When does Chhath Puja start: Know about Nahay Khay, Kharna and rituals?

According to the Panchang, Chhath Puja begins every year on the fourth day of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Kartik, following Diwali. This festival holds special significance for women and lasts for four days. On this day, mothers pray to the Sun God and Goddess Chhathi Maiya for the long life and bright future of their children. The main observance of Chhath Maiya’s fast is on the Shashti Tithi of Kartik. During this period, women observe a strict waterless fast, making it one of the most challenging religious observances.

When and where is Chhath Puja Celebrated?

As per the Panchang, Chhath Puja in 2024 will commence on Thursday, November 7, at approximately 12:41 PM on the Shashti Tithi and conclude on November 8 at 12:34 PM. The festival is predominantly celebrated in the states of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and West Bengal.

Significance of Chhath Puja

Goddess Chhathi Maiya is regarded as the mental daughter of Brahma and the sister of the Sun God. She is revered as the protector of children and the giver of offspring, while the Sun God is worshipped as the deity of nourishment and prosperity. The festival is celebrated in Kartik to express gratitude to the Sun God after the harvest of the Rabi and Kharif crops.

Important Timings for Chhath Puja

Day 1 (November 7): Sunrise at 6:39 AM, Sunset at 5:41 PM.
Day 2 (Kharna): Mothers observe a full-day waterless fast.
Day 3: Offerings are made to the setting sun, with the sunset at 5:29 PM.
Day 4: The fast concludes with offerings to the rising sun at 6:35 AM on November 8.

Rituals and Importance of Chhath Puja

The Chhath festival primarily starts on the Shashti Tithi after Diwali. It begins with Nahay Khay, where devotees take a holy dip in rivers and consume a simple meal of rice, pumpkin curry, and mustard greens. The second day involves Kharna, during which a special offering of jaggery kheer (sweet porridge) is prepared and offered to Goddess Chhathi Maiya, followed by sharing this prasad with the family.
On the third day, devotees offer Arghya to the setting sun at a river or water body, and on the fourth day, the fast is broken with offerings to the rising sun, marking the conclusion of the Chhath Puja and the completion of this challenging fast.

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