Last Updated:
This year, the festival begins on November 5 and concludes on the morning of November 8.
Women observe a 36-hour waterless fast.
The grand festival of Chhath Puja, celebrated with great devotion, will commence on November 5 with the ritual of Nahay-Khay. Dedicated to Lord Surya (Sun) and Chhathi Maiya, Chhath is observed every year on the sixth day of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Kartik. This year, the festival begins on November 5 and concludes on the morning of November 8 with the offering of Arghya (a ritual of offering water).
Women will observe a 36-hour waterless fast, praying for the health, success and longevity of their children. November 5 marks Nahay-Khay, followed by Kharna on November 6. The 36-hour fast begins on the night of November 6. On November 7, the third day, devotees will offer Arghya to the setting sun, and on November 8, the fast concludes with an offering to the rising sun.
Chhath Puja Rituals:
• Nahay-Khay (November 5, 2024): The first day involves a thorough cleaning of the house. After bathing, devotees take a vow for the fast. Chana dal, pumpkin curry, and rice are consumed as prasad on this day. The fast formally begins the next day with Kharna.
• Kharna (November 6, 2024): On this day, women observe a day-long fast, preparing prasad made from jaggery-sweetened kheer on a clay stove in the evening. They break their fast by offering this prasad to Lord Surya and then eating it. From this point, the fast is not broken until the end of Chhath.
• First Arghya to Lord Surya (November 7, 2024): The next day, women stand in rivers or ponds in the evening to offer Arghya to the setting sun.
• Conclusion of Chhath (November 8, 2024): The festival concludes on this day. Before sunrise, women enter the river or pond to offer prayers to the rising sun. After offering Arghya to the rising sun, they end their fast and conclude the ritual.
Chhath Puja Ritual Tips:
1. On the first day of Chhath Puja, wake up early, bathe, and offer Arghya to Lord Surya. During this time, offer raw rice and jaggery to a sacred river. It is believed that consuming kheer made from rice, milk, and jaggery during the day pleases Lord Surya.
2. Chhath Puja is a four-day festival. During this time, immersing a copper coin in a flowing river is considered auspicious, as it is believed to please Lord Surya. This practice is also said to help alleviate Sun-related doshas (afflictions) in one’s horoscope.
3. On Chhath Puja, donating wheat and jaggery wrapped in red cloth is believed to bring happiness to children and fulfil all desires.
