Chhath Puja, one of the most significant Hindu festivals celebrated in India, especially in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh, has brought devotion and fervor across the country in early November 2024. The festival honors the Sun God, with its core rituals revolving around worshipping both the setting and rising sun. The four-day festival began with the Nahay-Khay ritual on November 5, where devotees purify their bodies and minds in preparation for the following days.
On November 6, Chhath Puja continued with Kharna, a day of fasting and offering prayers. This day serves as a crucial phase of the celebration, marking the time when devotees prepare for the main rituals, praying for their family’s prosperity and well-being.
The primary rituals of the festival, Sandhya Arghya (on November 7) and Usha Arghya (on November 8), involve offering prayers to the setting and rising sun, respectively. These rituals are believed to cleanse the body and spirit, creating a deep connection with nature and the divine energy of the Sun God. Devotees participate in these offerings with great devotion, often involving the entire community.
Chhath Puja is not only a time of religious observance but also an occasion for people to bond with their families and communities. Across the nation, this festival marks an important cultural and spiritual tradition. For more details on the auspicious timings and rituals, you can check out sources like Republic World and The Hans India.