Chhath Festival 2024

Published On : 25th Sep, 2024 By Himalayan Dream Team

Chhath Festival 2024 - Nepal's Sacred Sun Worship – Date, Puja, and Celebrations
Chhath Festival, one of Nepal and India Bihar's most admired festivals, will begin on November 6, 2024, and is celebrated for four days, celebrating the worship of the Sun God and his consorts. This auspicious event, known as Kartik Chhath Puja, involves offering prayers at sunrise and sunset to honor the gods and goddesses and seek blessings for good health, prosperity, and well-being. The Chhath festival 2024 dates and time are particularly important for those devotees, who whole heartedly follow the rituals during these sacred hours.

In addition to Kartik Chhath, the Chaiti Chhath Puja 2024 will be celebrated in March 2024, with the Chaiti Chhath 2024 date and time falling between March 25 and 26. This springtime Chhath Puja is especially important in India's Bihar and nearby regions, where devotees gather at riverbanks to perform the ancient Vedic rituals. Whether it's the Chhath festival 2024 start date or the celebration of Chhath Puja in March 2024, these dates hold deep cultural and spiritual values for millions.

Significance of Chhath Puja

Chhath Puja holds great religious and cultural importance, as it is primarily dedicated to worshipping of Lord Surya, the Sun God. Devotees, especially women, offer prayers to Surya during the sunrise and sunset, fasting throughout the day and breaking their fasting only after sunset. The festival signifies the essential role of the Sun in sustaining life on Earth, as people thank Surya god for his light and energy. Along with Surya the goddesses Usha (morning rays) and Pratyusha (evening rays) are also worshipped during the puja, representing the first and last rays of the Sun. The offerings of traditional Prasad, including Thekku, Laddu and Kheer, are made to seek blessings for health, prosperity, and healing.

Beyond its religious value, Chhath Puja emphasizes the importance of nature and environmental conservation. Many people particularly in agrarian communities celebrate this festival to express gratitude for a good harvest and pray for a fruitful upcoming season. The festival also has scientific importance, as it is believed that exposure to the Sun during rituals enhances the body’s bio-electricity flow, leading to better health and vitality. Devotees strictly follow a vegetarian diet with Prasad prepared without onion, garlic, or salt, symbolizing purity and devotion during the festival.

History of Chhath Puja

The origins of Chhath Puja are deeply rooted in ancient traditions, with references found in sacred Hindu texts like the Ramayana and Mahabharata. While the exact beginnings of the festival remain unknown, it is believed that the practice of worshipping Lord Surya for health, longevity, and prosperity dates back thousands of years. In the Ramayana Chhath Puja is said to have been performed by Sita, the wife of Lord Rama, as an offering of gratitude for their return from exile. Similarly, in the Mahabharata, Kunti is believed to have worshipped Surya to seek blessings for her son Karna, who was born as the son of the Sun God.

Over the centuries, Chhath Puja has evolved into a significant cultural and religious event, particularly in regions like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Nepal. Devotees fast and pray during the festival to honor Surya for sustaining life on Earth, while also seeking his blessings for prosperity and well-being. This ancient festival highlights the deep connection between human beings and nature, emphasizing gratitude and reverence for the Sun, which is believed to have healing powers and the ability to purify the body and soul.

Chhath Puja in the Mahabharata

In the Mahabharata, the origins of Chhath Puja are linked to the story of famous warrior Karna, the son of Kunti and Lord Surya. Born with divine powers from the Sun God, Karna was known for his devotion to Surya. Every day, he would stand in the waters of the Ganga River, offering prayers and gratitude to his father, Lord Surya through rituals that are believed to have inspired the tradition of Chhath Puja. This ancient practice of worshipping the Sun God for strength and prosperity has since become an integral part of the festival, symbolizing the powerful connection between human beings and divine energy.

Additionally, Chhath Puja is said to have been performed by Draupadi and the Pandavas when they regained their kingdom Indraprastha, from the Kauravas. Through the blessings of Lord Surya, they sought protection, prosperity, and the continued success of their reign. These stories from the Mahabharata have deepened the significance of Chhath Puja, marking it as a celebration of resilience, divine blessings, and gratitude towards the Sun for sustaining life on Earth.

Chhath Puja in the Ramayana

According to ancient beliefs rooted in the Ramayana, Chhath Puja is closely associated with Lord Ram and Sita. After completing 14 years of exile (Banbash) and returning to Ayodhya with Laxman, Lord Ram and Sita observed a fast dedicated to Lord Surya, the Sun God. They offered prayers and broke their fast after sunset to honor Surya’s role in their journey and triumph. This act of devotion is believed to have inspired the tradition of Chhath Puja, where worshippers do fasting, offer prayers to god Surya and seek blessings for good health, prosperity, and happiness.

The celebration of Chhath Puja continues today in remembrance of this divine connection. Devotees, particularly in regions like India's Bihar and Nepal, follow the same ritual of fasting and paying homage to Lord Surya at dawn and dusk, just as Lord Ram and Sita did. The festival represents gratitude towards the Sun for sustaining life and providing energy, making it a significant part of Hindu culture, passed down from the epic era of Ramayana.

