Chaiti Chhath 2024
Chaiti Chhath, also known as Chaitra Chhath, is a Hindu festival dedicated to worshipping the Sun god and seeking blessings for well-being, prosperity, and longevity. It falls on the sixth day of the Hindu lunar month of Chaitra, usually in March or April according to the Gregorian calendar. Chaiti Chhath in 2024 will begin on April 12th and end on April 15th.
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Chaiti Chhath 2024 calendar
Friday, April 12, 2024: Nahay Khay Saturday, April 13, 2024: Kharna/Lohanda Sunday, April 14, 2024: Sandhya Arghya Monday, April 15, 2024: Usha Arghya
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| Chaiti Chhath |
During Chaiti Chhath, devotees observe rigorous rituals, including fasting, holy bathing, and offering prayers to the rising and setting sun. They gather at the banks of rivers, ponds, or other water bodies to perform the rituals, which typically span four days.
The festival holds immense significance in regions like Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Nepal, where it is celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm. Devotees believe that observing Chaiti Chhath with devotion and purity can cleanse sins, bring prosperity, and fulfill wishes.
The rituals of Chaiti Chhath involve rigorous fasting, known as "Vrata," where devotees abstain from consuming food and water for an extended period. They offer prayers to the Sun god during sunrise and sunset, seeking blessings for the well-being of their families and loved ones.
Chaiti Chhath is a time for devotees to express their gratitude to the Sun god, who is considered the source of life and energy on Earth. The festival is marked by colorful celebrations, traditional songs, and cultural events, creating a joyous atmosphere of devotion and piety.
Overall, Chaiti Chhath is a deeply spiritual and auspicious festival that holds a special place in the hearts of devotees, symbolizing faith, purity, and reverence towards nature and divine forces.
On the first day of Chaiti Chhath
The first day of Chaiti Chhath, also known as Nahay Khay, marks the beginning of the four-day festival dedicated to worshipping the Sun god and seeking blessings for well-being, prosperity, and longevity.
On this day, devotees take a holy dip in rivers, ponds, or other water bodies before sunrise, followed by performing rituals at home or in temples dedicated to the Sun god. They offer prayers and make offerings of fruits, milk, and other traditional items to the rising sun.
Nahay Khay is also observed as a day of purification, both physically and spiritually, where devotees cleanse themselves through fasting and abstinence from certain foods. It is customary to eat simple, vegetarian meals on this day, prepared without onion and garlic.
The rituals of Nahay Khay are performed with utmost devotion and purity, symbolizing the beginning of a sacred journey of worship and reverence towards the Sun god. It is believed that observing Nahay Khay with sincerity and faith can purify the mind, body, and soul, paving the way for blessings and prosperity in life.
On the second day of Chaiti Chhath.
On the second day of Chaiti Chhath, devotees observe a fast known as Kharna or Lohanda, which involves abstaining from food and water for the entire day. The fast is broken in the evening after performing rituals dedicated to the Sun god.
Before sunrise, devotees take a holy bath in rivers, ponds, or other water bodies, and then observe the fast throughout the day. Special prayers and rituals are performed during the day, seeking blessings for the well-being and prosperity of family members.
In the evening, after sunset, devotees worship the Sun god and offer prayers while standing in water, usually in a river or pond. They break their fast by consuming a special prasad (offering) consisting of kheer (sweet rice pudding) made with jaggery (unrefined cane sugar) and ghee (clarified butter), along with fruits.
The rituals of Kharna signify purification and penance, as devotees seek the divine blessings of the Sun god for strength, vitality, and prosperity in life. It is believed that observing the fast with devotion and sincerity brings peace, happiness, and fulfillment to the devotees and their families.
On the third day of Chaiti Chhath
On the third day of Chaiti Chhath, devotees observe another day-long fast known as Sandhya Arghya. This day is dedicated to worshipping the setting sun.
Early in the morning, devotees take a holy bath in rivers, ponds, or other water bodies, and then observe the fast throughout the day. Special prayers and rituals are performed during the day, seeking blessings for the well-being and prosperity of family members.
In the evening, just before sunset, devotees gather near water bodies, usually rivers or ponds, to perform the rituals of Sanjhiya Arghya. They offer prayers and make offerings to the setting sun, thanking the Sun god for his benevolence and seeking his blessings for happiness and prosperity.
Devotees prepare traditional offerings, including fruits, flowers, coconut, sugarcane, and special homemade sweets. They also light earthen lamps (diyas) and offer vermilion (sindoor) to the sun god as part of the rituals.
The rituals of Sanjhiya Arghya symbolize gratitude, reverence, and devotion to the sun god, who is considered the source of life and energy. It is believed that observing these rituals with sincerity and devotion brings blessings and fulfillment to the devotees and their families.
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On the fourth day of Chaiti Chhath
On the fourth day of Chaiti Chhath, known as Parna, devotees conclude their fast and offer prayers to the rising sun.
Early in the morning, devotees wake up before sunrise and take a holy bath in rivers, ponds, or other water bodies. This bath signifies purification and the completion of their fasting period. After the bath, they wear new or clean clothes and proceed to the Chhath Ghat or a nearby riverbank.
At the Chhath Ghat, devotees offer prayers to the rising sun, seeking blessings for prosperity, happiness, and well-being. They make offerings of fruits, sweets, and other traditional items to the sun god as a gesture of gratitude and devotion.
After the prayers, devotees break their fast by consuming the prasad offered to the sun god. They also distribute prasad among family members and fellow devotees as a symbol of sharing and communal harmony.
Throughout the day, devotees continue to observe rituals and offer prayers to the sun god, expressing their gratitude and reverence. The atmosphere is filled with joy and celebration as people come together to celebrate the conclusion of Chaiti Chhath and the blessings received from the sun god.
The fourth day of Chaiti Chhath marks the culmination of the festival, and devotees cherish the moments spent in devotion, prayer, and community gatherings. It is a time of reflection, thanksgiving, and renewed faith in the divine blessings bestowed upon them.
Frequently Ask Questions
What is Chaiti Chhath?
Chaiti Chhath is a Hindu festival celebrated to worship the sun god and seek his blessings for well-being, prosperity, and longevity. It is observed over four days during the Chaitra month of the Hindu calendar.
What are the main rituals of Chaiti Chhath?
The main rituals of Chaiti Chhath include taking holy baths in rivers or other water bodies, observing fasts, offering prayers to the sun god at sunrise and sunset, making special offerings known as prasad, and performing arghya (offering water) to the setting sun.
What is the significance of Chaiti Chhath?
Chaiti Chhath holds immense spiritual significance for devotees, as it is believed to cleanse the mind, body, and soul, and bring blessings for health, prosperity, and happiness. It is also a time for expressing gratitude to the sun god for sustaining life on Earth.
How is Chaiti Chhath celebrated?
Chaiti Chhath is celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm, with devotees observing strict fasts, performing rituals at designated riverbanks or ghats, decorating their homes and surroundings, and coming together for community prayers and gatherings.
What are the benefits of observing Chaiti Chhath?
Observing Chaiti Chhath is believed to bestow numerous benefits, including purification of the mind and body, fulfillment of wishes and desires, protection from negative influences, and overall spiritual upliftment. It is considered an auspicious time for seeking divine blessings and fostering a deeper connection with nature and the cosmos.
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