Celebrating Chhath Puja: Rituals and Significance
Chhath Puja Begins
Chhath Puja Nahay Khay: The auspicious Chhath festival kicks off today, Saturday, October 25th. This day marks the commencement of Chhath Puja, characterized by Shobhan Yoga and Ravi Yoga, both considered favorable for positive outcomes. According to the Hindu calendar, Chhath Puja starts with Nahay Khay, which falls on the fourth day of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase) of the Kartik month. The fifth day is dedicated to Kharna, followed by offerings to the setting Sun on Shashthi and to the rising Sun on Saptami, concluding a 36-hour waterless fast. For insights on the key dates and the Nahay Khay ritual, we turn to Lucknow's astrologer, Pt. Rakesh Pandey.
Key Dates for Chhath Puja
Important Dates:
First Day: October 25, Saturday, Nahai-Khaai
Second Day: October 26, Sunday, Kharna
Third Day: October 27, Monday, Arghya to the Setting Sun
Fourth Day: October 28, Tuesday, Arghya to the Rising Sun, Parana
Today marks the Nahai-Khaai Muhurta.
As per the Panchang, the Chaturthi Tithi of the Shukla Paksha in Kartik month begins at 01:19 AM today, October 25, and lasts until 03:48 AM on October 26. Thus, according to Udayatithi, today is Kartik Shukla Chaturthi, making it the day for Nahai-Khaai.
Shobhan Yoga is active from 05:55 AM until 03:48 AM tomorrow, while Ravi Yoga spans from 7:51 AM to 6:29 AM tomorrow. Anuradha Nakshatra is effective from 7:51 AM to 7:51 AM, followed by Jyeshtha Nakshatra. The auspicious time for Nahay-Khaay, known as Abhijit Muhurta, is set from 11:42 AM to 12:27 PM.
Nahay-Khaay Ritual
Steps for Nahay-Khaay:
After taking a bath this morning, wear fresh clothes. Bathing in the Ganga River is ideal; if not possible, mix Ganga water with regular water for the bath.
Perform puja and tidy your home, ensuring daily rituals are completed.
During this ritual, devotees consume rice, bottle gourd, and gram dal, seasoned with rock salt. This meal is the only food for the day, with Kharna following the next day.
Nahay-Khaay symbolizes the preparation for the challenging 36-hour Chhath fast.
Satvik Lifestyle During Nahay-Khaay
Adhering to Satvik Principles:
Those observing the fast must maintain a satvik lifestyle and adhere to celibacy rules.
Consumption of tamasic items such as alcohol, meat, betel leaves, and tobacco is strictly forbidden.
Kharna will take place on October 26.
Arghya Offerings
Arghya on October 27-28:
On October 27, after the evening puja, arghya will be offered to the setting sun. The following day, arghya will be presented to the rising sun in the morning, followed by Parana.
Significance of Chhath Puja
Importance of the Festival:
Participating in Chhath Puja brings joy and tranquility to families, fostering prosperity among members.
Worshipping Chhathi Maiya is believed to bless families with children, ensuring their happiness and security.
Additionally, honoring the Sun God is thought to alleviate skin and eye ailments.
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