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

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

History of Chhath Puja origins

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

Significance of Chhath Puja

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

Chhath Puja Celebrations

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

Kharna - On the second day, devotees observe a strict fast without water. In the evening, they prepare thekua (a traditional sweet) and gur (jaggery) for the offerings.

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

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