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Chhath Puja is a Northern Indian festival primarily celebrated in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Nepal, Chhathi Puja is widely observed. This festival honours Lord Surya and Goddess Usha, also known as Chhathi Mata. It is a festival of unity and harmony, where people come together to celebrate.
In 2023, Chhath Puja will begin on Friday, November 17th, with the main day of worship, known as “Kharna,” falling on Monday, November 20th. As the sun sets, devotees will assemble by ponds, rivers, and other bodies of water to offer prayers
Let’s explore further to get the details of Chhathi Puja 2023!
Table of Contents
Chhath Puja Calender 2023
- Chhath Puja 2023 Date in India is from 17 November 2023 to 20 November 2023.
Based on the Hindu Calendar, Chhath Puja is celebrated twice a year i.e. in the month of Chaitra and Kartik. The time of Chhath Puja is 9:10 AM on 18 November 2023 and it will end at 7:23 AM on 19 November 2023.
| Rituals | Date |
| Chhath Nahay Khay | 17 November 2023 |
| Lohanda and Kharna | 18 November 2023 |
| Sandhya Arghya | 19 November 2023 |
| Usha Arghya | 20 November 2023 |
Also Read: Diwali 2023 Date: When is Diwali in the Indian Calendar, Puja and More
History of Chhath Puja 2023
According to Hindu mythology, Chhath Puja started during the Vedic period, when sages performed the rituals of the Chhath Puja for the first time. They used to fast for days and chant mantras. It was also performed by Karna, the son of Lord Surya and Mata Kunti.
What do the Chhath Rituals Mean?
Nahay Khay:
On the first day, worshippers eat kaddu (pumpkin) and arwa (rice) for dinner after taking a dip in a sacred river or pond.
Lohanda and Kharna:
The second day is dedicated to a rigorous fast observed by the devotees, after which they prepare a special prasad (offering) of fruits, jaggery, and thekua, a sweet snack.
Sandhya Arghya:
The most important day is the third one. ‘Arghya’ is offered to the rising sun by devotees who congregate at the riverbanks prior to sunrise. Once this ritual is completed, they break their fast.
Usha Arghya:
The same ceremony of offering “Arghya” is carried out at dusk on the last day.
Significance of Chhath Puja
Millions of followers attend Chhath Puja, a festival dedicated to Lord Surya, the Sun God, and his wife Goddess Usha (Chhathi Maiya). The Bihari community celebrates Chhath Puja with great zeal and excitement all across the world.
This year, Chhath Puja began with (Chaturthi Tithi) Nahaye Khaye on 17 November 2023 and will end with (Saptami Tithi) Usha Arghya on 20 November 2023. Women nowadays keep a strict 4-day fast. Chhath Puja is held in the month of Kartik on Shashti Tithi (30th October) of Shukla Paksha.
Why is Chhath Puja Celebrated?
Harvest Festival:
Chhath Puja is an important harvest festival as well. Farmers celebrate it in the post-harvest season, thanking the sun for a plentiful harvest and offering prayers for their land’s fertility.
Spiritual Significance:
Many people view Chhath Puja as a festival that purifies the soul. Worshippers observe strict fasts and present their prayers to the sun in the morning and evening. It is said that doing this will purify the body and mind and bring wealth.
Worshipping the Sun God:
The purpose of Chhath Puja is to honour Surya, the sun god. The sun is considered the source of life and energy, and devotees offer their prayers to seek blessings for the well-being of their families.
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FAQs
The time of Chhath Puja 2023 is in the month of Kartik. Chhath Puja will be on 17 November 2023 and culminates on 20 November 2023. It will start from 9:18 PM to 7:23 PM from 18 November 2023 to 19 November 2023.
Chhath Puja is widely celebrated in North India specifically in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Eatsern Uttar Pradesh. This festival is also popular in Nepal. Chhath Puja is dedicated to Lord Surya (sun) and Chhathi Mata (also named Goddess Usha, the sister of Lord Surya).
Chhath Puja is devoted to God sun and Chhathi Mata. The sun is the main source of life on Earth. It is necessary for all living creatures and for plants. Chhath Puja is a four-day-long Indian spiritual ritual. This Puja is done to thank Lord Surya.
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