Chhath Puja 2024: Know History, Significance, And All About This Auspicious Festival
Chhath Puja falls in the month of Kartik. This festival is believed to have originated during the Satyuga and Dwapara Yuga. Know its history and significance.
Chhath Puja 2024: Chhath Puja is one of the most important festivals in Hinduism. It is celebrated with great fervour in large parts of India, particularly in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Eastern Uttar Pradesh. However, over the years, the festival has spread across different states and even abroad, where people of Indian origin observe it on a grand scale.
When Is Chhath Puja 2024?
According to the Hindu calendar (Panchang), Chhath Puja is observed on the Shashti Tithi (sixth day) of the Kartik month in the Shukla Paksha (waxing moon phase). This festival lasts for four days, beginning with ‘Nahay Khaye’ and concluding with ‘Usha Arghya’ (morning offerings).
Here are the dates for Chhath Puja 2024:
- Nahay Khaye: Tuesday, November 5, 2024
- Kharna: Wednesday, November 6, 2024
- Sandhya Arghya: Thursday, November 7, 2024
- Usha Arghya: Friday, November 8, 2024
Significance Of Chhath Puja:
Chhath Puja holds immense significance in Hinduism and is often referred to as the “Mahaparv” or the great festival of faith. According to ancient legends, the origins of this festival date back to the Satyuga and Dwapara Yuga. It is said that Goddess Sita and Lord Rama observed the Chhath fast and worshipped the Sun God. Additionally, in the Dwapara Yuga, Karna and Draupadi, the wife of the Pandavas, also performed the Surya Upasana (Sun worship).
During Chhath Puja, devotees worship the Sun God (Surya Dev) and Goddess Chhathi Maiya (Devi Shashti). This festival is also deeply connected with nature, as it honors elements like dawn (Usha), air, and water. According to mythological stories, the king Priyavand observed the Chhath fast and worshipped the Sun God and Goddess Shashti to protect the life of his son. Let's delve into the history of Chhath Puja.
History Of Chhath Puja:
Chhath Puja In The Ramayana:
According to legend, after defeating Ravana and returning to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile, Lord Rama carried the burden of the sin of killing Ravana. To cleanse this sin, the sages advised performing the Rajasuya Yagya. Sage Mudgal invited Lord Rama and Goddess Sita to his ashram for the Yagya. As instructed by the sage, Sita observed a fast on the sixth day of Kartik Shukla and worshipped the Sun God. Rama and Sita stayed at the sage's ashram for six days, offering prayers to the Sun God. Thus, the tradition of Chhath Puja is also linked to the Ramayana era.
Chhath Puja In The Mahabharata:
The Mahabharata also highlights the significance of Chhath Puja. After the Pandavas lost their kingdom in a gambling game, Draupadi observed the Chhath fast. With the blessings of the Sun God, the Pandavas were able to regain their lost kingdom.
Karna Worshipped Sun God:
Another tale from the Mahabharata mentions that Karna, the son of the Sun God, was a devout worshiper of Surya. Every morning, Karna would stand waist-deep in water and offer Arghya (water) to the rising sun. It is believed that Karna initiated the tradition of Sun worship, and with the Sun's blessings, he became a mighty warrior.
[Disclaimer: The content of this article is based solely on beliefs, and should be taken as general guidance. Individual experiences may vary. ABPLive.com does not assert the accuracy or validity of any claims or information presented. It is strongly recommended to consult a qualified expert before considering or implementing any information or belief discussed herein.]
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