Chhath Puja 2024: Dates, Rituals, Significance & My Experience
As someone deeply passionate about Indian festivals and their cultural roots, I find Chhath Puja 2024 to be one of the most spiritually enriching celebrations on our calendar. If you’re curious about the festival’s dates, rituals, and why it holds such a special place in millions of hearts, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive into the essence of Chhath Puja 2024 and explore how you can make the most of this sacred festival.
What is Chhath Puja 2024?
Chhath Puja 2024 is a four-day Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Surya (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya, celebrated mainly in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Nepal. This festival is all about expressing gratitude for the sun’s life-giving energy and seeking blessings for health, happiness, and prosperity.
What sets Chhath Puja apart is its unique blend of devotion, environmental respect, and community spirit. The festival is observed with rigorous fasting, holy baths, and heartfelt prayers, making it one of the most demanding and rewarding rituals in Hindu tradition.
Also Check: Mahakumbh 2025
Chhath Puja 2024 Dates & Sunrise/Sunset Timings
Planning is everything when it comes to Chhath Puja. Here’s the complete festival calendar for 2024, along with sunrise and sunset timings to help you prepare your rituals with precision.
| Date | Day | Ritual | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| November 5, 2024 | Tuesday | Nahay-Khay | 6:36 AM | 5:33 PM |
| November 6, 2024 | Wednesday | Kharna/Lohanda | 6:37 AM | 5:32 PM |
| November 7, 2024 | Thursday | Sandhya Arghya | 6:38 AM | 5:32 PM |
| November 8, 2024 | Friday | Usha Arghya/Parana | 6:38 AM | 5:31 PM |
The Four Days of Chhath Puja 2024: Rituals & Meaning
Day 1: Nahay-Khay (November 5, 2024)
We kick off Chhath Puja with Nahay-Khay, which literally means ‘bathe and eat.’ On this day, I, like many devotees, take a holy dip in a river or pond to purify myself. We prepare a simple, satvik meal—usually rice and bottle gourd—and eat only once. This meal marks the beginning of the spiritual journey, cleansing both body and mind.
Day 2: Kharna/Lohanda (November 6, 2024)
The second day is all about self-discipline. We observe a nirjala vrat, fasting without even a sip of water from sunrise to sunset. After sunset, I prepare kheer (rice pudding), chapatis, and fruits as offerings to the Sun God. This meal is shared with family, symbolizing unity and gratitude.
Day 3: Sandhya Arghya (November 7, 2024)
This is the most intense and beautiful part of Chhath Puja. We gather at riverbanks or water bodies during sunset, standing waist-deep in water, and offer arghya (water and prasad) to the setting sun. The atmosphere is magical—devotees sing folk songs, and the air is thick with devotion. The fast continues through the night, testing our resolve and faith.
Day 4: Usha Arghya/Parana Day (November 8, 2024)
The final day is a celebration of hope and renewal. Before sunrise, we offer prayers to the rising sun, seeking blessings for our family’s health and happiness. Breaking the 36-hour fast after this ritual is a moment of immense relief and joy, shared with loved ones and the entire community.
Why is Chhath Puja 2024 So Special?
Chhath Puja 2024 isn’t just another festival—it’s a living tradition that connects us to nature, our ancestors, and each other. Here’s why I believe it stands out:
- Environmental Harmony: The rituals honor the sun, water, and earth, reminding us to respect and protect our environment.
- Community Spirit: Whether you’re in Bihar or New Delhi, Chhath Puja brings people together. Riverbanks become vibrant hubs of faith and togetherness.
- Spiritual Discipline: The 36-hour nirjala vrat is one of the toughest fasts in Hinduism, demanding immense willpower and devotion.
- Cultural Identity: For many, especially those living outside their home states, celebrating Chhath Puja is a way to stay connected to their roots.
My Experience with Chhath Puja
Having participated in Chhath Puja for years, I can say it’s a transformative experience. The sense of peace I feel after offering arghya to the sun is indescribable. The collective energy of hundreds of devotees, the sound of folk songs, and the sight of diyas floating on water create a spiritual atmosphere unlike any other. Chhath Puja 2024 will be no different—I look forward to joining my family and community in this beautiful celebration.
FAQs About Chhath Puja 2024
Q1: When is Chhath Puja 2024?
A: Chhath Puja 2024 will be celebrated from November 5 to November 8.
Q2: What are the main rituals of Chhath Puja?
A: The four main rituals are Nahay-Khay, Kharna/Lohanda, Sandhya Arghya, and Usha Arghya, each with its own significance and practices.
Q3: Who observes Chhath Puja?
A: While anyone can participate, women traditionally observe the fast for their family’s well-being. The festival is popular in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and among Indian communities abroad.
Q4: Why is fasting so important during Chhath Puja?
A: The 36-hour nirjala vrat (fast without water) is a test of devotion and discipline, believed to purify the mind and body and bring blessings from the Sun God.
Q5: Can Chhath Puja be celebrated outside India?
A: Absolutely! Many Indian communities worldwide celebrate Chhath Puja, often organizing gatherings at local water bodies to keep the tradition alive.
Tips for Celebrating Chhath Puja 2024
- Plan Ahead: Mark the dates and sunrise/sunset timings in your calendar.
- Prepare Prasad Early: Traditional offerings like thekua, kheer, and fruits are essential.
- Join a Community: If you’re away from home, find a local group to celebrate with.
- Stay Hydrated Before Fasting: The 36-hour fast is intense—prepare your body in advance.
- Respect the Environment: Clean up after rituals and avoid polluting water bodies.
My Final Thoughts
Chhath Puja 2024 is more than just a festival—it’s a journey of faith, discipline, and gratitude. Every year, I rediscover the joy of connecting with nature, family, and community through these ancient rituals. Whether you’re a lifelong devotee or a curious newcomer, I encourage you to experience Chhath Puja 2024 for yourself. The spiritual rewards are truly priceless.
Ready to experience the magic of Chhath Puja 2024?
Mark your calendar, gather your loved ones, and immerse yourself in this extraordinary celebration of faith and nature. If you have questions or want to share your own Chhath Puja stories, leave a comment below—I’d love to hear from you!
