Chhath Puja 2023: Activities, FAQs, History, and Dates

Chhath Puja 2023: An occasion of religious significance, the Kartiki Chhath Puja is performed during the Indian month of ‘Kartika,’ which occurs between October and November. It occurs this year from November 9 to 12. A four-day ancient Hindu festival honoring Lord Surya, the Sun God, is observed. Kartiki Chhath marks the subsequent phase of the festival, following Chaiti Chhath, which occurs in early April and May. Kartiki Chhath Puja concludes on Usha Arghya, the day individuals break their 36-hour fast, during which they have refrained from food and water consumption. They conclude by presenting “Bihaniya Arghya” to the sun as it rises. The aforementioned regions partake in the festivities: Bihar, Jharkhand, Eastern Uttar Pradesh, and Nepal.

Chhath Puja History

Traces of the religious rituals known as Chhath Puja are mentioned in the Vedas, which leads to the belief that they originated in antiquity. As the most ancient compilation of Vedic Sanskrit hymns, the Rigveda contains melodies that exalt Lord Surya and partake in analogous rituals. The celebration is additionally alluded to in the Sanskrit epic poem Mahabharata, wherein Draupadi is depicted engaging in the identical customary ceremonies.

According to the poem, the overlords of Indraprastha, which is now Delhi, Draupadi and the Pandavas, carry out the Chhath Puja rituals under the direction of the noble sage Dhaumya. Through exalting Lord Surya, Draupadi overcame every difficulty she encountered and aided the Pandavas in reclaiming their extinct realm.

Additionally, the scientific record of Chhath Puja predates the Vedic era. Ancient “rishis” employed this technique to sustain life without consuming food by extracting energy directly from the sun. Undoubtedly, this is accomplished via the ceremonial processes of the Chhath Puja.

The narrative of Lord Rama serves as an additional illustration of the importance of Chhath Puja. At the time of their coronation in Shukla Paksha, it is believed that Lord Rama and Mata Sita observed ‘Kartik’ together fasting and performing ‘puja’ over Lord Surya. Subsequently, Chhath Puja has evolved into a pivotal and time-honored celebration within the Hindu faith.

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Chhath Puja 2023 FAQs

In India, how many festivals are observed?

While it is impossible to list all Indian festivals, it is safe to say that people of all faiths and cultures celebrate more than fifty of them.

In India, why are there so many festivals observed?

Festivals are observed by the Indian populace on the belief that they provide an occasion to foster greater unity and friendship among individuals.

May an unmarried woman perform the Kartiki Chhath Puja?

Unmarried women are also permitted to observe the festival through fasting.

Purah Chanth Activities

Gain knowledge of Indian culture

The Indian culture is renowned for its distinct customs. This celebration may provide you with the chance to become acquainted with their culture.

Attend a festive occasion

The duration of this event is four days. If the opportunity presents itself, you should travel to India to participate in person. It will be an experience to remember.

Integrate one of their practices

You can adopt customary practices such as abstaining from donning footwear indoors. Due to the Indian belief that the household is a sacred space, footwear is not permitted inside.