Chhath Puja is one of the most revered festivals celebrated in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh and parts of Nepal. Dedicated to the Sun God (Surya) and Chhathi Maiya, the festival lasts for four days, focusing on gratitude and reverence towards nature and its blessings for health, prosperity and well-being. Understanding why we celebrate Chhath Puja gives insight into its cultural richness, spiritual essence and the significant impact it has on communities.
Why We Celebrate Chhath Puja
Chhath Puja worships the Sun God, who is believed to sustain life and bring prosperity. Ancient stories reveal that Chhath Puja originated in the Vedic period, whensages, known for their rigorous yogic practices, performed rituals to harness solar energy. This ancient tradition was adopted as a festival by devotees seeking blessings for health, longevity and success.
This puja is celebrated with utmost dedication as it is believed to purify both the soul and the body. According to popular Hindu mythology, why we celebrate Chhath Puja is also related to the story of Lord Rama and Goddess Sita, who performed this puja to express gratitude upon returning to Ayodhya after exile.
How do you celebrate Chhath Puja?
How you celebrate Chhath Puja involves a series of rituals performed over four days:
● Nahay Khaya (first day) – On this day, devotees take a dip in the holy river, purifying their body and mind. They prepare food using completely vegetarian ingredients, which marks the beginning of the festival.
● Lohanda and Kharna (second day) – Devotees observe a fast from dawn to dusk without consuming water, breaking it in the evening with a simple offering made of jaggery, rice, and milk.
● Sandhya Arghya (third day) –The main day of Chhath Puja sees devotees offer arghya (sacrifice) to the setting sun, praying for the well-being of their family. This ritual takes place on the riverbank, where devotees gather at sunset to offer offerings of fruits, flowers, and earthen lamps.
● Usha Arghya (fourth day) – On the last day, devotees offer prayers to the rising sun, which marks the end of the festival. After this offering, the fast ends, and the prasad (sacred food) is distributed among family and friends.
The puja is celebrated in a pollution-free, eco-friendly manner, as devotees avoid using plastic and artificial decorations. How you celebrate Chhath Puja involves simplicity, devotion, and respect for nature.
Significance of Chhath Puja
The spiritual essence of why we celebrate Chhath Puja lies in the deep belief that the Sun Godcanwardoffnegativity and bestow health and prosperity. Chhathi Maiya, worshipped along with the Sun, is believed to protect children and bestow fertility. The festival promotes unity, as families gather on the banks of the river, merging faith and community.
Chhath Puja 2024 Date and Time
For those planning to celebrate this holy festival, it is essential to know the correct Chhath Puja 2024 date. In 2024, Chhath Puja will be celebrated from November 5 to November 8. Exact times for evening and morning arghya will be available closer to the festival, and devotees often follow local calendars or consult priests for the most accurate times.
Conclusion
The significance of celebrating Chhath Puja lies in devotion, respect for nature, and gratitude to the life-giving energy of the sun. Each ritual performed during Chhath Puja reflects the unique cultural heritage and spiritual values cherished for generations. Whether you are celebrating it for the first time or have been participating in it for years, the essence of Chhath Puja embodies faith, simplicity, and harmonywith nature.
