Chhath Puja Day 4: Usha Arghya - Sunrise, timings, and shubh muhurat to follow

It¡¯s the final, most powerful day of Chhath Puja, and we¡¯ve reached the climax¡ªUsha Arghya! If you thought the previous days were intense, just wait until you experience the energy of offering your prayers to the rising sun. This is the ultimate moment when devotees give thanks to Lord Surya for his blessings of life, energy, and light.

What is Usha Arghya?

On Day 4 of Chhath Puja, Usha Arghya marks the ritual where devotees offer Arghya (prayers and offerings) to the rising sun. After fasting without water (again, a nirjal vrat) for a full 36 hours, this is the ultimate culmination where devotees break their fast and seek the Sun God's blessings. The ceremony is performed at dawn, with prayers, hymns, and offerings like fruits, thekua, and sugarcane.

Why is Usha Arghya important?

While the Sandhya Arghya (offered at sunset) is all about honouring the setting sun, Usha Arghya is the brighter, hopeful counterpart¡ªthe sunrise. This moment symbolises new beginnings, energy, and gratitude for the gift of life. The rising sun brings with it hope, and offering Arghya at this time is believed to ensure the well-being, prosperity, and health of the family, along with the fulfilment of all wishes.

It¡¯s the grand finale of Chhath Puja¡ªa culmination of intense devotion, self-discipline, and a collective wish for family happiness and prosperity.

Timings & shubh muhurat for Usha Arghya 2024

This year, Usha Arghya falls on Friday, November 8, 2024, and the timings are as critical as ever. Here's what you need to know to make sure you catch the perfect moment:

- Sunrise time: 6:42 AM

- Arghya Muhurat: The ideal time for performing Usha Arghya falls between 6:10 AM to 6:50 AM. This is the period when the Sun rises, and devotees offer prayers and Arghya to mark the start of a fresh, hopeful day.

It¡¯s crucial to be at the ghat (riverbank) or any water body during these times to ensure your offering is aligned with the sacred moment of sunrise. The ritual is an emotional and spiritual high point of the four-day festival.

The rituals of Usha Arghya

In the early hours of Day 4, as the sun peeks over the horizon, devotees gather in preparation. The sacred prasad¡ªfruits, sugarcane, and thekua¡ªare placed in baskets, and the Arghya is offered into the water. This is often accompanied by Chhathi Maiya Aarti and chants of prayers. As the sun rises, it is symbolic of new opportunities and fresh beginnings.

The ultimate blessing

By the time Usha Arghya is completed, devotees believe they have successfully fasted for their families and earned the Sun God¡¯s blessings. It's a way to thank the Sun for all the energy it provides, ensuring a prosperous and healthy year ahead.

So, for Usha Arghya 2024, set your alarms early and make sure you're at the ghat for the 6:42 AM sunrise to offer your prayers. It¡¯s the perfect way to end your four-day spiritual journey of Chhath Puja!