Chhath Puja 2023: An occasion of religious significance, the Kartiki Chhath Puja is performed during the Indian month of ‘Kartika,’ which occurs between October and November. It occurs this year from November 9 to 12. A four-day ancient Hindu festival honoring Lord Surya, the Sun God, is observed. Kartiki Chhath marks the subsequent phase of the festival, following Chaiti Chhath, which occurs in early April and May. Kartiki Chhath Puja concludes on Usha Arghya, the day individuals break their 36-hour fast, during which they have refrained from food and water consumption. They conclude by presenting “Bihaniya Arghya” to the sun as it rises. The aforementioned regions partake in the festivities: Bihar, Jharkhand, Eastern Uttar Pradesh, and Nepal.
Chhath Puja 2023: History
Traces of the religious rituals known as Chhath Puja are mentioned in the Vedas, which leads to the belief that they originated in antiquity. As the most ancient compilation of Vedic Sanskrit hymns, the Rigveda contains melodies that exalt Lord Surya and partake in analogous rituals. The celebration is additionally alluded to in the Sanskrit epic poem Mahabharata, wherein Draupadi is depicted engaging in the identical customary ceremonies.
According to the poem, the overlords of Indraprastha, which is now Delhi, Draupadi and the Pandavas, carry out the Chhath Puja rituals under the direction of the noble sage Dhaumya. Through exalting Lord Surya, Draupadi overcame every difficulty she encountered and aided the Pandavas in reclaiming their extinct realm.
Additionally, the scientific record of Chhath Puja predates the Vedic era. Ancient “rishis” employed this technique to sustain life without consuming food by extracting energy directly from the sun. Undoubtedly, this is accomplished via the ceremonial processes of the Chhath Puja.
The narrative of Lord Rama serves as an additional illustration of the importance of Chhath Puja. At the time of their coronation in Shukla Paksha, it is believed that Lord Rama and Mata Sita observed ‘Kartik’ together fasting and performing ‘puja’ over Lord Surya. Subsequently, Chhath Puja has evolved into a pivotal and time-honored celebration within the Hindu faith.
Happy Chhath Puja Quotes, Wishes and Messages
Chhath Puja 2023: Date, 4 Days Celebrations, Significance, Wishes, and More
5 Facts About Chhath Puja
Khay Nahay
On this initial day, the devotees are required to bathe in the sacred river and concoct ‘Prasad’.
Kharna and Lohanda
The fasting period spans a duration of 36 hours, during which devotees recommence the fast by partaking in ‘Prasad.’
Arghya Sandhya
Devotees gather by the river on the third day, accompanied by family and friends. As the sun sets that evening, they participate in the ‘Sandhya Arghya’ ceremony before returning home.
The Usha Arghya
Until the sun rises, devotees reassemble at the riverbank in the morning to present ‘Bihaniya Arghya’ as an offering to the Sun God.
Provisions for the Kartiki Chhath Puja
During the Kartiki Chhath Puja, a unique variety of Prasad is prepared, incorporating a wide range of local products, grains, fruits, and seasonings.
Chhath Puja 2023: Date
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | October 30 | Sunday |
| 2023 | November 17 | Friday |
| 2024 | November 7 | Thursday |
| 2025 | October 27 | Monday |
| 2026 | November 15 | Sunday |
