Chhath Puja 2024, Celebrating Devotion, Faith, and the Worship of the Sun God:
As we approach Chhath Puja 2024, devotees around the world are preparing to observe this festival, which continues to inspire through its simplicity, discipline, and profound meaning.
Chhath Puja is a four-day festival that involves fasting, prayer, and a series of rituals performed to honour the Sun God and seek his blessings for health, prosperity, and well-being. Unlike other Hindu festivals that involve deities and idols, Chhath Puja is unique in its worship of natural elements.
What is Chhath Puja?
Chhath Puja is a four-day festival that involves fasting, prayer, and a series of rituals performed to honour the Sun God and seek his blessings for health, prosperity, and well-being. Unlike other Hindu festivals that involve deities and idols, Chhath Puja is unique in its worship of natural elements.
Surya, as the primary source of energy, is believed to sustain all life forms on Earth, and Chhath Puja is dedicated to thanking him for his blessings.
In 2024, Chhath Puja will commence on 7th November and will be celebrated till 10th November. The festival falls on the sixth day (Chhath) after Diwali in the Hindu lunar month of Kartika, and hence the name Chhath Puja. The festival has gained popularity worldwide, especially among people of Indian origin, who continue to keep this tradition alive, regardless of where they live.
Chhath Puja holds a deep spiritual significance. It symbolises humility, gratitude, and the human connection with nature. Surya, the Sun God, is regarded as the giver of life and the destroyer of darkness, evil, and suffering. Devotees believe that worshipping him during Chhath Puja can help cleanse their souls and bodies, while also bringing prosperity to their families.
In many ways, Chhath Puja 2024 will be celebrated with the same fervour as previous years, with devotees taking part in the festival rituals. The four days of Chhath Puja are marked by elaborate prayers, fasting, and a sense of community, where families come together to offer arghya (water offerings) to the rising and setting sun.
In 2024, Chhath Puja will commence on 7th November and will be celebrated till 10th November. The festival falls on the sixth day (Chhath) after Diwali in the Hindu lunar month of Kartika, and hence the name Chhath Puja. The festival has gained popularity worldwide, especially among people of Indian origin, who continue to keep this tradition alive, regardless of where they live.
The Significance of Chhath Puja:
In many ways, Chhath Puja 2024 will be celebrated with the same fervour as previous years, with devotees taking part in the festival rituals. The four days of Chhath Puja are marked by elaborate prayers, fasting, and a sense of community, where families come together to offer arghya (water offerings) to the rising and setting sun.
This ritual reflects the idea that life is a cycle of beginnings and endings, and one must be thankful for both.
The rituals of Chhath Puja are rigorous and require a strong sense of discipline. Each of the four days is dedicated to different practices, each of which has a unique meaning. Let’s explore the significance of each day of Chhath Puja:
1. Nahay Khay (7th November 2024) – The first day of Chhath Puja is known as Nahay Khay, which translates to ‘bath and eat’. On this day, devotees take a holy dip in a river or a clean water body, symbolising purification. After the ritual bath, they prepare a simple vegetarian meal and begin their fast, refraining from any kind of indulgence. This day sets the stage for the physical and spiritual cleansing required for the following days.
2. Lohanda and Kharna (8th November 2024) – The second day of Chhath Puja is marked by a more stringent fast, during which devotees abstain from food and water from sunrise to sunset. At sunset, they prepare a prasad (offering) known as kheer, made with rice, jaggery, and milk, which is shared among family members and neighbours.
The Rituals of Chhath Puja:
1. Nahay Khay (7th November 2024) – The first day of Chhath Puja is known as Nahay Khay, which translates to ‘bath and eat’. On this day, devotees take a holy dip in a river or a clean water body, symbolising purification. After the ritual bath, they prepare a simple vegetarian meal and begin their fast, refraining from any kind of indulgence. This day sets the stage for the physical and spiritual cleansing required for the following days.
2. Lohanda and Kharna (8th November 2024) – The second day of Chhath Puja is marked by a more stringent fast, during which devotees abstain from food and water from sunrise to sunset. At sunset, they prepare a prasad (offering) known as kheer, made with rice, jaggery, and milk, which is shared among family members and neighbours.
This day, called Kharna, is celebrated with utmost simplicity and devotion. The significance of Kharna lies in the idea of sacrifice and discipline, qualities essential for spiritual growth.
3. Sandhya Arghya (9th November 2024) – On the third day of Chhath Puja, devotees observe a complete day-long fast without water. As the sun begins to set, they gather at the banks of rivers or lakes to offer arghya to the setting sun. This ritual is one of the most visually striking parts of Chhath Puja, with devotees standing in water with baskets of fruits, sweets, and other offerings.
