Chhath Puja 2021: Know Date, Nahay Khay, Kharna And Significance

Goddess Chhathi is considered to bless fertility to women. Besides that, women pray for the long life of their children.

Chhath Puja 2021

Chhath Puja 2021: Chhath Puja is an auspicious festival that is celebrated over a period of four days. It is celebrated on the sixth day of Kartik month. 

It is an auspicious festival in North India and Chhath Puja is mainly celebrated in Bihar, Jharkhand, and parts of Uttar Pradesh. The Chhath Puja festival which is celebrated on the sixth day of Kartik month commences with Nahay Khay. 

During this festival, women observe a 36 hour fast without water. The women worship Goddess Chhathi with enthusiasm. There are many beliefs related to the festival of Chhath Puja. Women pray for a good harvest, family health, and prosperity, and for the long life of children.

According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Chhathi is considered to be Lord Brahma’s Manasputri and Lord Surya’s sister. Goddess Chhathi is considered to bless fertility to women. 

Beliefs Related To Chhath Puja

According to mythological beliefs, Lord Krishna had suggested to Uttara to observe this fast. After the battle of Mahabharat, Abhimanyu and Uttara’s unborn child was killed. To save the child, Lord Krishna told Uttara to observe the Shashti/Chhath (sixth day) fast.

Important Dates For Chhath Puja 2021

• According to Panchang (Hindu Calendar), Chhath Puja commences on the sixth day of Kartik month and is celebrated for four days.
• This year, Chhath Puja will begin on November 8. This is called Nahay Khay.
• On November 9, Kharna will be there, i.e. the second day of the puja. Argha will be offered to Lord Surya on November 10. And the festival will conclude on November 11 after offering argha to Lord Surya.
• Practicing this fast is difficult as the women who observe 36 hours fast do not even drink water. Besides, the worship place is covered with cow dung.

Nahay Khay

The four-day-long festival commences with Nahya Khay. The women who observe a fast on this day, consume chana (chickpea), rice, and saag.

Kharna

The second day of Chhath puja is Kharna. On this day, women observe a fast without water throughout the day. In the evening, Gud ki Kheer (Jaggery pudding) is prepared. The kheer is made on an earthen stove. After offering the argha to Lord Surya, the women consume the kheer.

Third-Day of Chhath Puja

The Third day of the Chhath Puja is special as the women go near a river or pond to worship Goddess Chhathi and after sunset offer argha to Lord Surya.

The Last Day Of Chhath Puja

On the fourth day, women go into the river or pond and offer argha to Lord Surya. After that, they circle around seven or 11 times. Later the fast is concluded by distributing prasad among each other.