Chaiti Chhath Puja 2023 Date in Bihar

Chaiti Chhath Puja 2023 Date, Time, History and Significance

Chaiti Chhath Puja is an auspicious Hindu festival celebrated with great fervor and devotion in the northern regions of India. It is observed during the Chaitra month (March-April) of the Hindu calendar, specifically on the sixth day after Holi, the festival of colors. This year, Chaiti Chhath Puja will be celebrated on 17th November. The festival holds immense significance for devotees who worship the Sun God, seeking his blessings for prosperity, good health, and well-being. Let us delve deeper into the rituals, traditions, and significance of this vibrant festival.

Chhath Puja 2023 Date in India: 17th November, Friday

Chhath Puja 2023 Overview

Chhath Puja 2023 India Calendar

Celebrate Chhath Puja 2023 with this special India Calendar; featuring a unique design for each month and special cultural highlights.

Chhath Puja 2023 Time in India

Day 1 of Chhath Puja will take place on Friday, 17th November 2023. This day is known as Chaturthi-Nahay Khay. The sun will rise at 06:15 AM and set at 05:59 PM.

Day 2 of Chhath Puja is scheduled for Saturday, 18th November 2023. This day is called Panchami-Lohanda and Kharna. The sun will rise at 06:16 AM and set at 05:59 PM.

Day 3 of Chhath Puja falls on Sunday, 19th November 2023. It is known as Shashthi-Chhath Puja, Sandhya Arghya. The sun will rise at 06:16 AM and set at 05:59 PM.

Finally, Day 4 of Chhath Puja will be observed on Monday, 20th November 2023. This day is called Ashtami-Usha Arghya, Parana Day. The sun will rise at 06:16 AM and set at 05:59 PM.

When is Chhath Puja 2023?

Significance of Chaiti Chhath Puja

Chaiti Chhath Puja is a four-day long festival that begins with Nahay Khay, followed by Lohanda and Kharna, and concludes with the main day of Chhath Puja. Devotees observe strict fasting and offer prayers to the Sun God during this period. The festival holds immense importance as it is believed to cleanse the mind, body, and soul, and bring prosperity and happiness to the lives of devotees.

During Chaiti Chhath Puja, devotees wake up early in the morning and take a holy dip in rivers or other water bodies. They then prepare traditional food offerings known as prasad, which include thekua (a sweet dish made of wheat flour, jaggery, and ghee), fruits, and sugarcane. These offerings are later distributed among family members and friends.

Rituals and Traditions of Chhath Puja

The first day of Chaiti Chhath Puja is known as Nahay Khay. On this day, devotees take a bath in the river or any other water body before sunrise. They then prepare a vegetarian meal and consume it without using any salt or onions. This ritual is believed to purify the body and soul.

The second day, Lohanda, is dedicated to preparing thekua and other prasad items. Devotees observe a strict fast throughout the day and break it only after sunset by consuming the prasad. The third day, Kharna, is when devotees observe a complete fast without water for the entire day. The fast is broken on the fourth day, the main day of Chhath Puja.

On the main day, devotees gather near a riverbank or any other water body, facing the rising sun. They offer prayers to the Sun God, seeking his blessings for their families’ well-being and prosperity. The rituals involve standing waist-deep in water, offering arghya (water mixed with milk, flowers, and fruits) to the setting sun, and then again to the rising sun on the following day.

Regional Variations of Chhath Puja

Chaiti Chhath Puja is primarily celebrated in the northern regions of India, particularly in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh. However, its popularity has spread to other parts of the country as well. Each region has its own unique customs and traditions associated with the festival.

In Bihar, Chaiti Chhath Puja is celebrated with great enthusiasm. The ghats along the Ganges River in Patna witness a massive gathering of devotees who come to offer prayers and perform the rituals. In Uttar Pradesh, devotees celebrate the festival by offering prayers near water bodies like ponds and lakes. The festival is also observed in parts of Nepal, where it is known as Chhath Parva.

Spirit of Unity and Devotion

Chaiti Chhath Puja is not just a festival; it is a symbol of unity and devotion. The festival brings people together, regardless of their caste, creed, or social status. Families and communities come together to perform the rituals and share the joy of the occasion. The atmosphere is filled with chants, hymns, and the sound of bells, creating a sense of spirituality and harmony.