One of the most awaited festivals in India, Chhath Puja 2024, began on November 5 with the Nahay Khay ritual. The four-day festival honours and worships the Sun God and Goddess Chhathi Maiya. A significant festival, Chhath Puja is majorly celebrated in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Bihar and Madhya Pradesh. Falling six days after the festival of Diwali, Chhath Puja rituals include fasting, prayers and other traditions offered to the Sun God. Over the next few days, devotees will engage in special rituals to express gratitude and seek blessings. As we celebrate the vibrant festival, here we bring you the detailed Chhath Puja 2024 dates, shubh muhurat, sunrise and sunset timings, significance, Nahay Khay, Kharna and other important Chhath Mahaparv rituals.

Chhath Puja 2024 Dates

Chhath Puja 2024 begins on November 5 and the celebration will continue till November 8. The sunrise and sunset timings during the four-day festival differ depending on the cities. November 2024 Festivals, Events and Holidays Calendar: Complete List of Important National and International Days and Dates. 

Chhath Puja 2024 Day 1: Nahay Khay Date, Timings and Rituals

Nahay Khay marks the beginning of the Chhath Mahaparv festival. Chhath Puja 2024 Nahay Khay date falls on November 5. The sunrise time on this day is at 06:15 AM and the sunset time is at 05:52 PM. On the day of Nahay Khay, devotees take a holy bath, usually in a river or pond, to purify their minds. By bathing and wearing new clothes, individuals create a sacred space for spiritual devotion to the divine. Devotees return home to cook a simple and vegetarian meal as it is offered to the Sun God and Chhaithi Maiya.

Chhath Puja 2024 Day 2: Kharna Date, Timings and Rituals

Kharna is observed on the second day of Chhath Puja. It is also known as Lohanda or Rasiaav-Roti. Chhath Puja 2024 Kharna is on November 6. The sunrise time is at 06:15 AM and the sunset time is at 05:51 PM. Kharna is a significant ritual of Chhath Puja. On this day, devotees observe a day-long fast from sunrise to sunset and break the fast in the evening with a special meal offered to the Sun God.

Chhath Puja 2024 Day 3: Sandhya Arghya Date, Timings and Rituals

Sandhya Arghya is another significant ritual during Chhath Puja, where devotees offer oblations to the setting rising sun. The Chhath Puja 2024 Sandhya Arghya is on November 7. The sunrise timing on this day is at 06:15 AM and the sunset timing is at 05:51 PM. Standing in waist-deep water, devotees provide Arghya to the Sun God, acknowledging his life-giving energy. The Sandhya Arghya is performed twice, at sunset (evening Arghya) and sunrise (morning Arghya).

Chhath Puja 2024 Day 4: Usha Arghya Date, Timings and Rituals

Usha Arghya is the final ritual of Chhath Puja. This year, Chhath Puja Usha Arghya is on November 8. The sunrise timing is at 06:15 AM and sunset timing is at 05:51 PM. After hours of fasting, devotees gather at the riverbank or pond to provide Arghya to the Sun God’s first rays. With Usha Arghya, devotees conclude the joyful festival of Chhath Puja.

Chhath Puja is a significant festival among the Hindu devotees who observe it with great devotion and enthusiasm. By following significant rituals, followers mark the culmination of the four-day festival with great spirit.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 05, 2024 11:32 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).