Chhath Puja takes place every year on the Shashti Tithi in Kartik Shukla month after Diwali and it has been counted among the sixth biggest festivals in India. It will be celebrated on 8 November and this festival plays a special significance in North India especially in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand.
It begins two days before Shashti Tithi that is on Chaturthi (fourth day) on with Nahay-Khay ritual, and then Lohnda & Kharna ritual is performed on Panchami (fifth day). After that, Chhath Puja is done on Shashti Tithi (sixth day), in which the evening arghya (a libation of water) is offered to the Sun God. After this, on the next day, Saptami (seventh day) arghya is offered at the time of sunrise to the rising sun and then the fast is completed by Parana.
As per the date, Chhath Puja takes 4 days, they are:
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Nov 8: Nahay-Khay
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Nov 9: Lohanda & Kharna
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Nov 10: Sham kaarghay (Evening libation of water to the Sun God)
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Nov 11: Subah kaarghay (Early Morning libation of water to the Sun God)
Day 1 - Nahay-Khay
Chhath Puja begins on Kartik Shukla Chaturthi. This is the first day of Chhath Puja, on this day people bath and consumed only pure food (Sattivk food). On this day, sunrise will be at 06:38 in the morning and sunrise at 05:31 in the evening on 8 November (Monday).
Day 2 - Lohanda and Kharna
Lohanda & Kharna which is the second day of Chhath Puja that is on Tuesday, November 9. In the evening on the day of Kharna or Lohanda, make jaggery kheer and poori and offer it to the Goddess ChhathMaiya. First of all, Kheer is eaten by people who do fast n and then give it to the family and Brahmins. On this day, the sunrise will be at 06:39 in the morning and the sunrise will be at 05:30 in the evening.
Day 3 - Chhath Puja (Sandhya Argh)
The main day of Chhath Puja is on the Shashti Tithi of Shukla Paksha of Kartik month. Arghya is offered to the Sun in the evening on this day. On this day, the sunrise will be at 06:39 and the sunrise will be at 05:30.
Day 4 - Sunrise Arghya (Day of Parana, Surya Puja)
The last day of Chhath Puja and on this day, Arghya is offered to Sun God at sunrise. After that, the fast is completed bypassing it. This year, Sunrise Arghya and Parana of Chhath Puja will take place on November 11. On this day, sunrise will be at 06:40 in the morning and sunset in the evening at 05:29.
Chhathi Maiya Ka Prasad:
Thekua, Malpua, Kheer, sugarcane, guava, banana, dates, rice, ladoos, and semolina pudding, etc. are offered as offerings to Chhath Maiya.
Chhath Vrat Significance and Legend:
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By performing the Chhath puja, childless couples get child happiness.
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ChhathMaiya protects the children and keeps their lives happy.
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Doing Chhath Puja results in the benefits of hundreds of yagyas.
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Chhath Maiya is also observed to achieve happiness and prosperity in the family and fulfill all desires.
According to a legend, when the Pandavas lost all their secrets to the Kauravas in gambling, Draupadi had done Chhath Vrat. By this fast, the Pandavas got their entire royalty back. By doing Chhath Vrat, there is happiness and prosperity in the family.
Famous Songs of Chhath Puja to enjoy your day:
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Kelwa ke paat par ugelan suruj mal jhake jhuke by Sharda Sinha
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Ho Deenanath New Version by Sharda Sinha
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Maarbo Re Sugva Dhanukh by AnuradhaPaudwal
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Pahile Pahil Chhathi Maiya by Sharda Sinha
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Kabahun Naa Chhooti Chhath by Alka Yagnik
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Hey Ganga Maiya by Sharda Sinha
Even the Delhi government today declared a public holiday on November 10 (Wednesday) in Delhi on account of ‘Chhath Puja’ which is celebrated by thousands of people in the capital.
May this Chhath Puja bring blessings and happiness in your way; all your dreams come true & all evils shed away. !! Happy Chhath Puja 2020!!
