Table of Contents
Chhath Puja is a deeply cherished festival in North India, symbolizing gratitude, devotion, and spiritual cleansing. As families prepare to celebrate Chhath Puja 2024, this four-day festival holds special significance for those honoring the Sun God, Surya, and Goddess Chhathi Maiya, the deity of well-being and prosperity. The festival is primarily observed in Bihar, Jharkhand, and parts of Uttar Pradesh, where devotees follow traditional rituals and practices with utmost devotion. This year, Chhath Puja begins on November 5 and concludes on November 8, 2024, providing a time for people to connect with their spiritual roots, express gratitude, and pray for the health and prosperity of their loved ones.
Chhath Puja Date 2024
- Festival: Chhath Puja
- Celebration Regions: Mostly Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, but observed widely across India.
- Dates: November 5 to November 8, 2024
Significance of Chhath Puja 2024
Chhath Puja is observed in the Kartik month, considered an auspicious period in Hindu tradition. According to scriptures, worshipping the Sun God during this time is believed to ward off health problems and grant vitality. The festival also connects people to nature, as devotees perform rituals along riverbanks, lakes, or other water bodies to honor the Sun. The Sun God is revered as a source of life, and Chhathi Maiya is invoked as a protective deity for the family’s well-being and prosperity.
The festival is known for its strict fasts and rigorous rituals, symbolizing the perseverance and strength of devotees, especially women, who take on a 36-hour Nirjala fast (without water). This fast is one of Hinduism’s most challenging, demonstrating unwavering faith and devotion. Participants pray for the happiness, prosperity, and longevity of their family members, making Chhath Puja 2024 a festival of both dedication and blessings.
Also Check: What is Chhath Puja and Why is it Celebrated?
Chhath Puja Rituals and Observances
Each day of Chhath Puja 2024 has its unique set of rituals that devotees follow meticulously:
Day 1: Nahai-Khai (November 5, 2024)
The first day, Nahai-Khai, marks the beginning of the four-day observance. It is a day of purification, both spiritually and physically. Families thoroughly clean their homes, and devotees take a holy dip in nearby rivers, lakes, or ponds. This ritual signifies the purification of body and soul, preparing devotees for the demanding fasts ahead. Devotees consume only Sattvik food, which includes simple, vegetarian meals without garlic or onions, focusing on purity and simplicity.
Nahai-Khai Rules for Chhath Puja:
- Cleanse the house entirely, symbolizing purity and readiness for the festival.
- Devotees bathe early, often in sacred rivers or lakes.
- Wear new or freshly cleaned clothes as a mark of respect and purity.
- Offer water to the Sun God in a traditional ritual, starting the observance with reverence.
- Prepare and consume Sattvik food, typically rice, gram dal, and pumpkin, as a wholesome meal to purify the body.
Do Check: 30+ GK Questions and Answers on Chhat Puja 2024
Day 2: Lohanda and Kharna (November 6, 2024)
The second day, known as Lohanda and Kharna, involves another round of ritual purification and preparation for the fast. Devotees prepare a special meal, often a mix of rice pudding and fruits, offered as Prasad (sacred food) to the deities. This meal is consumed as a mark of devotion, and after this, the rigorous Nirjala fast begins. Devotees refrain from both food and water for the next 36 hours, which requires significant mental and physical resilience.
Day 3: Sandhya Arghya (Evening Offerings) (November 7, 2024)
On the third day, devotees gather near water bodies in the evening to offer Arghya (a ritual offering of water) to the setting Sun. This ritual, known as Sandhya Arghya, is a beautiful sight as people, often dressed in traditional attire, hold baskets filled with fruits, thekua (a special Chhath Puja sweet), and other offerings. This day highlights the community’s devotion and reverence towards the Sun God, with songs and prayers filling the air as the Sun sets.
Day 4: Usha Arghya (Morning Offerings) (November 8, 2024)
The final day of Chhath Puja 2024 is Usha Arghya, where devotees rise before dawn and once again head to the riverbanks to offer prayers to the rising Sun. This is the most revered ritual of the festival, symbolizing the Sun’s renewal and the continuation of life. After completing the ritual, devotees break their fast and conclude the four-day observance with joy, sharing blessings and Chhath Puja wishes with their loved ones.
