Chhath Puja Sandhya Arghya 2024: Timings, muhurat, and everything you need to know
On the third day of Chhath Puja, the focus is on offering Arghya to the setting Sun, thanking Lord Surya for his blessings. This ritual involves fasting without water (a nirjal vrat) and offering fruits, sugarcane, and the traditional sweet thekua to the Sun. This is the only time during the entire festival when Arghya is given to the setting sun.
Chhath Puja, one of the most significant festivals for North Indians, is here, and it¡¯s time to dive into the magical fourth day that¡¯s all about worshipping the Sun God¡ªSandhya Arghya. This ritual takes place on the third day of the festival, when married women gather near water bodies to offer prayers at sunset. It¡¯s the heart of the festival, and the right timing can make all the difference.
What is Sandhya Arghya?
On the third day of Chhath Puja, the focus is on offering Arghya to the setting Sun, thanking Lord Surya for his blessings. This ritual involves fasting without water (a nirjal vrat) and offering fruits, sugarcane, and the traditional sweet thekua to the Sun. This is the only time during the entire festival when Arghya is given to the setting sun. It¡¯s an essential moment for devotees, full of spiritual energy, reflection, and gratitude.
Timings and shubh muhurat for Sandhya Arghya 2024
This year, Chhath Puja Sandhya Arghya will take place on Thursday, November 7, 2024. To make sure you get everything right, here are the essential timings:
- Sunset time: 5:48 PM
- Arghya Muhurat: The best time for offering Arghya is during the Sandhya Arghya muhurat, which falls between 5:10 PM to 5:50 PM. This is the ideal time when the Sun begins to set, and devotees offer their prayers to the Sun God.
Keep in mind, the timings may vary slightly depending on your region, but this period should be the most auspicious for offering prayers.
The rituals of Sandhya Arghya
At dusk, devotees assemble at the riverbank or ghat, prepared with baskets containing prasad like sugarcane, fruits, and thekua. The offerings are then immersed in the river or water body while chanting hymns, singing Chhathi Maiya Aarti, and offering their prayers to the Sun. The fast continues through the night, making this moment even more powerful, a blend of devotion and dedication to Lord Surya.
Why the timing matters
The timing of Sandhya Arghya isn¡¯t just about watching the sunset; it¡¯s deeply symbolic. The act of offering the Arghya as the Sun sets represents the transition from the day to night and symbolizes the ultimate respect for the Sun, who sustains life on Earth. Getting the timing just right ensures the ritual is performed at its most auspicious moment.
So this Chhath, if you¡¯re taking part in the rituals, don¡¯t miss the Sandhya Arghya muhurat at 5:48 PM on November 7th. Get your prasad ready, find a good spot at the ghat, and get ready to offer your heartfelt thanks to Lord Surya!
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