Chhath Puja today fulfills all your wishes and desires! Know Chhath Puja rituals and significance of the four days.
Chatth Puja, dedicated to the Lord of light, Surya Dev is one of the most prominent festivals of eastern India. Grand Chhath celebrations primarily take place in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and Chattisgarh. However, its popularity has increased over the years, which explains the commemoration of Chhath in various parts of India. Chhath Puja is also known as Surya Sashti in many places.
From the religious point of view, this festival has a great amount of significance. On this day, Chatthi Maiya is also worshipped along with the Sun. At the same time, the tradition of offering Arghya to the Sun is also followed during Chhath Puja. As per the scriptures, Lord Sun has been described as the essence of all creations existing in this Universe. It is impossible for any living being or organism to thrive on our planet without the sun. Therefore, Sun God or Surya Dev is worshiped devotedly in this festival.
Chhath Puja Muhurat
Note: The time period given above is applicable for New Delhi only। Click Here to know the appropriate Muhurat for your city.
Who is Chhati Maiya?
As per the colloquial language, Shashthi Mata is known as Chhathi Maiya. According to Vedic scriptures, Shashthi Mata has been described as the Manas Putri (spiritual daughter) of Lord Brahma. The name Katyayani has also been attributed to her and Goddess Katyayani is worshiped on Shashti Tithi during Sharad and Chaitra Navratri. Beliefs state that Goddess Chhathi protects one’s offspring and also grants them longevity, which is why female natives wish for the long lives of their sons and offer their reverence to Goddess Sashti.
When is Chhath Puja Celebrated?
The Hindu festival Chhath is celebrated six days after the Diwali celebrations. As per the Vedic Panchang, this festival is observed during Kartik month’s Shukla Paksha’s Sashti Tithi. However, the festivities go on for a period of four days. The occasion begins with Kartik Shukla Paksha’s Chaturthi Tithi which ends with the same month and Paksha’s Ashtami Tithi.
Click Here to Read: Detailed Information and facts about the festival of Chhath.
Chhath Puja: Rituals and Traditions
The festivals which find a place in the Hindu Sanatan Dharma are significant in their own ways. The various customs and traditions associated with them give birth to their relevance. In the same vein, there are also some rites and rituals performed on the day of Chhath Puja, which adds to its grandeur and makes it different from the rest. There are four main highlights of this festival which are - Nahay Khay, Kharna, Sandhya Arghya and Usha Arghya.
- Nahay Khay is the first day of this festival. The word Nahai Khay stands for the practice of keeping your mind and body pious during this Puja. On this day, the practice of cleaning one’s household and courtyard is also observed. One should also keep in mind to take an early bath and consume Sattvik food thereby housing positive thoughts in mind.
- The second highlight of this festival is Kharna. It takes place during the second day of Chhath. Natives observe fasts on this day. The nature of this fast is quite strict as natives do not even consume a single drop while undergoing this Vrat. however, when the fast is broken, the ritual of ingesting jaggery pudding, bread(roti) mixed with clarified butter (ghee) and fruits is followed.
- On the third day of Chhath Puja (Kartik Shukla Shashthi), Arghya in the form of water is offered to Surya Dev during sunset. This ritual is called Sandhya Arghya. Earlier in the evening before the Arghya is offered, the vessel is decorated with fruits, sweets(ladoos) made of rice and other things in a bamboo basket. After its successful commemoration, natives who have observed the fast and all of their family members make the offering. Meanwhile, the same water is used to worship Chhathi Maiya later.
- On the last day of Chhath festival, the tradition of offering Usha(morning) Arghya is followed by natives. On this day, Arghya is offered to the Sun God during the early morning hours. Natives reach the banks of rivers and then offer Arghya to the rising Sun. After this, Chhath Mata is venerated and the longevity of progeny along with the prosperity of the household is sought from the Goddess.
Chhath Puja Vidhi and Materials Required
- Three big baskets made out of bamboo, three soops or vessel made of bamboo or copper, plates, milk and glass.
- Rice, red vermilion, lamps, coconut, turmeric, sugarcane, Soothni, vegetables and sweet potato.
- Pears, big lemon, honey, paan, whole betel nut, carav, camphor, sandalwood and sweets.
- Sweets which include thekua, malpua, kheer-puri, suji halwa, rice ladoos should be offered as Prasad.
Arghya Vidhi - Place the materials mentioned above in a basket made of bamboo. While offering Arghya to the sun, keep all the offerings in the Soop and light a lamp in the soup itself. Afterwards, take a dip in the river and then go on to offer Arghya to the Sun God.
AstroSage wishes a very heartiest Chhath Puja 2019. Thank You for staying connected with us!!
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