Chhath Puja 2023: The Chhath Puja festival spans from November 17 to November 20, 2023. Devotees celebrate by offering prayers to the setting sun and, on the final day, to the rising sun, symbolizing the conclusion of the festival. The festivities commence with Nahay Khay, a ritual involving a purifying bath and a special meal.
The subsequent day, known as Kharna, requires those fasting to abstain from food throughout. In the evening, fasting women prepare a special dessert known as kheer. On the third day, devotees gather to worship the sun god, with women heading to ponds or rivers in the evening for prayers to Lord Surya. The festival culminates on the fourth day, marked by the offering of water to the sun god.
Chhath Puja 2023
The Chhath festival, a significant celebration of faith, is scheduled to commence on November 17, 2023. It falls on the fourth day of the waxing phase of the Kartik month and kicks off with Nahay Khay. The ritual sequence includes Kharna on the fifth day, paying homage to the setting sun on the sixth day, and concluding with prayers to the rising sun on the seventh day in Kartik month.
This four-day festival is a devoted observance for Lord Surya and Chhathi Maiyya. Fasting during this period is notably challenging, lasting 36 hours with strict adherence to rules.
This year’s Chhath Puja starts on November 17, 2023, and concludes on November 20. Bihar, known for its fervent celebrations, particularly embraces this festival. The fasting is dedicated to the well-being and prosperity of one’s children.
Chhath Puja 2023 begins two days before Shashthi, starting with Nahay Khay on Chaturthi and ending with Parana on Saptami. The festival spans four days, with a primary focus on offering prayers to Lord Surya. Let’s delve into the dates, prayer timings, and the concluding ceremony of Chhath Puja.
Read in Hindi: Chhath Puja 2023, कब से होगी शुरू?, जानिए इतिहास और महत्व
Chhath Puja 2023 Date and Time
Chhath Puja 2023, a four-day festival, involves devotees observing a challenging 36-hour fasting period, making it one of the most demanding rituals. This year, the celebrations start on November 17, 2023, with Nahay-Khay, a cleansing ritual. The festival concludes with Usha Arghya and Parana on November 20.
Chhath Vrat is significant for wishing a long and prosperous life, happiness, and well-being for one’s children and home. Let’s explore the daily activities during the Chhath Puja celebration from November 17 to 20.
| Chhath Puja 2023 Date and Time | ||
| Date | Day | Ritual |
| Friday, November 17, 2023 | First Day | Nahay-Khay |
| Saturday, November 18, 2023 | Second Day | Kharna |
| Sunday, November 19, 2023 | Third Day | Sandhya Arghya |
| Monday, November 20, 2023 | Fourth Day | Usha Arghya |
Chhath Puja Nahay Khay Date 2023
Chhath Puja kicks off with the unique Nahay-Khay ritual, signifying an important day. In 2023, Nahay-Khay takes place on Friday, November 17. The ritual begins at 6:45 AM with a morning bath in the river, followed by donning new clothes and enjoying a special meal as an offering.
This year, the sunset is at 5:27 PM. The Nahay-Khay prasad (offering) in Chhath Puja comprises dishes like pumpkin, gram dal curry, rice, and more, all prepared with rock salt and clarified butter. After the fasting devotee enjoys the prasad, other family members join in to share this wholesome and pure offering.
Chhath Puja Kharna Date 2023
On the second day of Chhath Puja 2023, called Kharna, which falls on Saturday, November 18, 2023, followers follow a unique tradition. The day begins with sunrise at 6:46 AM and ends with sunset at 5:26 PM. During Kharna, those fasting enjoy a sweet meal once, specifically in the evening.
The main highlight is the preparation of rice pudding, a special offering cooked over a traditional earthen stove using mango wood. After consuming this prasad, devotees start the Nirjala Vrat, a strict form of fasting without water. Finally, the fast concludes with a simple meal.
Chhath Puja Sandhya Arghya Date 2023
The key moment during Chhath Puja 2023 is the third day, especially during the evening ceremony known as Sandhya Arghya. On this significant day, fasting followers come together by the river to express their devotion to the setting sun.
This year, the Sandhya Arghya for Chhath Puja is set for November 19, with the sunset expected at 5:26 PM. During this event, a basket adorned with fruits, thekua (a traditional sweet), rice laddoos, and more, is presented as an offering to the sun god. Afterward, worshippers stand in the water, be it rivers or ponds, offering their prayers up to waist-deep, symbolizing their deep respect for the sun.
Chhath Puja Usha Arghya Date 2023
Chhath Puja wraps up on the fourth and final day, called Saptami, as devotees observe the age-old practice of praying to the sunrise. In 2023, the Usha Arghya falls on Monday, November 20, and is scheduled to happen as the sun rises at 6:47 AM. After performing this ritual, those who have been fasting enjoy the prasad (offering) and end their fast with Parana.
Chhath Puja 2023 Date in Bihar
In Bihar, the Chhath festival, a cherished four-day celebration rooted in local customs, kicks off with the Nahay-Khay ritual starting on November 17. On the 18th, those fasting during Chhath participate in Kharna, followed by a day of strict fasting and offering prayers to the steadfast sun on the 19th. The festivities wrap up on the 20th with a sunrise ritual, marking the conclusion of the celebration.
The third day of Bhaitika during Chhath Puja 2023 is dedicated to worshipping the sun and occurs twice a year, in the Kartik and Chaitra months. The Kartik Chhath Puja holds particular importance. Throughout the event, emphasis is placed on maintaining purity in fasting, worship, offerings, and the use of sacred items.
Chhath Puja 2023 History & Significance
Chhath Puja, a vibrant and deeply rooted celebration, has a fascinating history and cultural importance. This age-old Hindu festival originated in the Vedic period and centers around honoring the sun god, Surya, along with his consorts Usha and Pratyusha. The term “Chhath” signifies the number six, signifying its occurrence on the sixth day of the lunar calendar in Kartik.
The festivities span four days, comprising Nahay-Khay, Kharna, Sandhya Arghya, and Usha Arghya. Each ritual expresses gratitude to the sun for sustaining life on Earth. Beyond its religious aspect, Chhath Puja is a cultural revelry, fostering unity and family ties.
Its importance lies in providing spiritual rejuvenation, promoting environmental harmony, and seeking blessings for health, prosperity, and longevity. As we celebrate Chhath Puja in 2023, we partake in a timeless tradition that echoes with historical and cultural significance.
Chhath Puja 2023 FAQs
Q.1. When does Chhath Puja 2023 start and end?
Ans. Chhath Puja 2023 begins on November 17 with Nahay-Khay and concludes on November 20 with Usha Arghya and Parana.
Q.2. What are the key rituals during Chhath Puja?
Ans. The four-day festival includes Nahay-Khay, Kharna, Sandhya Arghya, and Usha Arghya. Each ritual involves unique practices, expressing gratitude to the sun for sustaining life.
Q.3. What is the significance of Kharna during Chhath Puja?
Ans. Kharna, on the second day, involves fasting without food until evening. Devotees enjoy a special sweet meal, marking the beginning of the Nirjala Vrat, a strict form of fasting.
Q.4. What happens during Sandhya Arghya on the third day?
Ans. Sandhya Arghya is a key moment where devotees gather by the river to worship the setting sun. Offerings include fruits, traditional sweets, and deep prayers, symbolizing deep respect for the sun.
Q.5. How does Chhath Puja conclude on the fourth day?
Ans. Chhath Puja wraps up with Usha Arghya on the fourth day. Devotees pray to the rising sun, concluding the festival, and end their fast with the Parana ritual.
