India is a nation renowned for its diverse and vibrant festivals, which are observed with immense joy and fervour in various regions throughout the year. One significant celebration that occurs shortly after Diwali (12th November 2023) is Chhath Puja (17th November 2023 to 20th November 2023). This festival is dedicated to the Sun God Surya and his wife Usha, also known as Chhathi Maiya.
During Chhath Puja, individuals express gratitude to Surya Dev, the deity representing energy and vitality, for sustaining life on earth. Devotees hold the belief that the Sun possesses healing properties and can cure numerous ailments and diseases.
Chhath Puja is observed with grandeur in Bihar, Jharkhand, specific areas of Uttar Pradesh, and Nepal. Additionally, it is celebrated in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Chandigarh, Gujarat, Delhi, and Mumbai. As the most significant festival in Bihar and Jharkhand, Chhath Puja is enthusiastically celebrated.
Thousands of devotees from all over the country come together at rivers, dams, ponds, ghats, and other water bodies to offer their prayers. This festival holds immense importance in Bihar and has a unique essence that attracts a large number of people, leading authorities to make special arrangements for the celebrations.
Chhath Puja Rituals (Day Wise)
The Chhath Puja rituals are carried out for four days and involve purifying baths in the river, fasting, and presenting prasad and arghya to the sun at both sunrise and sunset.
Day 1: Nahay-Khyay
On the first day, worshippers take a dip in a water body during the early hours. Following this, they prepare prasad to present to the Sun God. The entire household and its vicinity are cleansed with Ganga Jal. Devotees observe fasts and consume only one meal throughout the day.
Day 2: Lohanda and Kharna (Argasan)
On the second day, devotees observe a full-day fast, concluding it by worshipping the Sun God in the evening. The devotees can break their fast after offering prasad to the Sun God. Subsequently, after the worship and breaking of the fast, individuals fast once more for the following 36 hours, refraining from both food and water during this period.
Day 3: Sandhya Arghya (Evening Offerings)
On the third day, a complete fast is observed by the worshippers without water, marking the main day of Chhath Puja. The primary ritual involves offering sandhya arghya to the setting sun. The devotees maintain their fast throughout the night.
Day 4: Usha Arghya (Morning Offerings)
On the fourth and last day, devotees gather with their families by the water body before sunrise. They offer their prayers and prasad to Surya Dev and Usha before sunrise and can finally break their fast and have the prasad. This ritual is also known as the Usha Arghya.
Chhath Puja Decor Ideas: Spruce Up Your Roof For Chhath Puja
Transform your home into a divine sanctuary this Chhath Puja with these enchanting decor ideas! Welcome guests with a grand Urli bowl embellished with marigold and lotus blooms. Elevate your Puja ceremony with opulent golden thalis and trays, adding a touch of regality to your rituals. Adorn your doorways with vibrant torans and wall hangings, symbolising the cultural richness of the festival.
Illuminate your space with a warm glow using flickering candles, fragrant incense sticks, and reed diffusers, creating a serene ambience. Incorporate the natural beauty of dried flowers and elegant planters, bringing the outdoors in. Let your home come alive with these elements, creating an unforgettable Chhath Puja experience!
Conclusion
Chhath Puja is a vibrant and deeply spiritual festival celebrated with fervour and devotion. Our guide has unveiled the rich traditions, rituals, and decor associated with the festival, emphasising the significance of each element. Embrace the essence of Chhath Puja, fostering cultural understanding and a sense of unity among all.
Also check out Nestasia's collection of home decor items to bring the festivities to life. Arrange artificial flowers to add a touch of grace to the indoors. You can also check out our modern table lamps to emit a soft glow and brighten up the dull corners of your room. Our collection of soft furnishings is also perfect for creating an inviting atmosphere so that you and your guests can be nestled in comfort and warmth.
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