Essential Items for Celebrating Chhath Puja: A Guide
Understanding Chhath Puja
Chhath Puja Essentials: This festival represents not only a celebration but also a deep expression of faith, devotion, and discipline. Observed six days post-Diwali, it is particularly significant in regions such as Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, and West Bengal. This year, the Chhath Mahaparva will commence on October 25th and conclude on October 28th, 2025.
The Significance of the Festival
Throughout this four-day celebration, women engage in a rigorous 36-hour fast, adhering to strict guidelines while praying for their families' well-being and their children's longevity by honoring the Sun God. For those participating in Chhath for the first time, it is crucial to recognize that this is more than a mere religious observance; it embodies a disciplined and virtuous way of life.
Preparing for Chhath Puja
As per the Hindu calendar, the Chhath festivities kick off with Nahai-Khaai on the first day, where devotees cleanse themselves and consume pure food. The second day features the Kharna ritual, followed by the main worship of the Sun God on the third day, culminating with the Usha Arghya on the final day. It is advisable to start preparations for this four-day fast well in advance, which includes cleaning the home, adorning the worship area, and gathering fruits, flowers, and other necessary items for offerings. All materials should be pure and sattvic to ensure the rituals are performed correctly.
Chhath Puja Ritual Materials
Here is a list of items required for the Chhath Puja rituals:
- New garments for the devotee and family
- Two large bamboo baskets (davari) for offerings
- Bamboo or brass vessel for presenting offerings to the Sun God
- Glass, lota, and plate for holding milk and Ganga water
- Coconut filled with water
- Five leafy sugarcane stems
- Rice, wheat, and jaggery
- 12 lamps, incense sticks, wicks, kumkum, and vermilion
- Banana leaf for decorating the worship area
- Fruits such as banana, apple, water chestnut, sweet potato, and ginger plant
- Turmeric lumps and betel nut
- Honey and sweets
- Ganga water and milk for offerings and bathing
- Ingredients for making offerings: thekwa, jaggery, and wheat flour
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