Chhath Puja, a significant festival in Hinduism, is a celebration dedicated to the worship of the Sun God, also known as Surya Dev, and his sister Chhathi Maiyya. It holds immense cultural and spiritual importance, especially in the states of Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and certain regions of Nepal. Chhath Puja is a major festival in the Mithila region, which encompasses parts of India and Nepal. This four-day festival, observed six days after Diwali, is a time for devotees to express gratitude, seek blessings, and perform rituals to honor the source of energy and life – the Sun.
Chhath Puja 2023 Date:
Chhath Puja in 2023 is scheduled to take place from Friday, November 17, to Monday, November 20. The auspicious muhurat for Chhath Puja in 2023 is determined based on the shashthi tithi. The rituals will commence at 9:18 am on November 18, 2023 (Saturday) and conclude at 7:23 am on November 19, 2023 (Sunday). On the main day of Chhath Puja, which is November 19, 2023, the sunrise is expected to occur at 6:46 am.
Chhath Puja 2023 will be celebrated on the following dates:
- Nahaye Khaye (First Day): November 17, 2023 (Friday)
- Kharna (Second Day): November 18, 2023 (Saturday)
- Surya Puja (Third Day): November 19, 2023 (Sunday)
- Usha Arghya (Fourth Day): November 20, 2023 (Monday)
Here are the details of the four-day festival:
Day 1: Nahay Khay (November-17,2023)
The festivities kick off with Nahay Khay, translating to “bathe and eat.” Devotees take a ritualistic dip in holy rivers, ponds, or any water body, followed by preparing traditional meals. The food, usually consisting of rice, lentils, and vegetables, is strictly vegetarian and is consumed only once on this day. Observing a strict fast until the ritual bath is completed, this day is crucial for purifying the mind and body.
Day 2: Kharna (November-18,2023)
Kharna, the second day, involves another day-long fast, broken only in the evening after sunset. Devotees prepare kheer (rice pudding) and chapatis (unleavened flatbread), which are offered to the Sun God along with fruits. This ritual signifies the importance of maintaining discipline and self-control, fostering spiritual growth.
Day 3: Sandhya Arghya (November-19,2023)
The third day, Sandhya Arghya, is the main day of Chhath Puja. Devotees gather on the banks of rivers or any large water body to offer prayers to the setting sun. The evening ritual involves making offerings, known as ‘Arghya,’ to the Sun God. These offerings include the traditional thekua (a wheat-based sweet), fruits, and sugarcane stalks. The sight of the setting sun witnessing these rituals is considered spiritually significant.
Day 4: Usha Arghya (November-20,2023)
The final day, Usha Arghya, marks the culmination of Chhath Puja. Devotees rise before dawn to offer prayers and make offerings to the rising sun. This signifies the conclusion of the rigorous rituals and fasting observed during the four days. The breaking of the fast on this day symbolizes the successful completion of the Chhath Puja ceremonies.
Significance of Chhath Puja:
- Cultural Heritage: Chhath Puja is deeply ingrained in the cultural heritage of the regions where it is celebrated. The customs and traditions associated with the festival have been passed down through generations, creating a sense of continuity and shared identity among the people.
- Environmental Awareness: The festival promotes environmental awareness by encouraging devotees to perform rituals near water bodies and in natural settings. This fosters a sense of responsibility towards the environment and the importance of preserving natural resources.
- Community Bonding: Chhath Puja is not just an individual practice; it is a community affair. Families and neighborhoods come together to celebrate, share resources, and support each other in the observance of rituals. This communal aspect strengthens social bonds and promotes unity.
- Solar Worship: Chhath Puja is unique in its dedication to solar worship. The rituals are designed to absorb solar energy, promoting physical and mental well-being. The early morning and late evening rituals are strategically chosen to allow devotees to bask in the gentle rays of the sun, believed to have therapeutic properties.
- Prayer for Well-being: Devotees believe that by performing the rituals of Chhath Puja with sincerity and devotion, they can seek the blessings of the Sun God for the well-being and prosperity of their families. It is a time to express gratitude for the life-sustaining energy provided by the sun.
Challenges and Adaptations:
In recent times, Chhath Puja has faced challenges due to urbanization, pollution, and changes in lifestyle. Urban areas often lack access to natural water bodies, forcing devotees to use artificial ponds. Additionally, environmental pollution poses a threat to the purity of the water used in rituals. Despite these challenges, communities have adapted by organizing collective celebrations, promoting eco-friendly practices, and raising awareness about the festival’s cultural significance.
Chhath Puja 2023 Wishes and Cards
“May the radiant rays of the Sun God bring happiness and prosperity into your life, illuminating it with positivity. On this auspicious day, may luck and prosperity shower upon you and your family. Wishing you a joyful Chhath Puja 2023!”
“Chhath Puja is a celebration of sincere devotion, perseverance, and faith. May the gracious rays of the Sun God brighten your life, and may you and your loved ones be blessed by Chhath Mata with love and abundance. Happy Chhath Puja!”
“Embrace only goodness and let go of all negativities. May Chhath Puja fill your life with abundant happiness and blessings. May this auspicious occasion bring fulfillment to your dreams and cast away all evils. Happy Chhath Puja 2023!”
“May the positivity of Chhath Puja radiate through your life, bringing success and glory. Wishing you a Chhath Puja filled with joy and prosperity.”
“Let’s express gratitude to the Sun God for the light and purity of the holy river. May this Chhath Puja bring blessings throughout the year. On this special occasion, wishing you and your family good health, wealth, peace, and prosperity. May the God of kindness shower you with the best. Happy Chhath Puja!”
Conclusion:
Chhath Puja stands as a testament to the rich cultural tapestry of India and Nepal, embodying traditions that have withstood the test of time. The festival’s emphasis on solar worship, environmental consciousness, and community bonding make it a unique and cherished celebration. As Chhath Puja continues to be observed with zeal and fervor, it serves as a reminder of the deep connection between nature, spirituality, and human existence.
1. What is Chhath Puja?
Chhath Puja is an ancient Hindu festival dedicated to the Sun God, Surya, and his sister, Chhathi Maiya. It is primarily celebrated in the Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand, eastern Uttar Pradesh, and some regions of Nepal.
2. When is Chhath Puja in 2023?
Chhath Puja in 2023 will take place from Friday, November 17, to Monday, November 20.
3. What are the rituals of Chhath Puja?
The rituals of Chhath Puja span four days:
Nahay Khay: On the first day, devotees take a holy dip in a water body and begin their fast.
Lohanda and Kharna: On the second day, devotees observe a strict fast and prepare a special prasad in the evening.
Sandhya Arghya: On the evening of the third day, devotees offer Arghya (offering) to the setting Sun.
Usha Arghya: The festival concludes with the offering of Usha Arghya to the rising Sun on the morning of the fourth day.
4. What is the significance of Chhath Puja?
Chhath Puja signifies a deep connection between nature and spirituality. The festival emphasizes environmental harmony, with devotees standing in water and using natural elements in their rituals. It also fosters a sense of community as families and neighborhoods come together to perform rituals and offer collective prayers.
5. What food is prepared during Chhath Puja?
During Chhath Puja, devotees prepare vegetarian food without onion, garlic, or regular salt. Traditional food items include Kaddu Bhaat, Lal Saag, Rasiyav, and Thekua. Thekua, a sweet snack made of jaggery and wheat flour, is a popular Prasad offered during Chhath Puja.
