Mark Your Calendars: Important Dates for Chhath Puja 2023 and How to Prepare
Introduction to Chhath Puja 2023
Get ready to mark your calendars because Chhath Puja 2023 is just around the corner! This auspicious Hindu festival, celebrated with great devotion and fervor, holds a special place in the hearts of millions across India. With its rich history and unique rituals, Chhath Puja is a time when devotees come together to pay homage to the Sun God and seek his blessings for prosperity and well-being. Let know more in this blog Important Dates for Chhath Puja 2023 and How to Prepare.
Significance and History of Chhath Puja
Chhath Puja, a prominent festival celebrated primarily in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh in India, is a dedicated worship of Lord Surya (the Sun God) and his sister Shashti Devi. The term “Chhath” refers to the sixth day after Diwali.
Dates for Chhath Puja 2023
- The festival spans four days.
- Day 1: Nahay Khay (17th November 2023)
- Day 2: Kharna and Lohanda (18th November 2023)
- Day 3: Chhath Puja or Sandhya Arghya (19th November 2023)
- Day 4: Usha Arghya or Parana Day (20th November 2023)
- Nahay Khay, Kharna, Arghya, and worship of Usha (Chhati Maiya).
- Local variations in dates; consult local calendars for accuracy.
Rituals and Traditions of Chhath Puja
- Devotees take a holy dip before sunrise for purification.
- Offering of arghya to the setting and rising sun.
- Four-day fasting is an act of penance and gratitude.
- Women play a pivotal role, wearing traditional attire.
- Music and devotional songs are integral to the celebrations.
Preparations for Chhath Puja
- Clean and purify surroundings for positive energy.
- Strict fasting practices demonstrate dedication.
- Collect essential puja items like clay pots, fruits, and holy water.
- Create bathing platforms (‘ghats’) beautifully decorated.
- Wear new clothes, purchase fresh vegetables, and special sweets.
Traditional Foods and Recipes for Chhath Puja
- Thekua (sweet snack), Pua (sweet pancake), Dal Baati, and Kheer.
- Fruits like sugarcane, coconuts, and citrus are offered as prasad.
- Traditional foods symbolize abundance and prosperity.
Celebrating Chhath Puja in Different Parts of India
- Bihar: Banks of the Ganges, vibrant decorations.
- Uttar Pradesh: Ghats along Yamuna and Ganga.
- West Bengal: Kharna with a unique fasting tradition.
- Odisha: Rituals near temporary ponds or rivers.
- Diverse cultural celebrations showcase unity in devotion.
Conclusion
As we come to the end of this blog post, it’s clear that Chhath Puja is a significant and cherished festival celebrated by millions across India. The rich history and traditions associated with this auspicious occasion make it a truly special time for devotees. From learning about the origins of Chhath Puja to understanding the rituals and preparations involved, we have covered various aspects of this joyous festival. We have also explored the different regional variations in how Chhath Puja is celebrated throughout India.
5 FAQs about Chhath Puja 2023
Chhath Puja holds immense cultural and spiritual significance for people in Bihar, Jharkhand, and parts of Uttar Pradesh. It is dedicated to Lord Surya (the Sun God) and his consort Usha, symbolizing the acknowledgment of nature’s role in sustaining life on Earth.
Chhath Puja 2023 will be observed from November 10th to November 13th. The main rituals take place on the last two days – November 12th (evening arghya) and November 13th (morning arghya).
Chhath Puja entails a series of rituals performed by devotees over four days: Nahay Khay, Lohanda and Kharna, Sandhya Arghya (evening offering), and Usha Arghya (morning offering). These rituals involve fasting, bathing in holy rivers or water bodies before sunrise/sunset, standing waist-deep in water while making offerings to the sun god, chanting mantras, and seeking blessings for well-being.
To prepare for Chhath Puja:
- Cleanse your body physically as well as mentally.
- Maintain a strict vegetarian diet during this period.
- Visit nearby rivers or ponds to take a ritualistic bath every day.
- Arrange all necessary puja items such as fruits, flowers, sugarcane stalks, vermilion powder (sindoor), earthen lamps (diyas), etc.
- Create an altar or sacred space where you can perform the puja.
During Chhath Puja, a variety of delicious and nutritious foods are prepared like:
- Thekua: Sweet snacks made from wheat flour, jaggery, and ghee.
- Pua: Sweet pancake-like dessert made with ripe bananas, semolina, milk, sugar, and cardamom powder.
- Dal Baati: Round bread rolls made from wheat flour, served with spiced lentils (dal) topped with ghee.
- Kheer: Creamy rice pudding cooked in milk with saffron strands, nuts, raisins, and cardamom powder.
- Sugarcane Stalks, Coconuts, and Citrus Fruits: Offered as part of the prasad (sacred food) during the festival.
