The great festival of faith, Chhath, is going to start very soon. The festival of Chhath starts with Nahay Khay on the Chaturthi date of Shukla Paksha of Kartik month. The fast is concluded by offering Kharna on Panchami, Arghya to the setting sun on Shashthi, and water to the rising sun on Saptami.
In this festival which lasts for four days, Surya and Chhathi Maiya are worshipped. The fast observed on this day is considered very difficult because this fast is observed for 36 hours following strict rules.
Chhath festival started in the Mahabharata period
According to Hindu belief, the story is popular that Chhath festival started in the Mahabharata period. This festival was first started by Suryaputra Karna by worshiping the Sun.
It is said that Karna was a great devotee of Lord Surya and he used to stand in water for hours every day and offer Arghya to him. It was only by the grace of Surya that he became a great warrior. Even today the same tradition of donating Arghya during Chhath is prevalent.
Chhath fast was also observed for Draupadi
There is another story about the Chhath festival. According to this legend, when the Pandavas lost the entire kingdom in gambling, Draupadi observed Chhath fast. With this fast their wish was fulfilled and the Pandavas got everything back.
According to folk tradition, Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya have a brother-sister relationship. Therefore, worshiping the Sun on the occasion of Chhath was considered fruitful.
Chhath Festival 2023: Bihar’s Celebratory Tradition
This year the worship of Chhath festival is starting from 17th November 2023, which will end on 20th November. This festival is especially celebrated with great enthusiasm in Bihar. This fast is observed to pray for the happy life of the children.
Chhath festival starts two days before Shashthi Tithi i.e. from Chaturthi with Nahay-Khay and it ends by passing Saptami Tithi. Chhath festival lasts for four days. In this festival, mainly offering Arghya to Sun God is considered to be of utmost importance.
So let us know the dates of Chhath Puja, the time of Arghya, and the time of Paran.
1- Nahay Khaye
Chhath Puja, spanning four days, kicks off with Nahay-Khay on November 17th. Devotees, freshly bathed in rivers, don new attire and enjoy vegetarian meals. Notably, family members partake in food only after the fasting individual has eaten.
The day, beginning with sunrise at 06:45 and concluding with sunset at 05:27, holds cultural significance, emphasizing rituals symbolizing purity and devotion in this revered festival dedicated to Sun God worship.
2- kharna date
Kharna is the second day of Chhath Puja. This year Kharna is on 18th November. Sunrise of this day will be at 06:46 am and sunset will be at 05:26 pm. On the day of Kharna, fasting people eat sweet food once.
On this day, rice pudding made from jaggery is eaten. This Prasad is made by lighting a fire with mango wood on a new earthen stove. After eating Prasad, the fast starts. Salt is not eaten on this day.
3- Evening prayer time
The most important day of Chhath Puja is the third day. Evening Arghya is performed on this day. On this day, devotees come to the Ghat and offer Arghya to the setting sun. This year, the evening Arghya of Chhath Puja will be offered on 19th November.
Sunset on November 19 will be at 05:26 pm. On this day, Arghya soup is decorated with fruits, thekua, rice laddu etc. in the basket. After this, Arghya is offered while standing in waist-deep water in a river or pond.
4- Arghya to the rising sun
The fourth day i.e. Saptami Tithi is the last day of Chhath Mahaparva. On this day, the fast is broken after offering Arghya to the rising sun. This year, Arghya will be offered to the rising sun on 20th November.
Sunrise on this day will be at 06:47 am. Only after this does the 36-hour fast end. After offering Arghya, the devotee breaks the fast by consuming Prasad.
In conclusion, the Chhath Festival 2023, spanning four days of devotion and rituals, holds cultural and historical significance. Originating from the Mahabharata era, the festival honors the Sun God, with devotees observing strict 36-hour fasts. Bihar’s enthusiastic celebration encapsulates ancient traditions and tales, fostering a deep spiritual connection among the participants.