Interview Times Chhath Puja, The four-day ancient Hindu celebration devoted to Lord Surya (Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya, celebrated after six days of Diwali or the 6th day of the month of Kartik, will start on November 8 this year with Nahay Khay (1st day) and conclude on November 11 with Usha Arghya, the day when devotees break their vrat (fast) after offering arghya to the rising sun.
The festival is special to the states of Bihar, Jharkhand, Eastern Uttar Pradesh, and the country of Nepal and is devoted to Surya Bhagvaan (Lord Surya).
Lord Surya (Surujdev) is worshipped by Vratis or aficionados for the well-being, development, and prosperity of their family members over a span of four days. In spite of the fact that women observe fast during Chhath more commonly, men can also do it.
The preparation for Chhath Puja starts a day after Diwali (November 5) as vratis start eating only Satvik food (without onion, garlic, and regular salt), plan meals with utmost hygiene, and eat only after taking a bath.
Chhath Puja calendar
Nahay Khaye
Nahay Khaye is the 1st day of Chhath Puja – Vratis take a bath, wear clean clothes and prepare a prasad of Lord Surya. Chana daal with Kaddoo Bhaat, papad, pakoda of agastya ka Phool is a popular prasad that devotees make on this day.
Kharna
Kharna is the 2nd day of Chhath Puja (November 9) – A prasad of kheer made with gud and arwa chawal is made. After having this prasad, devotees begin an arduous nirjala fast (without water) lasting for 36 hours.
Sandhya Araghya
(Sandhya Araghya) On the third day of Chhath Puja (November 10)- Vratis observe fast without eating or consuming even a drop of water. Prasad of thekua made with jiggery (gurr), ghee, and flour is prepared by the vratis for the puja.
At sunset the vratis along with their family offer arghya to Lord Surya in a nearby water body, this is also known as Sandhya Arghya or Pehli Arghya. A lot of emphases is laid on cleanliness and hygiene and the prasad must be not be touched with salt. The fast continues for the entire night till the sunrise of the next day.
Paran, Usha Araghya
On the fourth and final day of Chhath Puja (November 11)- known as Paran Din, devotees offer Usha Arghya or Dusri Argya (early in the morning) to the rising sun standing with their feet dipped in a water body, and conclude their fast and distribute prasad.
Chhath Puja legends
There are several legends associated with the origin of Chhath Puja and some even find mention in Rig Veda texts. It is believed that in ancient times, Draupadi and the Pandavas of Hastinapur used to celebrate Chhath in order to solve their issues and regain their lost kingdom. A few mantras from the Rig Veda texts are also chanted by worshippers while offering prayers to the Sun.
As per another legend, Chhath Puja was first performed by Karna, who is considered to be an offspring of Lord Surya and Kunti. He ruled over the Anga Desh which is the modern-day Bhagalpur in Bihar, during the age of Mahabharata.
It is also said that the sages of the Vedic period used to perform the puja by exposing themselves to direct sunlight to gain energy from the beams of the sun and did not devour any eatables.
Happy Chatth Puja!
