छठ पूजा कब है, नहाय-खाय के दिन लिया जाता है व्रत का संकल्प, बनती है कद्दू की सब्जी

Mon Nov 04 02:50:00 UTC 2024: ## Chhath Puja 2023: Dates, Rituals, and Significance

The much-anticipated Chhath Puja, a festival dedicated to the Sun God, will commence on **November 5th** this year and culminate on **November 8th**. This festival is particularly significant in states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand.

The four-day celebration begins with **Nहाय खाय** on November 5th, where devotees take a ritual bath and consume a wholesome meal. The next day, **November 6th**, is dedicated to **Kharnā** – a vegetarian fast where devotees consume kheer (rice pudding).

The core of the festival falls on **November 7th**, when devotees offer **Arghya** to the setting sun. This is the main day of worship, marked by a strict nirjala (waterless) fast. Finally, on **November 8th**, devotees offer Arghya to the rising sun and conclude the fast with a special offering of milk and prasad.

**Key Rituals:**

* **Nहाय खाय:** A cleansing bath followed by a simple vegetarian meal.
* **Kharnā:** A vegetarian fast with kheer as the primary offering.
* **Arghya:** Offering water, milk, and flowers to the setting and rising sun.
* **Nirjala Vrat:** A strict fast without consuming water.

Devotees are advised to wake up early on the day of the Arghya, perform a Sankalp (resolve to observe the fast), and offer pure desi ghee lamps and seven varieties of flowers to the Sun God. The offering is traditionally made while standing in water.

Chhath Puja is a significant cultural and religious event, with millions of devotees participating across India. The festival is a celebration of life, fertility, and the power of the Sun God.