Tue Nov 05 03:05:56 UTC 2024: ## Chhath Puja 2024: Millions to Observe Four-Day Sun God Festival
**New Delhi:** The annual Chhath Puja, a four-day festival dedicated to the worship of the Sun god (Surya) and Chhathi Maiya, will be celebrated across India and abroad from Tuesday, November 5th to Friday, November 8th.
The festival, known for its rigorous rituals and fasting procedures, will see devotees observe strict dietary restrictions and perform special ceremonies each day.
The first day, known as “Nahay Khay,” involves a ceremonial bath followed by a meal. Devotees then prepare a stove using water from the river or pond and cook a pumpkin dish.
The second day, “Kharna,” entails a full-day fast broken only after sunset with a meal of roti and kheer, offered to the deities. This meal is shared by family and friends, fostering a sense of community.
A challenging 36-hour fast then begins, with devotees abstaining from even water. This rigorous practice is a testament to their devotion and belief in the spiritual benefits of the festival.
The main rituals take place on the third and fourth days, where devotees gather at water bodies before sunrise and offer “arghya” (water offerings) to the rising sun, accompanied by hymns and prayers. This ritual is repeated at dawn on the fourth day, known as “Usha ka Arghya.”
The conclusion of the festival marks a moment of gratitude for the successful completion of the arduous rituals. Devotees return home from the riverbanks, sharing prasadam (blessed food) with their neighbors and celebrating the fulfillment of their devotion.
First Piper 