After the celebrations of Diwali, the devotees will be waiting for the festival of Chhath Puja or Surya Shashti with great enthusiasm, and energy. Chhath Puja is the most famous and sacred festival dedicated to the Sun God and Shashti Devi (Chhathi Maiya). It is observed after Diwali and is celebrated for four days. It is primarily celebrated by many devotees in regions of India like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand. Other names like Chhath Mahaparv, Pratihar, Dala Chhath, Chhath Parv, and Dala Puja recognize it.
It is celebrated to be thankful to the Surya Dev – the God of energy, force, and life. It is believed by the devotees that worshipping God Sun and Chhathi Maiya on this day brings happiness, success, and prosperity in their lives.
When is Chhath Puja 2023? – Know the Significant Dates
This year, Kartik Maah Chhath Puja will start with Nahay Khaye on the 17th November 2023, Friday. The second day signifies the Lohanda and Kharna that will be observed on 18th November 2023, Saturday. Then, on 19th November 2023, Sunday, the devotees will offer the Sandhya Argaya to the Sun God this evening. And, on 20th November 2023, Monday, the Usha Argaya will be offered to the rising Sun. This day will mark the end of this most famous and sacred festival.
Chhath Puja 2023 – Significance, Traditions, and Rituals
As mentioned earlier, Chhath Puja is a four-day festival that starts with Nahay Khaye. On each day, different traditions and rituals are performed, and ceremonies are observed.
On the first day of Nahay Khaye, the devotees bathe in the holy water or take a dip in the river Ganges. They make their homes neat and clean thoroughly. They also prepare the Saatwik Bhojan. On the second day of Chhath Puja, the devotees keep the fast. They complete it in the evening after having ghee-chapati and kheer. On Chhath Puja’s third day, the devotees keep strict and long fast. On this day, the devotees offer Sandhya Argaya in the evening to Surya Dev. On the fourth day, they offer Usha Argaya to the rising Sun, and the fast is completed.