Chhath Puja is a Joyous Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Surya (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya, celebrated with great devotion. This four-day festival is mainly observed in Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and West Bengal. It begins on the sixth day of the lunar month of Kartika, according to the Hindu calendar, and falls six days after Diwali. The festival includes fasting, prayers, and ritual offerings to the Sun God.

Here’s a detailed look at the dates, significance, and the sunrise and sunset timings for Chhath Puja 2024.

Chhath Puja 2024: Dates and Calendar

• Nahay Khay: November 5, 2024
• Lohanda and Kharna: November 6, 2024
• Chhath Puja or Sandhya Arghya: November 7, 2024
• Usha Arghya or Parana Day: November 8, 2024

Day-Wise Significance

• Nahay Khay (Day 1): The festival begins with this day, where primarily women observing the vrat (fast) perform a sacred bath and partake in a single meal. This ritual symbolizes purification and marks the start of their fasting journey.
• Lohanda and Kharna (Day 2): On the second day, devotees observe a strict nirjala vrat (fasting without water) from sunrise to sunset. At dusk, they break their fast with a special meal offered to the Sun God, expressing gratitude and respect.
• Chhath Puja or Sandhya Arghya (Day 3): This day is dedicated to prayers offered to the setting sun, a central ritual of Chhath. Devotees continue fasting throughout the night, dedicating their prayers to the Sun God for strength and blessings.

Chhath Puja is not only a time for spiritual reflection but also an occasion for community gatherings, strengthening bonds among families and friends.

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