Chhath Puja

Significance and History

The rituals surrounding Chhath Puja are supposedly harsher when compared to other Hindu festivals. They involve strict fasting (without water), taking a dip in rivers/water bodies, standing in water and offering prayers, facing the sun for a prolonged period, and offering ‘prasad’ to the Sun during sunrise and sunset. Any food prepared during the festival will have no salt, onion, or garlic.

The celebrations last for 4 days thanking the Sun God, the source of all powers. Devotees of the Sun God observe a fast called Vrati. Chhath Puja occurs twice a year – once during summer and once during winter.

Karthik Chhath is performed on the 6th day of the Karthika month known as Kartika Shukla Shashti. This day falls during October or November every year as per the Hindu Calendar. In the summer, it is celebrated a few days after Holi, and is known as Chaiti Chhath.

Why do People Celebrate Chhath Puja? :

• Chhath Puja is celebrated with the belief that the Sun is the giver of life and energy, and by worshiping it, people seek blessings for the well-being, health, and prosperity of their families. It is also seen as a way of expressing gratitude for the natural energy provided by the Sun. The festival also aims to purify the mind, body, and soul, as the rigorous fasting and rituals bring devotees closer to nature and spirituality.

Celebration at Krushna Dham Delaware
At Krushna Dham Delaware,

• Chhath Puja is a four-day festival, typically observed during the Kartik month (October-November), and involves severe fasting, prayers, and rituals. Here are the key rituals:
  • Day 1: Nahai Khai – Devotees take a holy dip in rivers or ponds to purify themselves and cook offerings for the Sun God.
  • Day 2: Kharna – A day of fasting until evening, when devotees offer kheer (rice pudding) and roti (flatbread) to the Sun God.
  • Day 3: Sandhya Arghya – On this day, devotees offer prayers and offerings to the setting Sun, often standing in water, with arghya (prayers and offerings) in their hands.
  • Day 4: Usha Arghya – The final ritual involves offering prayers to the rising Sun, thanking him for the gift of life and seeking blessings for prosperity and health.

Join us at Krushna Dham Delaware this Chhath Puja to seek blessings for an abundant and prosperous year ahead, through divine grace and community spirit.