Chhath Puja is a revered four-day festival widely celebrated by communities in India and abroad. Unique rituals are held each day dedicated to honoring Chhathi Maiya (Mother Shashti), revered as the Sun God (Surya) and the divine sister of the Sun.

Known for its rigorous fasting and elaborate rituals, this festival is believed to offer profound spiritual rewards to those who celebrate it devotedly.

WHEN DOES CHHATH PUJA OCCUR?

Chhath Puja is celebrated on the sixth day of the Hindu month of Kartik, usually in October or November.

The four-day event includes certain rituals each day:

• Nahay Hay (Day 1)
• Kharna (Day 2)
• Sandhya Arghya (Day 3)
• Usha Arghya (Day 4)

The first two days are preparations and purification, and the last two days are worship of the setting and rising sun.

2024 CHHATH PUJA SCHEDULE AND RITUAL TIMINGS

• Nahay Khay: November 5, from 06:36 to 17:33
• Kharna: 6 November from 06:37 to 17:32
• Sandhya Arghya: 7 November, 06:38 – 17:32
• Usha Arghya: 8 November, 06:38 – 17:31

RITUAL AND IMPORTANCE OF EVERY DAY

• The festival begins with Nahay Khay, where devotees bathe in natural water sources such as rivers or ponds and eat a sacred meal, usually prepared on a handmade clay stove.
• On the second day, known as Kharna, participants fast for a whole day and break the fast only after sunset.
• After Kharna, devotees begin an intense 36-hour fast without water, making this one of the most demanding spiritual practices.
• On the third day, the Sandhya Arghya or evening ritual is performed by the water.
• The festival ends with Usha Arghya on the fourth morning, where devotees once again gather at the waterside to greet the rising Sun with arghya.