Chhath Puja 2023: The Hindus who live in the Northern region of the country celebrate Chhath Puja, one of the oldest festivals, with tremendous dedication and zeal.
The inhabitants of Northern India, such as Bihar, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand, as well as the inhabitants of Southern Nepal. On the day of Chhat, the inhabitants of the aforementioned areas worship the Sun God. In celebration of the Sun God, prayers are said and hymns are sung. Additionally, these indigenous people express gratitude to the Sun Lord for the robust harvests, for life on Earth, and for the accomplishment of their wishes.
The Chhath Puja procedures have been followed without any revisions or modifications since ancient times. All the people begin preparing for the puja days before it ever takes place, especially the women.
Chhat Puja Meaning
The festival of Chhat Puja is observed on the sixth day of the Kartika month. The word “Chhath,” which means “six,” denotes this. Lord Sun, the deity who provides all Earthly life with light and vitality, is worshipped during this “Chhat” festival.
One of the oldest celebrations honouring nature and the elements is the Chhath Puja or Chhat Parv. The Sun God, also known as Surya Devata, is the only focus of this celebration.
In Hindi and Nepali, the word “Chhath” literally means “six.” On this day, Hindus also worship Lord Surya’s wives Usha and Pratuyusha as well as Chhati Maa, also known as Shashti Mata, the sister of Lord Surya and the daughter of Brahma.
As the sixth manifestation of Goddess Parvati, Chhathi Mata is also referred to as Maa Ranbai and Shashti.
Chhath Puja 2023 Date
- Nahay-Khay (नहाय खाय): November 17, Friday
- Lohanda and Kharna (लोहंडा और खरना): November 18, Saturday
- Sandhya Argh (संध्या अर्घ्य) / Chhath Puja: November 19, Sunday
- Suryodaya/Usha Argh (उषा अर्घ्य): November 19, Sunday
The Supreme Chhathi Mata is renowned for bestowing healthy children upon infertile couples. The four-day Chhath Puja celebrations are held in the lunar month of Kartik (October–November) on the sixth day, which falls six days after the Kali Puja.
Chhath Puja Date 2022: Time, Tithi, Rituals and Significance
Chhath Puja 2023 Four Days Celebrations
As was already said, the ladies in the Northern regions of India and Nepal celebrate Chhath Puja with fervour and dedication. In recent years, a lot of males have passionately participated in and carried out Chhath ceremonies.
Day 1: Nahaay Khaay
The “parvaitin” (the primary worshipper) bathes and dons new clothing on this day. After completing this, they pray to Lord Surya for blessings such as prosperity, the welfare of the family, and the provision of children with a healthy and successful life. Typically, women are the primary Parvaitin or worshippers at the Chhath Puja. Although there is no particular gender associated with this puja, women have historically been the primary devotees of this festival.
Following the puja, the Parvaitin cleans the entire house, its surroundings, and the path leading to the Ghat. The worshippers make sure to keep the pathways leading to the Ghat spotless.
The Parvaitin then prepares Satvik cuisine, including bottle gourd and Bengal gramme lentils cooked with arva rice, known as Kaduaa Bhaat. The Parvaitin then eats this meal after first offering it to the deity as a Bhog in the afternoon. The Parvaitin consumes this cuisine during the final meal of the Parva (festival) in an effort to ward off thoughts of retaliation and other unfavourable emotions.
Day 2: Kharna/Lohanda
Kharna is the name of the second day of Chhath.
Devotees and Parvaitin practise Nirjala fasting, which forbids them from even drinking till the Sun sets. The evening meal for the devotees includes Roti and Gur Ke Kheer, a sweet treat made by boiling rice with milk and jaggery. Popularly known as Rasia, this Kheer.
Day 3: Sandhya Argh
The Parvaitin and other family members are busy making prasad (offerings to God) at home on the third day of Chhath Puja. Typically, the Prasad is presented in a bamboo basket that contains Thekua (a sweet snack), rice laddus, and fruits. The Parvaitin is accompanied by family and friends on the eve of Sanjhka Aragh to a river, pond, or other big body of water to make the Arghya (offerings to the Lord) of the prasad to the setting sun by standing in the water body. People swarm the water features to see the worshippers and the puja being performed on this day, making the ceremonies worth seeing. In order to benefit from the worshipper’s benefits, the observers will even lend a helpful hand if necessary. The devotees enter the water body with the prasad and a Kalash filled with Gangajal to present the Sun Lord with Gangajal water as they offer prasad (Arghya). Following the worship, the participants go back to their homes to carry out the “kosi bhara” rite with their loved ones, friends, and neighbours’ homes.
Bharai Koshi Ritual
The wedded couple or an individual who observes the Chhath vrat (fasting) carry out the Kosi Bharai rite. A long-held tradition states that if a person who kept the fast for Chhath has their wish or vow fulfilled, they must undertake the practise of filling the Kosi as a joyous repayment. On the terrace or in the courtyard of the house, the Kosi Bharai rite is carried out. A canopy (tambu/mandap) is created by tying five to seven sugarcanes together. Thekua (a food gift produced for Chhath Puja), fruits, fruit extracts, and Keravas are placed under the canopy. A crimson fresh saree is then tied to the top of the canopy. Once this is finished, a hollow elephant made of clay is created and placed in the middle of the canopy. A flattened wheat sweet and savoury snack called dhan ka chivda is stored on top of it in an earthen pot along with Sathi chawal, kasar, and other sweet and salty snacks.
Following this, 12 to 24 ghee/oil diyas are lighted, and seasonal fruits are offered. The following morning between 3 and 4 am, the same ritual is performed, and then the devotees present arghya or other offerings to the rising Sun.
