Chhath Puja 2024: Know The Significance Of Kharna, Sandhya Arghya, And Usha Arghya
The four-day festival of Chhath has begun, the first day is marked by Nahay-Khay, followed by Kharna on the second day, Sandhya Arghya on the third, and concludes with Usha Arghya on the fourth day.
Chhath Mahaparv is one of the most revered festivals dedicated to the worship of the Sun, begins with the ritual of 'Nahay Khay.' The festival is deeply rooted in folk beliefs, celebrating the Sun and Goddess Chhathi for the well-being, health, and longevity of children. Women observe a challenging 36-hour fast to pray for their family's prosperity and children’s success.
People from Eastern India celebrate Chhath with great enthusiasm, even outside their native regions. The festival, which will take place from November 5 to November 8 this year, involves rituals such as fasting, standing in water for worship, and offering prayers to the setting and rising sun. Goddess Chhathi, representing the sixth element of nature, is worshipped for the protection and well-being of children. She is also known as Goddess Katyayani in the Skanda Purana and is considered the protector of young children.
On November 7, devotees will offer their prayers to the setting sun. The ritual includes standing in water with offerings of fruits, sweets, coconut, betel leaves, and flowers, symbolising gratitude for the family's well-being. The four-day festival will conclude on November 8 with an offering to the rising sun during the auspicious Shubh Siddhi and Ravi Yog.
The Chhath Mahaparv, celebrated each year, is a festival of immense faith. Observed on the sixth day of the Kartik month, the festival is believed to bring happiness, prosperity, wealth, honour, and a healthy life to those who observe it. Devotees believe that performing this ritual brings longevity and well-being to their children and blesses them with good health. This rigorous four-day festival involves fasting and devotion to the Sun and Goddess Chhathi, with offerings made to fulfill devotees' wishes.
Rituals Of Chhath Puja:
The festival begins with 'Nahay Khay,' where devotees cleanse their homes and prepare for the festival with pure vegetarian meals. Only rock salt is used, and garlic and onion are avoided to maintain purity in the home.
On November 6, 'Kharna' marks the second day, a day of fasting and purification. Devotees prepare and consume a prasad made from jaggery and rice in the evening, breaking their day-long fast. Following this, a strict 36-hour waterless fast commences, where it is traditional to use a clay stove and mango wood for cooking prasad.
On November 7, devotees offer 'Sandhya Arghya' to the setting sun. They prepare special offerings like 'Thekua' and seasonal fruits and perform the ritual by offering milk and water to the Sun God.
The festival concludes on November 8 with 'Usha Arghya,' where devotees offer prayers to the rising sun, seeking blessings for family peace, happiness, and protection.
Cultural and Religious Significance
Chhath is unique as the only festival where devotees worship and offer prayers directly to the Sun, considered the soul of the universe. Hindu scriptures regard the Sun as the source of vitality and healing. Through Chhath Puja, devotees seek health, self-confidence, and spiritual fulfillment from the Sun.
Scientific Significance:
The festival also holds scientific importance. During this time, the Sun is in the southern hemisphere, and ultraviolet rays increase on Earth. The ritual of offering prayers to the Sun is believed to protect devotees from these harmful rays, highlighting the scientific relevance of Chhath Puja.
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