Chhath Puja 2024: Significance, Rituals, and Celebrations of an Age-Old Hindu Festival

Chhath Puja 2024, a vibrant and deeply spiritual festival, is celebrated with reverence and grandeur, especially in the northern states of India such as Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Nepal. This festival, dedicated to the Sun God, Surya, and his consort Usha (Chhathi Maiya), is a tribute to the life-giving powers of the Sun, invoking blessings for health, prosperity, and well-being. Chhath Puja 2024 promises to unite communities again, blending tradition with devotion as families honour ancient rituals passed down through generations.

Chhath Puja is believed to date back to the Vedic period, showcasing a blend of Aryan and Dravidian cultures, where the Sun was worshipped as a deity for its life-sustaining properties. According to ancient scriptures, the celebration of Chhath Puja 2024 has roots in mythology. Legends state that the festival was first celebrated by Draupadi, the wife of the Pandavas, from the Mahabharata, when she prayed to the Sun God for the prosperity and victory of her family. Another popular legend ties the Puja to Lord Rama and Sita, who are said to have performed Chhath Puja after returning to Ayodhya from exile.

Unlike many other Hindu festivals, Chhath Puja 2024 does not involve idol worship. Instead, it centres on worshipping natural elements, especially the sun and the rivers. This ritualistic connection to nature and the Sun acknowledges the celestial body’s vital role in sustaining life on Earth. The festival is known for its environmental focus as well, encouraging cleanliness and pollution-free practices along riverbanks where devotees gather to perform rituals.

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Chhath Puja’s essence is deeply rooted in the belief that the sun can heal and purify. It symbolizes gratitude for life’s necessities and is a chance for devotees to thank the cosmic power for bestowing life and energy upon the world.

In 2024, Chhath Puja will be observed from November 7 to November 10, spanning four days of various rituals and fasting.

1. Day 1 – Nahaye Khaye (November 7, 2024): The first day involves a cleansing ritual. Devotees dip in holy rivers, especially the Ganges, to purify themselves and bring water back to their homes for cooking offerings. The ritual includes preparing simple, satvik (pure vegetarian) meals, usually rice, dal, and gourd curry, which marks the beginning of the fast.
2. Day 2 – Kharna (November 8, 2024): On the second day, the devotees observe a rigorous fast, consuming food only after sunset. The prasad (offering) for Kharna typically includes kheer (a sweet rice pudding), chapati, and fruits. This meal is shared with family members and neighbours, spreading a sense of community and togetherness.
3. Day 3: Sandhya Arghya (November 9, 2024): The most significant part of Chhath Puja 2024, Sandhya Arghya, involves the evening offering to the setting Sun. Devotees gather along riverbanks, ponds, and other water bodies to perform rituals. Women dress in vibrant saris and carry baskets filled with fruits, sugarcane, coconuts, and other offerings. The sight of hundreds of devotees, immersed waist-deep in water and offering prayers to the Sun, is a powerful image symbolizing reverence and spirituality.
4. Day 4 – Usha Arghya (November 10, 2024): The concluding ritual, Usha Arghya, takes place at dawn, marking the offering to the rising Sun. Devotees, still fasting, gather early in the morning for the last set of prayers. The fast is broken only after this final offering, and the blessings of Chhathi Maiya are sought for health, happiness, and prosperity. Families prepare traditional delicacies and distribute prasad among neighbours and friends.

Chhath Puja 2024 is unique for its rigorous fasting, which includes abstaining from drinking water for 36 hours. Devotees believe this intense penance purifies the body and soul, allowing them to communicate directly with the divine powers. During the festival, participants prepare for the rituals with utmost dedication. The entire household is cleaned meticulously, and preparations begin days in advance, as making the offerings from scratch is an essential aspect of Chhath Puja 2024.

Some of the items used in the rituals include:

• Thekua: A special sweet made from wheat flour, ghee, and jaggery, shaped and baked to perfection, Thekua is considered the main prasad of Chhath Puja 2024.
• Fruits: Bananas, coconuts, sugarcane, and other seasonal fruits form a large part of the offerings.
• Soop and Daura: Traditional bamboo baskets used to carry offerings are an integral part of the ritual, symbolizing simplicity and nature.

During the festival, devotees abstain from using modern, processed ingredients. Everything, from the meals to the attire, follows a natural and pure approach, honouring the simplicity and humility that Chhath Puja 2024 emphasizes.

Chhath Puja 2024 has a significant environmental dimension as it is celebrated along rivers, ponds, and lakes, emphasizing cleanliness. Over recent years, there has been a growing awareness about keeping rivers clean for this festival, leading to organized clean-up drives and eco-friendly practices. People are encouraged to avoid using synthetic materials and plastic in their offerings and to dispose of offerings in an environmentally sustainable way.

This festival is also notable for its social inclusiveness. Unlike many rituals restricted by caste or gender, Chhath Puja is celebrated by people from all walks of life, making it a symbol of unity. Families and communities come together to observe this festival, and even those living far from their hometowns make it a point to return, keeping the spirit of Chhath Puja 2024 alive across generations.

As Chhath Puja 2024 gains recognition worldwide, it is celebrated with equal fervour in urban areas and among the Indian diaspora. Major cities, including New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and even international locations like New York, London, and Dubai, now host large Chhath gatherings. Authorities often create makeshift ponds or designate safe areas along water bodies for devotees to offer prayers. This adaptability showcases how traditions can be preserved even amid modern, urban lifestyles.

Chhath Puja 2024 is a celebration of gratitude, faith, and resilience. As people gather to pay homage to the Sun God, the festival is not merely a set of rituals but a spiritual journey toward purity and devotion. It reflects the human connection with nature, honouring its forces while celebrating the bonds of family, community, and cultural heritage.

Through its elaborate practices, stringent fasts, and beautiful rituals, Chhath Puja 2024 remains a timeless festival that connects people to their roots. It serves as a reminder that amidst the modern world’s fast-paced life, the simplicity of ancient traditions still holds profound meaning.