Day 4: Bhorka Argh
The Bhorka Argh is the name given to the final day of the Chhath Puja. On this day, devotees get up before dawn, get dressed, and head to the banks of a river or another body of water close to their home to offer Arghya to the rising sun. The Parvaitin prays to the Sun Lord and Chhatti Maiya (Ranbay Maay) while performing Arghya, pleading with the gods to guard the children, foster good relations between the family members, and bestow peace and prosperity upon the family. After the Arghya and prayers are said, the Parvitin breaks the fast by sipping water and eating a small amount of prasad. This is referred to as Paran or Parana.
Some women in Mithila don pure cotton Dhotis during the Chhath season. This Dhoti is not sewn in the manner of the old Mithilanchal culture from long ago.
Chhath Puja Legend
The Chhathi Maiya is worshipped at the Chhath festival, according to the Brahma Vaivarta Purana.
According to our extensive history, Sita Manpatthar is associated with the Sitacharan temple in Munger, which is located in the Ganges. The most well-known location for devotees to congregate and perform the Chhath puja is here. In accordance with folklore, Mata Sita performed the Chhath ceremonies right here in Munger. It is believed that Chhathi Maiya granted Her two healthy sons, Luv and Kush, when She (Sita Mata) completed the Chhath puja.
Other Mythical Belief
‘Priyavrat’ is the name of the son of the First Manu Swayambhu, according to another account. Priyavrat was a king and possessed great wealth, yet he had no offspring. He was sad about this. Maharishi Kashyap was contacted by Priyavrat regarding this. King Priyavrat was instructed to perform a Yajna by Maharishi Kashyap after hearing him speak. The entire Yajna and puja ceremonies were a little challenging, but the King and his wife carried out the Yajna as instructed by the Rishi. After a few months, King Priyavrat’s wife Queen Malini gave birth to a boy, but their joy was short-lived for the baby was stillborn. The King, the Queen, and their loved ones wept.
The King and his wife Malini were in pieces when they first heard Mata Shashthi’s voice in the clouds, but after some time they both began to hear voices in the sky. The King and the Queen both knelt before Her and prayed to Her from a place of sadness.
Goddess Shashthi sent her blessings and stated “am Mata Chhathi, the sixth form of Goddess Parvati, I protect all the children and bless the one’s having difficulty in conceiving with a healthy offspring.”
As soon as Chatthi Maiya finished speaking, She blessed the dead child with Her hands, bringing it back to life.
The King and His wife were overcome with excitement as they saw the baby breathe, and tears streamed down their cheeks. As a result of their prayers and appreciation to Mata Chhathi, the Chhath puja began to be held all across the world with great fervour and devotion.
Spiritual Benefits
Hindus in India observe Chhath Puja as a prominent festival, especially in the northern states of the nation. Devotees dedicate the four-day event to the Sun God and his wife Usha. Fasting is regarded by devotees as a crucial component of Chhath Puja and as having numerous spiritual advantages.
- First, Chhath Puja fasting aids in the purification of the body and psyche. When someone fasts, their body rids itself of toxins and dangerous chemicals, leaving them feeling clean and revitalised inside. Additionally, this technique aids in enhancing mental clarity, allowing the person to concentrate more on spiritual pursuits like prayer and meditation.
- Devotees feel that Chhath Puja fasting improves spiritual consciousness. Fasting causes a person to feel more spiritually aware, which makes it easier for them to communicate with the divine. A greater awareness of oneself and the cosmos is facilitated by this connection, which results in a general feeling of spiritual fulfilment.
- Thirdly, it is thought that fasting during Chhath Puja encourages self-control and discipline. Long-term fasting from food and liquids teaches people how to manage their appetites and impulses. A more balanced and contented life can result from this self-control and discipline practise in other areas of life.
- Finally, it is thought that fasting during Chhath Puja will bring blessings and good fortune. A person is said to be able to draw luck and good vibes into their life by fasting and praying to the Sun God. This routine promotes thankfulness and optimism, which results in a happier and more fulfilled life.
Chhath Puja 2023 Wishes
1. May the heavenly blessings of Chhath Puja bring you joy and prosperity in life.
2. Wishing you a devotional, loving, and joyful Chhath Puja.
3. On this Chhath Puja, may the sun god provide you success and good health.
4. Sending my warmest wishes for a blissful Chhath Puja celebration.
5. May Chhath Puja’s blazing light dispel every darkness from your life.
6. May your Chhath Puja prayers be granted with positivity and love.
7. I’d like to wish you and your family a happy and peaceful Chhath Puja.
8. May this Chhath Puja help you achieve your dreams and ambitions.
9. Best wishes for a blessed and happy Chhath Puja are sent your way.
10. May the joy and positivism of Chhath Puja’s colours overflow into your life.
11. On this Chhath Puja, may you be successful in everything you do.
12. May the Chhath Puja holy waters cleanse your spirit and grant you inner serenity.
13. May the Chhath Puja sunrise bring you fresh chances and hope.
14. I wish you a Chhath Puja full of love, joy, and prosperity.
15. May God bless you for your devotion during Chhath Puja.
16. I’m wishing you the very best for a memorable and fulfilling Chhath Puja.
17. May the customs of Chhath Puja continue to deepen your ties to your family.
18. May the joy of Chhath Puja illuminate your future days.
19. I’d like to wish you and your loved ones a Chhath Puja full of peace and unity.
20. May the Chhath Puja ceremonies motivate you to live a chaste and devoted life.
