Chhath Puja 2024 Calendar: Chhath Puja is a sacred four-day Hindu festival celebrated annually with devotion across India. It honours Lord Surya (the Sun God) and his sister Chhathi Maiya, representing nature¡¯s power. Observed mainly in states like Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and West Bengal, Chhath Puja takes place on the sixth day of the lunar month of Kartika, roughly six days after Diwali. Below, we cover all you need to know about Chhath Puja 2024, including dates, sunrise and sunset timings, and day-by-day rituals.
Chhath Puja 2024 will be held from 5th to 8th November. The festival involves a strict 36-hour fast known as Nirjala Vrat, where devotees go without food or water from sunset to sunrise. In 2024, the special Sasthi Tithi day will fall on 7th November, making it a key time for prayers and offerings to Lord Surya.
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Exact sunrise and sunset times are essential to Chhath Puja rituals. Here are the timings for each day of Chhath Puja 2024:
Date | Day & festival | Sunrise timing | Sunset timing |
---|---|---|---|
Tuesday, November 5 | Day 1: Nahay-Khay | 6:36 AM | 5:33 PM |
Wednesday, November 6 | Day 2: Kharna | 6:37 AM | 5:32 PM |
Thursday, November 7 | Day 3: Sandhya Arghya | 6:38 AM | 5:32 PM |
Friday, November 8 | Day 4: Usha Arghya | 6:38 AM | 5:31 PM |
Chhath Puja involves detailed rituals across four days, with each day bringing unique practices and prayers:
The first day starts with a ritual bath in a river or pond, symbolising cleansing. Devotees then prepare prasad (holy offerings) that will be used in the days to come.
The second day is marked by a strict fast, broken only after sunset with a simple meal of rice and jaggery (gur). Devotees also prepare prasad for the next day.
On the third day, devotees offer Sandhya Arghya (evening prayers) to the setting sun. They stand waist-deep in water to express gratitude to Lord Surya for life¡¯s blessings.
The final day involves Usha Arghya (morning prayers) to the rising sun. Devotees enter the water again for prayers, then break their fast and share the prasad they have prepared with family and friends.
For Chhath Puja 2024, accurate sunrise and sunset timings guide devotees on when to conduct each ritual. Offering prayers at these times is believed to please Lord Surya, who is then said to grant blessings of health, wealth, and happiness to his worshippers.
Here are some thoughtful ways to make your Chhath Puja celebrations more special:
Chant Lord Surya¡¯s Sacred Names: While performing the puja, you can recite the ten sacred names of the Sun God, including Aditya, Bhaskara, and Mitra, to enhance your spiritual experience.
Donate Yellow or Orange Clothing: Offering clothes in auspicious colours like yellow or orange to those in need is a meaningful tradition that reflects the giving spirit of the festival.
Share Rice or Kheer as Prasad: Distributing prasad like rice or kheer at temples or with those less fortunate symbolises the sharing of blessings and prosperity.
Chhath Puja 2024 is a beautiful time to show gratitude to the Sun God and connect with loved ones. Through these rituals and acts of kindness, devotees honour Lord Surya and Chhathi Maiya, seeking blessings for health, happiness, and prosperity.