As the festive season unfolds, the much-anticipated Chhath Puja is just around the corner! This year, the festival will be celebrated on November 7, 2024, particularly with great enthusiasm in states like Bihar, Uttarakhand, and Jharkhand. Known by various names such as Surya Shashthi, Chhath Parv, and Dala Chhath, this four-day festival brings families together as they pray to Lord Sun, the deity of energy, for health and prosperity. The celebration occurs on the sixth day of the Kartik month in the Hindu calendar, emphasizing its significance in the cultural fabric.
Chhath Puja 2024: Important Dates and Ritual Timings
Day 1: November 5, 2024
Chaturthi – Nahay Khay
- Sunrise: 6:36 AM
- Sunset: 5:33 PM
Day 2: November 6, 2024
Panchami – Kharana
- Sunrise: 6:37 AM
- Sunset: 5:32 PM
Day 3: November 7, 2024
Shashthi – Chhath Puja, Sandhya Arghya
- Sunrise: 6:38 AM
- Sunset: 5:32 PM
Day 4: November 8, 2024
Saptami – Usha Arghya, Parana Day
- Sunrise: 6:38 AM
- Sunset: 5:31 PM
Understanding the Essence of Chhath Puja
Chhath Puja is more than just a festival; it is a celebration of family unity and spiritual devotion. Women, in particular, observe rigorous fasts and offer “Arghya” (water offerings) to the rising and setting sun for the well-being of their loved ones. Devotees often fast for 36 hours without water, breaking their fast only after performing rituals for the sun. Each day is marked by specific rituals, including fasting, prayers, and staying awake throughout the night on the third day, culminating in the final prayer at sunrise on the last day.
5 Must-Try Dishes for Chhath Puja 2024
To make your celebration more special, here are five classic dishes you must try during Chhath Puja:
- Kheer
This comforting dessert made from jaggery, rice, and milk is an ideal treat for Chhath Puja. Cooked in milk, jaggery adds a rich, earthy sweetness. Top it with dried fruits for extra crunch! - Thekua
A crispy, sweet offering, Thekua is a traditional prasada made from wheat flour, grated coconut, melted jaggery, and ghee. Each bite encapsulates tradition and flavor. - Poori
No Indian festival meal is complete without Puri! This crispy, deep-fried bread made from wheat flour pairs perfectly with kheer, sabzi, and other festive dishes. - Kaddu Ki Sabzi
A simple yet delicious pumpkin dish that pairs well with puri. Cooked with sendha salt, spices, and ghee, this comforting dish is always a crowd-pleaser. - Hara Chana
A true Chhath delicacy! Green chana (green chickpeas) are soaked overnight and then cooked with ghee, green chilies, and cumin. This dish is a light and flavorful addition to the festive spread.
This Chhath Puja, delight your family and friends by preparing these classic dishes and make the celebrations even more joyous!
