are stringent, involving a high level of purity, devotion, and endurance.

Day-by-Day Rituals of Chhath Puja

1. Nahay Khay (First Day)

The first day of Chhath Puja, known as Nahay Khay, focuses on personal and spiritual purification. Devotees take a holy bath, typically in the Ganges or another sacred river, and bring home water to prepare their meals. Only vegetarian food is prepared, with the utmost emphasis on purity and simplicity. Meals consist of rice, lentils, and seasonal vegetables cooked without onion, garlic, or other stimulants.

2. Lohanda and Kharna (Second Day)

The second day, Lohanda and Kharna, marks the beginning of fasting. Devotees maintain a strict fast without consuming food or water throughout the day, breaking it in the evening after the Kharna ritual. This evening ritual involves preparing special prasad made of jaggery-sweetened kheer (rice pudding) and chapati (whole wheat flatbread). The prasad is offered to the Sun God and then shared with family members, symbolizing togetherness and gratitude. From this point, devotees embark on a 36-hour waterless fast until the final offerings.

3. Sandhya Arghya (Third Day)

The third day, known as Sandhya Arghya, is dedicated to offering prayers to the setting sun. Devotees, dressed in traditional attire, gather at riverbanks, ponds, or other water bodies with prasad and decorated baskets (known as daura), filled with offerings such as fruits, sweets, thekua (a traditional sweet), and sugarcane. The highlight of this day is the Sandhya Arghya ritual, where devotees immerse themselves partially in water and offer arghya to the setting sun, symbolizing gratitude for a fruitful day.

This day is marked by songs, prayers, and devotional hymns, with families and communities coming together to celebrate. It is considered one of the most visually stunning moments of Chhath Puja as devotees line the riverbanks with lamps and candles.

4. Usha Arghya (Fourth Day)

The final day of Chhath Puja is Usha Arghya, where devotees break their fast by making morning offerings to the rising sun. The ritual takes place at dawn, with families and devotees gathering near water bodies once again to pray, sing, and offer their final arghya. After this, the prasad is distributed among family and friends, and the fast is broken. The concluding day is marked by joy, relief, and celebration, as devotees express gratitude for the successful completion of Chhath Puja.

Chhath Puja Rituals and Offerings

During Chhath Puja, the offerings hold significant value, as they are seen as symbols of nature’s bounty and blessings. Key offerings include:

• Thekua – A crispy, sweet cookie made of wheat flour, jaggery, and ghee, this is the main prasad offered to the Sun God.
• Sugarcane – Represents abundance and sweetness in life.
• Seasonal fruits – Such as bananas, apples, and coconuts, symbolizing the gifts of nature.
• Diya (Oil Lamps) – The diya, traditionally made of clay, illuminates the path and is believed to drive away negative energies.

These offerings, along with others like betel leaves, vermilion, and flowers, are carefully prepared, symbolizing the commitment and purity of devotion that Chhath Puja demands.

Traditional Chhath Puja Songs and Folk Music

Music and folk songs are integral to Chhath Puja celebrations, expressing devotion, longing, and gratitude toward the Sun God. These songs, sung in local dialects, recount stories of gods, goddesses, and the Sun God’s blessings. Popular songs include “Kelwa ke Pat par Ugelan Suruj Dev” and “Uga Ho Suruj Dev,” reflecting the cultural richness of the festival.

Chhath Puja Celebrations Across India

While Chhath Puja has its roots in Bihar and Jharkhand, its celebration has spread across India and globally among communities with ties to these regions. In cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Kolkata, people gather near rivers or arrange artificial water bodies for the rituals. The sense of unity, discipline, and shared heritage is felt deeply, making Chhath Puja a culturally enriching festival that connects people to their ancestral traditions.

Eco-Friendly Chhath Puja

In recent years, efforts have been made to promote eco-friendly practices during Chhath Puja to preserve water bodies and the environment. Devotees are encouraged to use biodegradable materials for offerings and avoid harmful substances. Additionally, many cities provide designated areas for Chhath Puja rituals to maintain cleanliness and protect aquatic life.

Chhath Puja 2024: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Why is Chhath Puja celebrated?
Chhath Puja is celebrated to honor the Sun God, Surya, and to thank him for sustaining life on Earth. Devotees seek blessings for health, prosperity, and well-being by fasting and performing rituals over four days.

Q2: Can anyone observe Chhath Puja?
Yes, Chhath Puja is open to everyone, regardless of caste or religion. It is primarily observed by women, though men also participate in the rituals and fasting.

Q3: What are the main prasad items for Chhath Puja?
The main prasad items include thekua, sugarcane, seasonal fruits, and kheer. These items are offered during the rituals and later distributed among family and friends.

Q4: How is Chhath Puja different from other Hindu festivals?
Unlike other Hindu festivals, Chhath Puja involves a rigorous fasting process and rituals conducted near water bodies. The focus is on purity, gratitude, and the natural elements.

Chhath Puja 2024 promises to be an occasion of reverence, joy, and community spirit as devotees come together to honor the Sun God. As families prepare for the rituals, fasting, and ceremonies, Chhath Puja remains a testament to unwavering faith, endurance, and cultural heritage.