Thu Nov 07 05:06:28 UTC 2024: ## Chhath Puja 2024: Devotees Prepare for Four-Day Celebration Honoring Sun God

**Patna, India -** The annual four-day Chhath Puja festival, dedicated to the worship of Sun God and Chhathi Maiya, is set to begin on November 5th, 2024. Celebrated predominantly in Bihar, Jharkhand, eastern Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Odisha, the festival involves devotees observing rigorous fasts and performing rituals to seek blessings for longevity, prosperity and good health.

This year, the Kharna, a day-long fast observed on the second day of the festival, will fall on November 6th, 2024. Devotees abstain from food and water throughout the day, breaking their fast only after sunset with offerings of Rasiya Kheer, a special rice pudding made with ghee, jaggery, and raw rice. The fast is considered a purifying step, as devotees pray for blessings from the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya.

The festival’s central rituals include Sandhya Arghya (evening offerings) and Usha Arghya (morning offerings to the rising sun) performed on November 7th and 8th, respectively. These offerings are made while standing in water, symbolizing devotion and gratitude.

Devotees, known as Vratis, observe a 36-hour fast between the evening of November 6th and the morning of November 8th, going without food or water. During this time, they adhere to strict cleanliness practices, taking baths daily and preparing for the festival’s final rituals.

Chhath Puja, with its elaborate rituals and unwavering devotion, is a testament to the cultural richness and spiritual beliefs of the regions where it is observed. The festival serves as a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness between humans and nature, particularly the sun, a source of life and energy.

Read More