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Chhath Puja 2024: Know the Dates, Significance, and Celebrations

Discover the Details of This Grand Festival Chhath Pooja

Summary

Chhath Puja 2024 is a significant festival celebrated with great enthusiasm, especially in Bihar and other regions of India. This year, Chhath Puja will take place from November 5 to November 8, with various rituals observed over these four days. The festival is dedicated to the worship of the Sun God and his sister, Chhathi Maiya, symbolizing gratitude for the harvest and the blessings of family prosperity.

Chhath Pooja Photo Credit NavBharat Times

Chhath Puja 2024 Dates and Times

The Chhath Puja 2024 Dates and Times are as follows:

  • Nahay Khay: November 5, 2024
  • Kharna: November 6, 2024
  • Evening Arghya: November 7, 2024
  • Morning Arghya: November 8, 2024

Chhath Puja 2024 Dates and Times are intricately linked to the lunar calendar. Each day of this festival holds unique rituals and significance:

  • Nahay Khay (November 5, 2024): This marks the beginning of Chhath Puja. Devotees are expected to take a holy dip in a river or lake, emphasizing purity and cleanliness. On this day, women primarily participate, consuming only a simple, satvic meal consisting of rice, pumpkin, and leafy greens. This meal is often prepared with utmost care, highlighting the importance of cleanliness and dedication in worship.
  • Kharna (November 6, 2024): The second day involves a rigorous fast from sunrise to sunset. Devotees refrain from consuming food or water throughout the day. In the evening, after performing puja rituals, they prepare a special dish made of jaggery, rice, and milk called kheer, which is then offered to Chhathi Maiya. Families gather to share this Prasad, fostering a sense of unity and community spirit.
  • Evening Arghya (November 7, 2024): On this day, devotees prepare to offer Arghya to the setting sun. This ritual involves gathering by rivers or lakeside, where women, dressed in traditional attire, chant prayers and songs. The offerings typically include thekua, a sweet made from wheat flour, and fruits. This evening ritual is considered one of the most significant, marking the culmination of the fasting period for many.
  • Morning Arghya (November 8, 2024): The final day is dedicated to offering Arghya to the rising sun. Devotees gather again by the water bodies at dawn, carrying baskets filled with offerings. After performing the rituals, they break their fast, sharing the Prasad with family and friends. This day symbolizes the completion of the Chhath Puja and the gratitude towards nature and the divine for blessings received.

Importance of Chhath Puja

Chhath Puja holds immense significance for its devotees. It emphasizes purity, cleanliness, and devotion throughout the rituals. During Chhath Puja, devotees are advised against touching any utensils used for offerings with unclean hands, as it is believed that such actions can nullify the fast and the associated blessings. Only pure, satvic food is consumed, reinforcing the values of discipline and respect for the divine.

In regions like Bihar, Chhath Puja is celebrated with unparalleled enthusiasm. Families come together to participate in the rituals, creating a vibrant atmosphere filled with music, dance, and communal gatherings. The sense of community during this festival is profound, as neighbors and friends often join in the celebrations, making it a collective event.

Chhath Puja Prasad 2024

The offerings made during Chhath Puja 2024, commonly referred to as Prasad, play a crucial role in the celebrations. The Prasad items are prepared with care and devotion, ensuring that only pure ingredients are used. Some of the traditional offerings include:

  • Thekua: A sweet made from wheat flour, jaggery, and coconut, shaped into small discs and fried until golden brown. This delicacy is an essential part of the offerings and is enjoyed by family members.
  • Malpua: Another sweet dish, malpua is a type of pancake made from a batter of flour and milk, often flavored with cardamom and served with syrup. It is offered to the deities and shared among devotees.
  • Rice Laddus: Made from rice flour and sweetened with jaggery, these laddus are not only delicious but also represent the blessings of abundance.
  • Fresh Fruits and Coconuts: A variety of seasonal fruits, along with coconuts, are offered as a mark of gratitude. These items symbolize health and prosperity.

Chhath Puja Songs 2024

The festival is enriched with melodious Chhath Puja Songs 2024, which resonate with devotion and gratitude. Traditional songs sung during the rituals create an atmosphere of reverence and celebration. Popular songs include:

  • “Kanch Hi Baans Ke Bahangiya”: A traditional folk song that captures the essence of Chhath, expressing the joy and devotion of the devotees.
  • “Uga Ho Suraj Dev”: This song is sung during the morning Arghya, invoking blessings from the Sun God for health and prosperity.
  • Modern Adaptations: In recent years, new songs have emerged that celebrate the festival’s spirit, blending traditional melodies with contemporary themes, enhancing the festive atmosphere.

Cultural Significance and Legends

The origins of Chhath Puja are steeped in rich legend. Chhathi Maiya is believed to be the daughter of Brahma and the sister of the Sun God. Devotees believe that participating in Chhath Puja not only helps ensure the well-being of their families but also promotes prosperity and happiness. The festival is traditionally celebrated after the harvest season, allowing communities to express gratitude for the bountiful gifts of nature.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Chhath Puja 2024, observed from November 5 to November 8, is a time of deep devotion, cultural pride, and communal unity, especially in regions like Bihar. With its unique rituals, traditional songs, and sacred offerings, the festival embodies the spirit of gratitude toward nature and the divine. The Chhath Puja Celebrations 2024 will create lasting memories for all who partake in this beautiful and revered festival, reinforcing bonds of family and community.

Source: NBT [Navbharat Times]

Also Read: Dussehra Celebration 2024: A Festive Time to Mark the Triumph of Good Over Evil

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