Chhath Puja 2024: When is Chhath Puja? Date, Rituals and Significance

Chhath Puja is one of the most prominent festival, which is mainly celebrated in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal. This day is purely dedicated to worship Lord Surya. Devotees worship Lord Surya or Sun God with immense devotion and faith. People seek blessings of Sun by offering the Arghya and worship Chhati Maiya with great devotion. Chhath Puja started from November 5 and today, on November 8, 2024, it is the last day of Chhath Puja. Let's know more about the festival by scrolling down the article:

Chhath Puja 2024: Calendar

• Day 1: Nahaye Khaye

The Chhath Puja ceremonies commence on the first day, Nahay Khay. By taking a holy bath in a river, the Ganga or Yamuna. Women devotees purify themselves. This practice prepares followers for the fasting time by symbolizing spiritual purification. This is the first and initial day and prepares the devotees for the strict fast.

• Day 2: Kharna

This day is the second day of Chhath Puja and on this auspicious day, devotees observe a Nirjala fast. The fast is broken in the evening after sunset after offering a bhog or traditional meal to Lord Surya. The meal includes rice kheer, and chapatis.

• Day 3: Sandhya Arghya

This is the third day of Chhath Puja. On this sacred day, the arghya is offered to Sun God in the evening after sunset. Devotees visit the Ganga Ghats or other river banks to offer Arghya to the setting Sun. Devotees express their gratitude to the Lord Surya.

• Day 4: Usha Arghya

This is the last and the final day of Chhath Puja, which is known as Parana day. On this holy day, devotees offer prayers to the rising Sun. They worship Lord Sun by offering various bhog prasad and other sacred items. Devotees break their 36 hours long fasting on this auspicious day.
Chhath Puja 2024: Significance

Chhath Puja holds a great religious and spiritual significance among Hindus. This festival is mainly celebrated in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal. This festival is purely dedicated to worship Lord Surya by offerings prayers, Arghya, other sacred items and by performing other ritualistic puja. The festival brings happiness, prosperity in the life of devotees. This festival also bring the families together to celebrate this beautiful festival. This is the time, when people express their gratitude towards Lord Surya by keeping strict Nirjala Fast.