Tue Nov 05 03:00:00 UTC 2024: ## Chhath Puja 2024: First Surya Argha on 7th November, Know timings and rituals
**New Delhi:** The Chhath Puja, a four-day festival dedicated to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya, began on November 5th with the ‘Nहाय-खाय’ ritual. This year, the main festival day falls on November 7th.
The ‘Nहाय-खाय’ marks the beginning of the fast, where devotees, mainly women, consume a sattvic meal consisting of rice, chickpeas, gourd or pumpkin, and pakoras. The food is prepared on a chulha (clay stove) or, if unavailable, a clean gas stove.
The second day of the festival, ‘Kharna’, is observed on November 6th. Devotees remain on a complete fast, preparing kheer (rice pudding) and roti for their evening meal. This marks the beginning of the 36-38-hour strict fast, during which water is also prohibited.
However, this year, the ‘Nहाय-खाय’ day falls under the shadow of ‘Bhadra’, considered inauspicious in astrology. Bhadra will last from 11:54 AM on November 5th to 12:16 AM on November 6th.
The first ‘Arghya’ to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya will be offered on November 7th, Thursday, during the evening. Devotees will carry offerings like fruits, ‘thekua’ (sweet cake), and other delicacies to the ghats. The ‘Arghya’ is offered to the setting sun while standing in knee-deep water.
The auspicious ‘Shashthi Tithi’ begins on November 7th at 12:41 AM and ends on November 8th at 12:34 AM. Sunrise on November 7th will be at 6:37 AM and sunset at 5:31 PM.
On November 8th, devotees will offer the ‘Usha Arghya’ to the rising sun. This marks the end of the festival. Sunrise on this day will be at 6:38 AM and sunset at 5:30 PM.
Chhath Puja, which begins on the fourth day of the dark fortnight of Kartik month, holds immense significance in Hindu tradition. The festival is believed to bring blessings for the well-being of children and overall prosperity.
First Piper 