Chhath Puja 2023: Commencement Of Nahay Khay Rituals On Day 1. All Details Here

Chhath Puja, rooted in ancient traditions, is a celebration of gratitude and reverence towards the Sun God, Surya Dev.

Chhath Puja (Representational Image)

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Chhath Puja, a significant six-day festival following Diwali, holds a special place in Hindu traditions. The festivities span four days, commencing with the Nahay Khay ritual. This year, Chhath Puja Nahay Khay is observed on November 17, 2023. Dedicated to the worship of Surya Dev (the Sun God), Chhath Puja involves unique rituals spanning Kharna, offering Arghya to the setting and rising sun, concluding with the Udaygami Surya Arghya.

Nahay Khay 2023 Date and Muhurat:

The Nahay Khay tradition, observed a day before Chhath Puja, maintains its cultural significance. In 2023, Nahay Khay falls on November 17, a Friday. The Chhath Puja rituals initiate with Nahay Khay on Kartika Shukla Paksha's fourth day, and the fasting concludes on the seventh day with the offering to the rising sun.

Nahay Khay 2023 Muhurat:

According to Drik Panchang, the following times are auspicious for performing rituals: 

• Sunrise: 6:45 AM on November 17
• Sunset: 5:27 PM on November 17

Nahay Khay 2023 Choghadiya Muhurat:

• Char (Normal): 6:45 AM to 8:05 AM
• Labh (Beneficial): 8:05 AM to 9:25 AM
• Shubh (Auspicious): 12:06 PM to 1:26 PM

Significance of Nahay Khay:

Nahay Khay marks a day of household cleanliness, where devotees take a purifying dip in rivers or ponds. This day sets the tone for the Chhath Puja vrat, with devotees considering themselves sanctified and adopting a Satvik lifestyle. The Nahay Khay day witnesses the preparation of a pure meal, including raw rice, chana dal, and lauki (bottle gourd or pumpkin), consumed as Prasad. It is believed that the observance of Nahay Khay establishes the disciplined commencement of the Chhath Puja vrat for women. On this day, a simple meal with salt is traditionally consumed.

Chhath Puja, rooted in ancient traditions, is a celebration of gratitude and reverence towards the Sun God, Surya Dev. Devotees, predominantly in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and West Bengal, participate in the four-day rituals with unwavering devotion.