CHHATH PUJA

1)How to celebrate chhath puja?

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Chhath Puja is a significant Hindu festival dedicated to the Sun God, Surya, and his sister, Chhathi Maiya. Celebrated mainly in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh, as well as in Nepal, it involves a series of rituals performed over four days. Here’s a brief guide on how to celebrate Chhath Puja:

Day 1: Nahay Khay (November 5, 2024)

  • Rituals: Devotees take a holy bath, usually in a river or other water body, and clean their homes. They prepare a simple meal, often consisting of rice, dal, and pumpkin, which is consumed after offering it to the Sun God1.

Day 2: Kharna (November 6, 2024)

  • Rituals: Devotees observe a day-long fast without water, which is broken in the evening after performing a puja.

Day 3: Sandhya Arghya (November 7, 2024)

  • Rituals: Devotees fast again and gather at riverbanks or other water bodies to offer prayers to the setting sun.

Day 4: Usha Arghya (November 8, 2024)

  • Rituals: The final day involves offering prayers to the rising sun. Devotees again gather at water bodies early in the morning to perform the rituals.

Key Elements

  • Fasting: Devotees observe rigorous fasting, including abstaining from water, to purify their bodies and souls.
  • Prayers and Offerings: Prayers are offered to the Sun God at both sunrise and sunset, symbolizing gratitude and seeking blessings for health and prosperity.
  • Community Participation: The festival is marked by communal gatherings, singing of traditional songs, and sharing of prasad.

Chhath Puja is a time of devotion, purification, and community bonding. It’s celebrated with great enthusiasm and reverence, reflecting the deep cultural and spiritual significance of the festival.



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