Chhath Puja 2024: Significance, Muhurat, and Tips
Chhath Puja is a sacred festival honoring the Sun God, a symbol of life, wisdom, and energy. Unique among Hindu festivals, it celebrates both sunrise and sunset, reflecting a deep bond with nature. Devotees seek blessings for family health and longevity from the Sun and his consort, Usha, while also worshipping Chhathi Maiya, believed to grant well-being to children
The festival is observed during sunrise and sunset, allowing devotees to absorb the sun’s nourishing rays, which are essential for the body to synthesize vitamin D and calcium. Rituals during Chhath Puja include fasting, praying to the sun, bathing in holy water, and meditating, all of which help foster a deep spiritual connection. One of the traditional offerings made during this time is thekua—delicious flour cakes fried in ghee, symbolizing the bounty of nature.
Muhurat for Chhath Puja 2024
In 2024, the auspicious timings for Chhath Puja are as follows:
Day 1: Nahay-Khay
Date: Tuesday, November 5
Timings: From sunrise at 6:36 AM to sunset at 5:33 PM
Day 2: Kharna
Date: Wednesday, November 6
Timings: From 6:37 AM to 5:32 PM
Day 3: Sandhya Arghya
Date: Thursday, November 7
Timings: From sunrise at 6:38 AM to sunset at 5:32 PM
Day 4: Usha Arghya
Date: Friday, November 8
Timings: From 6:38 AM to sunset at 5:31 PM
Tips for Celebrating Chhath Puja
1- Chant the Ten Names of Surya: While performing the Pooja, recite the ten other names of the Sun God: Aditya, Arka, Bhau, Savitr, Pushan, Ravi, Martanda, Mitra, Bhaskara, and Prabhakara. This adds spiritual significance to your prayers.
2- Donate Yellow/Orange Clothes: As a gesture of goodwill, consider donating yellow or orange clothes to the needy through NGOs or religious organizations. This act of charity embodies the spirit of sharing and community.
3- Offer Rice or Kheer: Donating rice or kheer (a sweet rice pudding) to religious places or individuals in need is a meaningful way to celebrate Chhath Puja. This practice not only spreads joy but also reinforces the importance of giving back to the community.
[Authored by: Prashant Kapoor, Founder, AstroKapoor, a leading Vedic Astrology Platform of the nation. He is also recognized as the First Medical Astrologer in the World.]
