Chhath Puja 2023: Why Surya Arghya Is So Important In Chhath Puja

Chhath Puja 2023: The festival is dedicated to Chhathi Maiya, the sister of Lord Surya and the sixth form of Devi Prakriti. In the Hindu calendar, it is celebrated on the sixth day of the lunar month of Kartika, or Vikram Samvat, six days after Diwali.

According to the Hindu calendar, Chhath Puja is a four-day festival dedicated to Lord Surya and Chhathi Maiya.

When is Chhath Puja 2023?

This year, the festival commences with Nahay Khay on November 17, 2023, and concludes with Usha Arghya on November 20, 2023. The auspicious day starts after the sixth day of Diwali and on the sixth day of the month of Kartik. Happy Chhath Puja Wishes, Messages, and Quotes.

Chhath Puja 2023: Why Surya Arghya Is So Important In Chhath Puja | Freepik

Usha Arghya involves a 36-hour-long nirjala festival offering arghya during sunrise. Celebrated in states like Bihar, Jharkhand, Eastern Uttar Pradesh, and also in Nepal, this festival is dedicated to the worship of Lord Surya. Vratis or devotees, especially women (though men also follow it nowadays), observe fasts during Chhath to seek prosperity and well-being for their family members. Chhath Puja Wishes Images.

What is the Significance of Surya Arghya in Chhath Puja?

Chhath Puja is a four-day festival celebrated by Hindus in India, Nepal, and other parts of the world. The festival honors the Sun God Surya and involves fasting, prayers, and offerings to the Sun God.

On the third and fourth day of Chhath Puja, devotees offer arghya (prayers) to the setting and rising sun. This ritual is known as Surya Arghya.

Surya Arghya is a significant ritual in Chhath Puja because it is a way for devotees to express their gratitude to the Sun God for his blessings. The Sun God is seen as a source of life, energy, and prosperity. By offering arghya to the Sun God, devotees are seeking his blessings for good health, wealth, and happiness.

Surya Arghya is also a time for reflection and introspection. Devotees stand waist-deep in water and offer prayers to the Sun God. This is a time for them to think about their lives and to make resolutions for the future.

The ritual of Surya Arghya is also a beautiful and inspiring sight. Devotees dressed in their finest clothes stand in rows, facing the setting or rising sun. They hold offerings of fruits, sweets, and flowers in their hands. As they offer prayers, the sun's rays glisten off the water, creating a magical and unforgettable scene.

Chhath Puja 2023: Why Surya Arghya Is So Important In Chhath Puja | Shutterstock

Here are some of the specific benefits that are believed to be associated with Surya Arghya:

• Good health: The Sun God is believed to be the source of all life, and offering arghya to him is believed to promote good health and well-being.
• Wealth and prosperity: The Sun God is also seen as a symbol of wealth and prosperity, and offering arghya to him is believed to bring good fortune.
• Success and achievement: The Sun God is also seen as a source of strength and courage, and offering arghya to him is believed to help devotees achieve their goals.
• Gratitude and fulfillment: Offering arghya to the Sun God is a way for devotees to express their gratitude for his blessings. It is also a time for reflection and introspection, which can lead to a sense of fulfillment.

Surya Arghya is a beautiful and meaningful ritual that is central to Chhath Puja. It is a time for devotees to express their gratitude to the Sun God, to seek his blessings, and to reflect on their lives.

Chhath Puja 2023 Citywise Sunset Timings For Arghya

Chhath Puja 2023: FAQs

Q: What is Chhath Puja?

Chhath Puja is a Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of the Sun God, Surya. It is mainly observed in the Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and some parts of Nepal. The festival involves a series of rituals performed over four days.

Q: When is Chhath Puja celebrated?

Chhath Puja is typically celebrated in October or November, on the sixth day of the Hindu month of Kartika.

Q: What are the main rituals of Chhath Puja?

The main rituals of Chhath Puja include taking a holy dip in the river, fasting, offering prayers to the Sun God during sunrise and sunset, and making special offerings known as 'prasad' using traditional methods.

Q: Why is Chhath Puja celebrated?

Chhath Puja is celebrated to express gratitude to the Sun God for sustaining life on Earth and seeking blessings for well-being, prosperity, and longevity. It is also a way to thank the Sun for providing energy for agriculture.

Q: What is the significance of fasting during Chhath Puja?

Fasting during Chhath Puja is considered a way of cleansing the mind and body. Devotees observe a strict fast and abstain from drinking water as they offer prayers to the Sun God.

Q: Can Chhath Puja be celebrated at home?

While Chhath Puja is traditionally celebrated on riverbanks, it can also be observed at home. Devotees can create a makeshift water body, such as a pond or tank, to perform the rituals. The key is to maintain the purity of the environment.

Q: Is Chhath Puja only for women?

No, Chhath Puja is not gender-specific. Both men and women can observe and participate in the rituals. It is a family-oriented festival where everyone, irrespective of gender, can take part.

Q: How long does Chhath Puja last?

Chhath Puja is a four-day festival. The main rituals are performed on the third and fourth days, known as Kharna and Surya Shashthi, respectively. Devotees start their preparations from the first day, Nahay Khay, and conclude with Paran on the last day.

(Note: Dates/timings may be subject to change; details mentioned here are as per the information available.)

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