Chhath Puja, a revered Hindu festival, holds special significance in 2023. Commencing with Nahay-Khay on Friday, November 17th, this four-day festival encompasses unique rituals and prayers dedicated to Usha, the sister of Surya Dev. The devotees embark on a spiritual journey, observing a 36-hour Nirjala Vrat, making this festival both special and challenging.
Nahay-Khay: The Auspicious Start
Nahay-Khay marks the initiation of Chhath Puja. On this day, devotees perform morning river baths, don new clothes, and partake in the sacred Prasad. The offerings include delectable dishes like kaddu chana dal ki sabzi and rice, prepared with rock salt and ghee. After the devotees receive the sanctified Prasad, other family members also partake in this virtuous offering.
Rituals and Tradition
According to the Panchang, Chhath Parv is celebrated during Kartik Shukla Paksha on the Shashthi Tithi. The grand festival spans four days, starting with Nahay-Khay and concluding with the Vrat Parana on the Saptami Tithi. Chhath Puja, known as Mahaparv Chhath, unfolds over four days, embodying the elements of Usha, Prakriti, Jal, Vayu, and Suryadev’s sister.
Chhath Puja 2023 Calendar
The Chhath Puja 2023 Calendar outlines the schedule from November 17th to November 20th, detailing the specific rituals for each day:
- November 17, 2023 (Friday): Nahay-Khay (First Day)
- November 18, 2023 (Saturday): Kharna (Second Day)
- November 19, 2023 (Sunday): Sandhya Arghya (Third Day)
- November 20, 2023 (Monday): Usha Arghya (Fourth Day)
Kharna: Savoring Sweet Nectar
Kharna, observed on the second day, falls on Saturday, November 18, 2023. Devotees break their fast by consuming a sweet meal in the evening. The main delicacy includes rice kheer, prepared on earthen stoves, marking the commencement of the Nirjala Vrat, followed by the culmination of the fast.
Sandhya Arghya: Embracing Twilight
On the third day, devotees gather at riverbanks during the evening twilight for Sandhya Arghya. This year, the symbolic Arghya will be offered on Sunday, November 19, 2023, as the sun sets at 5:26 PM. Devotees immerse fruits, thekua, rice laddoos, and other Prasad items in water, performing circumambulation as part of the tradition.
Usha Arghya: Welcoming Dawn
The final and fourth day, known as Usha Arghya, falls on Monday, November 20, 2023. Offering Arghya to the rising sun at 6:47 AM, devotees conclude the Puja with Prasad acceptance and Parana. The prayers echo wishes for a prosperous life, the longevity of loved ones, and the well-being of the household.
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