Chhath Puja is solely dedicated to Surya Bhagwan or the Sun God. The festivities continue for four days and during this period the devotees observe a strict fast. The preparations for Chhath Puja begin on Chaturthi Tithi of Shukla Paksha in the month of Kartik, as per Hindu calendar. The rituals, known as Nahay Khay, mark the beginning of the fasting period.
This year, the celebrations started on November 17, and will conclude on November 20. Lord Surya is worshipped, and Arghya (offering) is offered during the four days of the celebration. Mothers usually fast during Chhath Puja for the well-being of their sons and the happiness of their family.
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Devotees show their gratitude to the Sun god, who is considered as the source of life on Earth, during Chhath Puja. It is one of the most auspicious and widely celebrated festivals in Jharkhand, Bihar, eastern Uttar Pradesh, and Nepal.
The second day is dedicated to Kharna, or the purification rituals, and the third day marks offering Sandhya Arghya to Lord Surya. The festivities come an end with Usha Arghya and Parana in morning on the fourth day.
Chhath Puja 2023 (Day 3)
On the third day of the Chhath Puja, devotees observe a full-day fast without even drinking water. Furthermore, the primary ritual of the special day is to offer Arghya (an offering) to the setting Sun. Also, it is the only time of year when the setting Sun is worshipped with offering or water known as Arghya. The third day’s fasting continues all night, and the next day, parana (the ritual of breaking the fast) is completed after offering Usha Arghya or morning offering to Sun god.
Chhath Puja is also known as Surya Shashthi, Chhathi Mai Puja and Dala Chhath. It is said that during Chhath, Lord Surya grants all of the devotees’ wishes and rewards their children with good health and happiness.
Chhath Puja 2023 (Day 3): Sandhya Arghya Timings
- Sunset Time on Sunday, November 19: 5:26 PM
- Sunrise Time on Monday, November 20: 6:20 AM
Chhath Puja 2023 (Day 3): How Is The Day Observed?
Devotees worship Surya Bhagwan on the third day after keeping a day long fast. As prasad, thekua made with jaggery, ghee, and flour is prepared. In addition, the prasad is cooked without the use of salt. At dusk, devotees offer their Arghya at a local water body, also known as Sandhya Arghya or Pehli Arghya. The fasting continues until the following morning. The primary ritual of the day is to offer Arghya to the setting Sun.
Chhath Puja 2023 (Day 3): Puja Vidhi And Rituals
- The puja vidhi begins with a traditional puja, with devotees presenting flowers and lighting earthen lamps (diyas) along the riverbank.
- During this scared festival, devotees fast for 36 hours beginning with Kharna on the second day after eating kheer and roti. During their fast, devotees do not even drink water.
- This vrat concludes on the fourth day, when devotees offer prayers to the rising Sun, known as Usha Arghya.
- After the ritual, the devotees break their fast, take a holy dip in river water, and sing folk songs about how the Sun god saved their ancestors’ lives in the past as well as listen to Chhati Mai Vrat Katha.
- In a bamboo basket, the Sun god is offered rice, sugarcane, and thekua.