15 November,2023 07:06 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
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Chhath Puja 2023: Hindus celebrate Chhath Puja as a festival dedicated to the worship of Surya Dev, popularly known as the Sun God. Chhath Puja is celebrated six days after Diwali, and is mainly observed in Bihar, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh by the natives of these states settled in other states or other countries.
The occasion is dedicated to Chhathi Maiya, the sister of Lord Surya and the sixth form of Devi Prakriti.
The four-day ceremonies include holy bathing, fasting and water abstinence, standing in the water and offering prasad and arghya to the rising and setting sun. Some devotees also march to the riverbanks in prostration.
This year, the auspicious festival of Chhath will be celebrated with great pomp and fanfare commencing on November 17 and ending on November 20, as per Drik Panchang.
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Chhath Puja 2023 - Day 1: Nahay Khay
Chhath Puja starts with the ritual of Nahay Khay (bathing and feasting) on the first day. Devotees take a bath in the river or pond and then eat a simple meal. According to Drik Panchang, the sunrise time for this day is 6:47 am and the sunset time is 6:00 pm.
Chhath Puja 2023 - Day 2: Kharna
The second day of Chhath Puja is called Kharna. On this day, devotees fast throughout the day, breaking it only after sunset as an offering to the deities. According to Drik Panchang, the sunrise time on this day is 6:47 am and the sunset time is 6:00 pm.
Chhath Puja 2023 - Day 3: Surya Shashth
The third day, when the main rituals start, is called Surya Shashth. On this day, devotees, usually women, gather at the water bodies, be it rivers or ponds, before sunrise. Standing waist-deep in water, they offer arghya (offering of water) to the rising Sun. According to Drik Panchang, sunrise and sunset are scheduled for 6:48 am and 6:00 pm respectively.
Chhath Puja 2023 - Day 4: Usha Arghya
The last of Chhath Puja is called Usha Arghya. On this day, arghya is offered to the rising Sun in the morning. Usha is believed to be the consort of the Surya Dev. The 36-hour fast is completed after Arghya. According to Drik Panchang, the sunrise time on this day is 6:48 am and the sunset time is 5:59 pm.
