Chhath Puja 2024: Know Date, History, Significance, And All About The Mahaparv

Chhath, the grand festival of devotion, falls in the month of Kartik. This ancient tradition is believed to have started in the Satyuga and Dwapara Yuga.

Chhath Puja 2024

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Chhath Puja 2024: Chhath Puja is one of the most important festivals in Hinduism, celebrated with great devotion. Originally celebrated in Bihar, Jharkhand, and eastern Uttar Pradesh, this grand festival has now spread across various Indian states and even among Indian communities abroad.

When Is Chhath Puja 2024?

According to the Hindu calendar (Panchang), Chhath Puja is observed on the Shashti (sixth) day of the Kartik month’s Shukla Paksha. This four-day festival begins with 'Nahay Khaye' and concludes with 'Usha Arghya.' Here are the 2024 dates:

• Nahay Khaye: Tuesday, 5 November 2024
• Kharna: Wednesday, 6 November 2024
• Sandhya Arghya: Thursday, 7 November 2024
• Usha Arghya: Friday, 8 November 2024

Significance Of Chhath Puja 2024

Chhath Puja, also known as the 'Mahaparv' or great festival of faith, holds deep spiritual significance. Ancient tales link the origins of Chhath Puja to the Satyuga and Dwapara Yuga. According to these legends, even Mata Sita and Lord Rama observed this fast and worshipped Surya (the Sun God) upon their return to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana. Draupadi and Karna are also believed to have worshipped Surya during the Mahabharata era.

During Chhath Puja, devotees worship Surya Dev (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya (Goddess Shashthi), honoring nature, dawn, air, and water. According to mythological stories, King Priyavrat once observed the Chhath fast to save his son’s life by praying to Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya. This festival represents ancient spiritual traditions deeply tied to nature.

Historical Significance Of Chhath Puja

• Ram and Mata Sita’s Worship: After the exile and Ravana’s defeat, Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya but was burdened by the sin of killing Ravana. To absolve this sin, sages advised him to perform the Rajasuya Yajna. Sage Mudgal invited Ram and Sita to his hermitage, where, on the sixth day of Kartik Shukla, Sita observed the fast and worshipped Surya. This historical event connects Chhath Puja with the Ramayana era.
• Mahabharata Connection: Chhath Puja is also mentioned in the Mahabharata. When the Pandavas lost their kingdom in a game of dice, Draupadi observed the Chhath fast. With the blessings of Surya Dev, the Pandavas were able to regain their lost kingdom.
• Karna’s Devotion to Surya: Another story from the Mahabharata tells of Karna, a devout worshipper of Surya. Every day at dawn, he would stand waist-deep in water and offer Arghya (water offering) to the Sun. This act of devotion is believed to have begun the tradition of Sun worship in Chhath Puja.

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