Chhath Puja is one of the most important festivals in the Hindu community and hence is celebrated with great pomp and joy across the country. It falls on the sixth day of Kartik Shukla Paksha in Sashti Tithi as per the Hindu Calendar. The festival holds special significance in the states of Bihar, UP and Jharkhand. It is said that the ritual of Surya Puja on the occasion of Chhath is a tradition since the Vedic period. Arghya (any offering to the lord) is offered to Surya Dev in the morning and evening. No idol is worshipped on Chhath Puja.

So, let’s dig deep and know the importance, worship method and rituals of Chhath Puja 2023.

When is Chhath Puja 2023?

This year 2023, Chhath Puja will be celebrated on November 20, Monday.

Chhath Puja 2023 starts on November 17 and concludes on November 20, 2023.

Chhath Puja on Saturday, November 18, 2023
Sunrise on Chhath Puja Day: 06:47 a.m
Sunset on Chhath Puja Day: 04:36 p.m

Important Traditions of Chhath Puja

Bathe and Eat Tradition

Two days before Chhath Puja, the tradition of bathing and eating begins. The devotees vow to observe the Chhath fast with full dedication on this day. The devotees also begin their holy baths in the sacred rivers from this day. Pumpkin curry and rice are made in the form of Bhog for offering to the Lord on this day.

The Second Tradition of Chhath Puja is Kharna

Those who observe fast on Kharna day i.e. Kartik Shukla Panchami (Labh Panchami) do not consume salt and sugar. In the evening, after the Surya Puja, the devotees prepare kheer made of rice and sugarcane juice, make a bundle of the kheer in a cloth and offer it to Lord Surya. Then the devotees break the fast.

Do you know Chhath puja comes after Diwali?

Offering Arghya to Setting Sun on the Day of Chhath Puja 2023

This day is the most important day of the Chhath festival. On this day, the devotees who observe the fast go to a holy river or lake with their families and offer Arghya to Surya Dev. Then they offer fruits, flowers and oil lamps to the sacred waters in the presence of Lord Surya.

End of Chhath Puja

Chhath Puja ends on Kartik Shukla Saptami. On this day, the devotees who observe the fast visit the lake or riverside early in the morning and offer Arghya to the rising Sun. That marks the end of the Chhath fast and the devotees break their fast by drinking Sherbet.

Also, find the Importance of Fasting during festivals

Benefits of Offering Arghya to Lord Surya on Chhath Puja 2023

Offering Arghya to the Sun God on the day of Chhath Puja brings prosperity.
Offering Arghya to Lord Surya Dev on Saptami early in the morning helps fulfil all wishes.
Worshipping Lord Surya leads to the attainment of name, fame and success.
Offering Arghya to Lord Surya eliminates mental health issues and ill thoughts.
Devotees having issues getting a job or facing losses in business should worship Lord Surya on Chhath Puja 2023.
Offering Arghya to Surya Dev removes all kinds of troubles and obstacles and leads to the destruction of the enemies.

Also Read: Benefits of Satyanarayan Katha during Kartik Month

Worship of Chhathi Maiya During the Chhath Puja

On the sixth day of the Shukla Paksha of Kartik month, the ritual of offering Arghya to the setting sun is performed. Along with Lord Surya, Chhathi Maiya is also worshipped in Chhath Puja. In Chhath Puja, bhajans and songs related to Chhathi Maiyya are sung and to please Chhathi Maiya and Surya Dev. It is believed that Chhathi Maiya is Lord Brahma’s daughter and sister of Lord Surya Dev. Mothers observe this fast for the long life of their children. Chhathi Maiya is also connected with nature. It is said that Chhathi Maiya never disappoints any devotee. One must read the story of Chhathi Maiya on the day of Chhath Puja.

Three Mythological Stories Related to Chhath Puja 2023

Lord Rama and Mata Sita worshipped Lord Surya by keeping the Chhath fast after returning from Lanka. It was only after this worship that Lord Rama took over the kingdom. It is believed that by the grace of Shashti Maiyya, there was no shortage of food, wealth or anything else in his kingdom.

Also find: Worshipping Goddess Lakshmi brings Wealth, Riches and Prosperity

When the Pandavas lost the entire kingdom in gambling, then as per the advice of Lord Krishna, the five Pandavas, including Draupadi, observed Chhath fast. Due to the blessings of Lord Surya, they got back their lost kingdom.

Mahadani Karna was a great devotee of Lord Surya. It is said that he used to stand half submerged in a river and worship Lord Surya for hours on the day of Shashthi. Despite him supporting Duryodhana’s evil acts, Karna’s name is taken with great respect, only due to the grace of Lord Surya.

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