Do Check: Hindu Festivals List 2024
Why Nahai-Khai is Important in Chhath Puja
Nahai-Khai is considered the start of the sacred observance, focusing on purity and simplicity. By cleansing their homes and bodies, devotees prepare themselves to engage in the demanding practices of Chhath Puja. The consumption of Sattvik food symbolizes a fresh start, aligning their spirit with the Sun’s energy and preparing them for the spiritual journey ahead.
Chhath Puja Wishes 2024
Sharing Chhath Puja wishes 2024 is a cherished part of the celebrations. Here are some heartfelt messages to share with family and friends, spreading joy and blessings on this auspicious occasion:
- “May Chhathi Maiya’s blessings fill your life with happiness, prosperity, and peace. Wishing you a joyful Chhath Puja 2024!”
- “On this sacred Chhath Puja, may Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya bless your family with health, happiness, and success. Happy Chhath Puja 2024!”
- “As you honor Surya Dev during Chhath Puja 2024, may your life be enriched with joy and positivity. Jai Chhathi Maiya!”
- “Wishing you a blissful Chhath Puja 2024 filled with devotion and the blessings of Chhathi Maiya. May your family flourish and stay happy.”
- “May the divine light of Surya Dev guide your path and bring prosperity. Happy Chhath Puja 2024! Jai Chhathi Maiya!”
Also Check: GK Questions on Festivals in India
Happy Chhath Puja Wishes in Hindi 2024
Here are a few wishes to share in Hindi:
- “छठी मैया के आशीर्वाद से आपका जीवन खुशियों और समृद्धि से भर जाए। आपको छठ पूजा 2024 की शुभकामनाएँ!”
- “सूर्य देव और छठी मैया का आशीर्वाद आपके घर में सुख, शांति, और समृद्धि लाए। जय छठी मैया!”
- “छठ पूजा के इस पावन अवसर पर आपके जीवन में हर दिन नई खुशियाँ आएं। शुभ छठ पूजा 2024!”
This Chhath Puja 2024, spread positivity by sharing warm wishes, sending Chhath Puja messages to loved ones, and engaging in heartfelt celebrations. May this festival bring joy, blessings, and prosperity to everyone.
FAQs on Chhat Puja 2024 Wishes
How can I send Chhath Puja wishes?
You can share warm wishes like: 'May this Chhath Puja fill your life and family with happiness and prosperity!' 'May the blessings of Sun God bring light and joy into your life. Have a blessed and joyful Chhath Puja!' 'Wishing that all your prayers are heard and your family is blessed with love and grace this Chhath Puja!'
What is a meaningful quote for Chhath Puja?
Here are a few quotes you can share: 'Sending you and your family endless blessings on this Chhath Puja. Jai Chhathi Maiya!' 'The joyful festival of Chhath Puja is here, with the Sun God’s light. May your home and fields overflow with prosperity and peace.'
What is Kharna in Chhath Puja?
Kharna is the second day of Chhath Puja. After sunset, devotees prepare a special meal as an offering to the Sun God, often including rice pudding (kheer) made with jaggery, rice, and chapati. This meal, known as prasad, is shared with friends and family and signifies breaking the day’s fast.
What lessons does Chhath Puja teach?
Chhath Puja reminds devotees to express gratitude to Surya Dev (Sun God) for the gifts of life on Earth. It’s also a time to pray for blessings, wellbeing, and fulfillment of certain wishes. This tradition is especially significant among Bhojpuri, Magahi, and Maithili-speaking communities.
How do you say 'Happy Puja' for different occasions?
Here are some simple wishes for Durga Puja: 'May this Durga Puja bring you happiness and blessings. Subho Durga Puja!' 'Wishing you love, light, and laughter on this auspicious day. Happy Durga Puja!' 'Celebrate Durga Puja with joy, peace, and prosperity. May the goddess bless you always.'
