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The festival is dedicated to the Sun God, or Surya Dev, and his sister Shashti Devi, often referred to as Chhathi Maiya.
Chhath puja festivities include early morning and evening rituals for which you need to stay active. (Image: Shutterstock)
Chhath Puja, one of the most significant festivals of Hinduism, is widely celebrated in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh and parts of West Bengal. The festival, dedicated to Chhathi Maiya or Sasthi Devi, is generally celebrated six days after Diwali. Devotees worship the Sun God, or Surya Dev, and his sister Shashti Devi, who is popularly known as Chhathi Maiya, during this festival.
The festivities include several rituals such as taking a holy dip in a river or the nearest water body, fasting, preparation of special prasad, and offering of “arghya” to the setting sun.
ALSO READ: Chhath Puja Calendar 2024: Day-Wise Schedule, Muhurat, And Sunrise, Sunset Timings
Devotees, particularly married women, observe strict fasts during this period and offer their prayers to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya seeking blessings for the well-being of their children and family.
Chhath Puja is a four-day festival, which includes a 36-hour fast, known as Nirjala Vrat. Devotees abstain from eating and drinking anything and keep the fast from night until sunrise. This year, the four-day festival will be celebrated from November 5 to November 8.
As per the Hindu calendar, Chhath Puja is celebrated on Sasthi Tithi of Shukla Paksha in the month of Kartik. This year Sasthi Tithi falls on November 7, as per the Drik Panchang.
On the other hand, the preparations start two-days earlier on Chaturthi Tithi, with the rituals of Nahay Khay. This marks the beginning of Chhath Puja. This year Nahay Khay will be observed on November 5.
The fasting devotees should take care of a few important things during fasting for Chhath Puja to avoid health complications. The devotees also avoid a few things during the fasting period due to traditions and religious practices.
Dos during Chhath Puja 2024 fasting
1. Plan a balanced diet: Before starting the fast, plan a balanced diet that includes all the essential nutrients to keep yourself energetic throughout the day. Focus on food rich in vitamins, minerals and carbohydrates.
2. Stay Hydrated: Dehydration due to fasting can cause dizziness and fatigue. Therefore, it is essential to drink an adequate amount of water, juice, or coconut water to maintain your body’s fluid balance.
3. Limit caffeine: Avoid consuming drinks that are high in caffeine as excessive caffeine can lead to dehydration and sugary drinks may cause energy crashes.
4. Take proper rest: Chhath puja festivities include early morning and evening rituals for which you need to stay active. As you will be fasting, it is advised to take proper rest during the daytime.
Don’ts for Chhath Puja 2024 fasting:
1. Avoid Non-Vegetarian: Making non-vegetarian food at your home during the fasting period is not allowed as per traditional practices. Devotees also abstain from onion and garlic during this period.
2. Prasad Consumption: Fasting could be a challenging task as you might crave food during that period but make sure you don’t consume Prasad before offering it to the Surya Dev.
3. The fasting period must be completed according to custom. Do not break your fast without following the rituals.
4. Pay respect to the deities and follow devotees. Avoid any disrespectful behaviour during the festivity.
5. Strictly refrain from consuming alcohol or tobacco products, especially during the fasting period.
Have a Happy Chhath Puja 2024.