When is Chhath Puja 2023? Date, history, importance, significance

Historical Roots of Chhath Puja

The history of Chhath Puja can be traced back to ancient Vedic texts, making it one of the oldest festivals in India. It is believed that Chhath Puja has been celebrated for more than 2,000 years. The word “Chhath” originates from the Sanskrit word “Shashthi,” which means the sixth day, indicating that the festival is celebrated on the sixth day of the lunar month after Diwali.

Importance of Chhath Puja

Worshipping the Sun God: Chhath Puja is dedicated to the worship of the sun god, Surya. The sun is considered the source of life and energy, and devotees offer their prayers to seek blessings for the well-being of their families.

Harvest Festival: Chhath Puja also holds significance as a harvest festival. It is celebrated during the post-harvest season when farmers express gratitude to the sun for a bountiful harvest and pray for the fertility of their lands.

Spiritual Significance: Chhath Puja is regarded as a spiritually purifying festival. Devotees observe rigorous fasts and offer their prayers to the sun at sunrise and sunset. This is believed to cleanse the mind and body and bring prosperity.

Community Bonding: Chhath Puja is a community-driven festival, emphasizing unity and social bonding. Families and neighborhoods come together to perform the rituals and offer collective prayers.

Significance of Chhath Rituals

Nahay Khay: The first day involves devotees taking a dip in a holy river or pond, followed by a meal of kaddu (pumpkin) and arwa (rice).

Lohanda and Kharna: On the second day, devotees observe a strict fast, and in the evening, they prepare a special prasad (offering) consisting of jaggery, thekua (a sweet snack), and fruits.

Sandhya Arghya: The third day is the most crucial. Devotees gather at the riverbanks before sunrise and offer ‘Arghya’ to the rising sun. They break their fast after this ritual.

Usha Arghya: On the final day, the same ritual of offering ‘Arghya’ is performed at sunset.

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