Chhath Puja 2023: Date, history, significance and rituals of the festival

Chhath Puja, a significant Hindu festival celebrated with great enthusiasm, is dedicated to worship of Sun God. This ancient festival is observed primarily in Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand, and parts of Uttar Presh, as well as among Bihari diaspora communities worldwide. In 2023, Chhath Puja will be celebrated with fervour from vember 17th to vember 20th. 

History of Chhath Puja origins

history of Chhath Puja can be traced back to ancient Vedic tritions. It is believed that rituals of Chhath Puja have been mentioned in Rigveda, one of oldest sacred texts of Hinduism. festival also finds reference in epic Mahabharata, where Draupi and Pandavas are said to have observed Chhath Vrat to seek blessings and assistance from Sun God for ir well-being.

Significance of Chhath Puja

Chhath Puja is a unique and eco-friendly festival that celebrates Sun God as source of life on Earth. festival signifies gratitude of devotees towards Sun for sustaining life on our planet. rituals of Chhath Puja involve a series of customs, which include fasting, taking holy dips in rivers or ponds, and offering prayers to setting and rising sun. It is a way of paying hom to life-giving energy of Sun.

Chhath Puja Celebrations

Nahai Kha-  Chhath Puja rituals start with Nahai Khai, where devotees take a holy dip in a river or pond and clean mselves. y n prepare food without using salt, garlic, and onion and consume it only once a day.

Kharna - On second day, devotees observe a strict fast without water. In evening, y prepare kua (a tritional sweet) and gur (jaggery) for offerings.

Sandhya Arghya (Evening Offering) - evening of third day involves worshipping setting sun. Devotees prepare pras and offer it to Sun God, seeking his blessings for ir families.

Usha Arghya (Morning Offering)-  On fourth and final day, devotees wake up early and offer prayers to rising sun. This marks culmination of Chhath Puja.