Rituals Involved in Chhath Puja

Day 1: Naya Khay (Holy Bath and Cleansing)

The first day of Chhath Puja is known as Naya Khay, which means "new food." On this day, devotees begin their purification process by taking a holy dip in sacred rivers such as the Karnali, Koshi, or Ganga, although some may perform this ritual in nearby ponds or other water bodies. This ritual bath symbolizes the cleansing of the body and spirit, preparing worshippers for the rigorous fasting and prayers to come. After the bath, devotees collect the river water, believed to hold purifying powers, and bring it back to their homes for the preparation of meals and offerings.

Following the holy dip, the devotees clean their homes and prepare pure vegetarian meals without onion, garlic, or salt. The purpose of this ritual is to purify the surroundings and create an atmosphere of cleanliness and devotion. Many people observe a day-long fast, refraining from food and water until sunset, when they break their fast with Prasad, often consisting of traditional items such as rice, fruits, and Thekua. This marks the beginning of the sacred observance and sets the spiritual tone for the remaining days of Chhath Puja.

Day 2: Kharna (Fasting and Sunset Worship)

The second day of Chhath Puja is known as Kharna, a day of strict fasting and devotion. On this day, devotees wake up early in the morning, take a bath, and offer prayers to Lord Surya, asking for strength and blessings. After this morning ritual, they begin a 24-hour fast where they refrain from consuming both food and water. This fast is observed with intense dedication, as it is believed to cleanse the body of impurities and demonstrate one's devotion to the Sun God. Throughout the day, devotees prepare offerings, which will later be consumed as Prasad after sunset.

In the evening, devotees break their fast after sunset by offering kheer (sweet rice pudding), fruits, and rice pudding to Lord Surya. The first offering is given to the deity, and then the rest is shared with family members and neighbors. This communal meal strengthens the bond between family and community and is a significant part of the day's celebration. The evening prayers include chanting devotional songs and expressing gratitude to the Sun God for sustaining life on Earth. After breaking their fast, devotees begin another fast that will continue until the next evening.

Day 3: Sandhya Arghya (Evening Offering)

Sandhya Arghya, the third day of Chhath Puja, is one of the most significant and auspicious days of the festival. On this day, devotees prepare for the Arghya (offering) ritual, where they give thanks to the setting Sun. Devotees continue their fast from the previous day, refraining from food and water throughout the day. They spend the day making traditional Prasad, which includes Thekua, coconuts, and seasonal fruits, all of which are considered sacred offerings to Lord Surya. The preparation of these offerings is meticulous and holds deep spiritual significance.

As the evening approaches, devotees and their families gather at the banks of rivers, ponds, or other water bodies, where they stand in the water and offer Arghya to the setting Sun. This ritual is performed with great reverence, as it is believed that the Sun's energy is most powerful during sunrise and sunset, making these moments ideal for worship. After the Arghya, the Prasad is distributed among the devotees, symbolizing the blessings of the Sun God. The evening ends with songs and prayers, expressing gratitude for the strength and vitality that the Sun provides.

Day 4: Bihaniya Arghya (Morning Offering and Conclusion)

The fourth and final day of Chhath Puja is called Bihaniya Arghya, which involves offering prayers to the rising Sun. Devotees wake up early before dawn and gather at the riverbanks once again. This time, they perform the morning Arghya, offering water and Prasad to the Sun as it rises. The act of worshipping both the setting and rising Sun represents the cyclical nature of life and the importance of balance in nature. After the morning prayers, devotees break their fast, which they have observed for more than 24 hours.

Following the Bihaniya Arghya, devotees also offer prayers to Chhathi Maiya, asking for the well-being and prosperity of their families. This marks the official conclusion of the Chhath Puja rituals. After the offering, the Prasad is distributed among family members, friends, and neighbors, symbolizing the sharing of blessings. The day continues with celebrations, dancing, and communal gatherings, as people express joy and gratitude for the blessings of the Sun God and the fulfillment of their prayers.

Chhath Puja 2024, Chhath Festival and Ritual Dates

Chhath Festival Dates for 2024, 2025, and 2026

How is Chhath Celebrated in Nepal?

In Nepal, particularly in the Terai region, Chhath is celebrated with deep devotion and enthusiasm. Below are some key aspects of how this festival is observed:

• Ritual Bathing:
  Devotees, mostly women, wake up before dawn and gather by rivers, ponds, or nearby water bodies to take a holy bath. This ritual bath symbolizes physical and spiritual cleansing, preparing them for the sacred rituals ahead.

• Offerings to the Sun:
  Elaborate offerings known as Arghya are prepared for both the rising and setting Sun. These offerings include fruits, flowers, sweets, and other sacred items, symbolizing gratitude to the Sun God for life and sustenance.

• Fasting and Prayers:
  Devotees observe strict fasting, often for several days, without even drinking water. Along with fasting, they chant prayers and hymns dedicated to Lord Surya, seeking blessings for their family’s health, happiness, and prosperity.

• Community Gatherings:
  Chhath fosters a strong sense of community as families and neighbors come together to participate in the rituals. People share traditional songs, dances, and Prasad, creating a spirit of unity and joy.

• Colorful Decorations:
  Homes and public spaces are beautifully decorated with rangoli, flowers, and diyas (lamps). Bright, vibrant decorations bring the festive mood to life and honor the cultural significance of the occasion.

• Cultural Performances:
  The festival often features local performances such as folk dances, music, and dramas that celebrate the rich traditions of the Madhesi community, adding entertainment to the spiritual festivities.

• Environmental Awareness:
  Chhath Puja emphasizes environmental preservation. Devotees take care to keep water bodies clean and uphold the purity of nature, reflecting the festival's deeper connection to natural elements.

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