3. Sandhya Arghya (9th November 2024) – On the third day of Chhath Puja, devotees observe a complete day-long fast without water. As the sun begins to set, they gather at the banks of rivers or lakes to offer arghya to the setting sun. This ritual is one of the most visually striking parts of Chhath Puja, with devotees standing in water with baskets of fruits, sweets, and other offerings.
Sandhya Arghya symbolises gratitude for the day that has passed and the life that has been sustained. Families, friends, and communities come together to offer prayers, creating a sense of unity and shared devotion.
4. Usha Arghya (10th November 2024) – The final day of Chhath Puja is dedicated to offering prayers to the rising sun. Devotees wake up before dawn and return to the water’s edge to complete the Usha Arghya ritual, thanking Surya for the new day. With Usha Arghya, Chhath Puja comes to an end, and devotees break their fast, marking the culmination of their spiritual journey.
4. Usha Arghya (10th November 2024) – The final day of Chhath Puja is dedicated to offering prayers to the rising sun. Devotees wake up before dawn and return to the water’s edge to complete the Usha Arghya ritual, thanking Surya for the new day. With Usha Arghya, Chhath Puja comes to an end, and devotees break their fast, marking the culmination of their spiritual journey.
This day is also celebrated with traditional songs, family gatherings, and the sharing of prasad, symbolising joy and fulfilment.
While Chhath Puja is rooted in ancient tradition, its core values of gratitude, purity, and respect for nature resonate deeply with people in modern times. Chhath Puja 2024, like recent years, is expected to witness a large number of people observing the festival not just in India but in places as far as New York, London, and Dubai.
The Spirit of Chhath Puja in Modern Times:
While Chhath Puja is rooted in ancient tradition, its core values of gratitude, purity, and respect for nature resonate deeply with people in modern times. Chhath Puja 2024, like recent years, is expected to witness a large number of people observing the festival not just in India but in places as far as New York, London, and Dubai.
As urbanisation grows, many cities have started to arrange for dedicated water bodies and organised gatherings, making it easier for the devotees to perform their rituals with the same authenticity as in their hometowns.
Social media platforms have also played a significant role in popularising Chhath Puja among younger generations. By sharing the experience, devotees worldwide keep the traditions alive and connect with each other, passing down the essence of Chhath Puja to future generations.
Social media platforms have also played a significant role in popularising Chhath Puja among younger generations. By sharing the experience, devotees worldwide keep the traditions alive and connect with each other, passing down the essence of Chhath Puja to future generations.
Sustainability and Chhath Puja:
As Chhath Puja involves offerings and the use of water bodies, environmental awareness has become increasingly relevant to the festival. In recent years, devotees have begun using eco-friendly materials and biodegradable items for their offerings to minimise pollution and preserve the sanctity of rivers and lakes.In 2024, many are expected to continue this trend, making Chhath Puja not only a festival of devotion but also one of responsibility towards nature.
Several NGOs and community groups now advocate for eco-friendly Chhath Puja celebrations. By encouraging the use of natural and sustainable materials, they aim to reduce the environmental impact, keeping the water bodies clean for future celebrations.
Several NGOs and community groups now advocate for eco-friendly Chhath Puja celebrations. By encouraging the use of natural and sustainable materials, they aim to reduce the environmental impact, keeping the water bodies clean for future celebrations.
These efforts align with the spirit of Chhath Puja, which revolves around respect and gratitude for nature.
Conclusion, Chhath Puja 2024
is a celebration of faith, discipline, and gratitude, bringing together people from all walks of life to honour the Sun God. This four-day festival, marked by fasting, prayers, and a sense of communal unity, stands out for its simplicity and spiritual depth. In an age of rapid change, Chhath Puja reminds us of the importance of staying connected to nature, respecting tradition, and living a life of gratitude.
As devotees prepare to celebrate Chhath Puja 2024, the rituals and customs serve as a testament to the festival’s timeless relevance. The four days of fasting, bathing in sacred rivers, and offering arghya to the sun not only strengthen one's spiritual resolve but also foster a connection with the environment and community.
As devotees prepare to celebrate Chhath Puja 2024, the rituals and customs serve as a testament to the festival’s timeless relevance. The four days of fasting, bathing in sacred rivers, and offering arghya to the sun not only strengthen one's spiritual resolve but also foster a connection with the environment and community.
May Chhath Puja 2024 bring health, prosperity, and peace to all who celebrate it.
