Chhath Puja 2024: Guide to Rituals, Special Foods, and Significance

Narmada Kajla

November 6, 2024

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Chhath Puja 2024, a four-day sacred festival dedicated to the Sun and Chhathi Maiya, will be held on November 5, 2024. The traditional festival is celebrated after the 6th day of Diwali. Thousands of devotees gather at riverbanks and water bodies filled with faith and devotion and hold a decorated bamboo basket filled with fruits.

Chhath Puja is an ancient Vedic festival that holds a special place in the hearts of people, especially in Bihar, Jharkhand, and some parts of Uttar Pradesh. The blend of 36-hour fasting, devotion, and joyful celebration makes Chhath Puja unique and special.

After following 36-hour fasting, women stand in knee-deep water at sunset, offer prayers to the setting sun, and then return at the dawn of the next day to welcome the rising sun. This is not just about the prayers; they celebrate life, sustainability, and the connection between humans and nature.

From fasting preparation to traditional thekua, fill the air with sweetness and delicious fragrance and tell a story of tradition passed down through generations. As Chhath Puja 2024 comes near, Satvic Foods will take you through the significance, traditional foods for Chhath Puja, and facts. But first, let’s find out when Chhath Puja will be celebrated in 2024.

When is Chhath Puja Celebrated

Chhath Puja 2024 will be celebrated from November 5 to November 8, with the main festivities falling on November 7 (evening arghya) and November 8 (morning arghya). This four-day festival begins with Nahay Khay on November 5, followed by Kharna on November 6.

Major rituals of Chhath Puja 2024 will take place during Sandhya Arghya on November 7 and Usha Arghya on November 8. The timing of Chhath Puja follows a specific lunar calendar pattern, always taking place on the Shasthi of the Kartik month.

Chhath Puja day	Festival name	Day of the week	Date/November
Day 1, Chaturthi	Nahay Khay	Tuesday	5
Day 2, Panchami	Kharna	Wednesday	6
Day 3, Sasthi	Sandhya Arghya	Thursday	7
Day 4, Saptami	Usha Arghya	Friday	8

Chhath Puja is scheduled just four days after Diwali, during the Shukla Paksha of the lunar month. The careful time is not about tradition; it is connected to the changing seasons and our ancient wisdom of celebrating nature’s cycle.

So, at Chhath Puja 2024, devotees around the corner are preparing to observe the occasion, maintaining a challenging 36-hour nirjala or waterless fast while celebrating the life-giving energy of the sun through prayers and rituals.

Why is Chhath Puja Celebrated

Chhath Puja 2024 is celebrated to honor Surya Dev (Son God) and his wife, Usha Devi, thanking them for supporting life on Earth and seeking their blessing for health and prosperity. People believe that the Sun can cure all health problems and give longevity.

There is a history and connection between Chhath Puja and two Hindu epics that clearly state the presence of puja from ancient times. Let’s discuss each:

In Ramayana, both Shri Ram and Mata Sita used to offer water to the Sun in Kartic month after returning to Ayodhya.

In Mahabharata, two stories indicate the presence of Chhath Puja; the first is of Draupadi, and the Pandavas performed the puja to regain their kingdom during exile. The second is of Karna, son of Surya Devta and Kunti, who would pray daily while standing in the river.

Besides these historical proofs of celebrating Chhath Puja 2024, it also offers significant health benefits to devotees, such as:

The strict fasting during Chhath Puja helps cleanse the body and refresh the mind.

Rituals of Chhath Puja focus on natural practices, like using leaves and avoiding plastics, which show respect for nature.

The focus and patience needed during Chhath Puja requires discipline that brings inner peace and stability.

Taking a bath in cold water helps improve immunity before winter and optimizes the absorption of vitamin D and Calcium.

Chhath Puja 2024 is more than a festival; it is a practice that brings together faith, health, nature, and community.

Traditional Foods for Chhath Puja

The Chhath Puja 2024 celebration is incomplete without traditional Chhath Puja foods, like Thekua, Pirukiya, Chawal ke Ladoo, Parwal ki Mithai, Kaddu Bhaat, and Rasiyaw. These foods, prepared with devotion and purity, are not just prasad but represent cultural rituals. Let’s explore traditional dishes for Chhath Puja one by one:

Thekua

Thekua is scared sweet that holds religious and traditional importance. It is made up of whole wheat flour, jaggery, and ghee; this deep-fried dish requires skillful hands and devotion. The flower-like patterns carved into each piece make it not just a tasty treat but also a visual delight.

Theuka also reduces hunger pangs and boosts energy levels, making it a good choice to include in your 7-day diet plan for weight loss.

Pirukiya

Pirukiya is also known as Gujiya, a delicate, deep-fried stuffed sweet. The outer crispy layer is made from maida (refind flour) and filled with khoya, coconut, and dry fruits. Pirukiya is mainly served as prasad during Chhath Puja rituals. One Pirukiya offers approximately 135 calories, which is not going to disturb your 1000-calorie diet plan during the festive season.

Chawal Ke Ladoo

Chawal ladoos are simple yet tasty. They are made from freshly ground rice flour, jaggery, and ghee. For your diabetic family member, you can add Satvic Foods’ Golden Milk Masala instead of jaggery. These laddoos have a grainy texture, and roasted rice brings out a nutty flavor.

Additionally, white rice does not spike blood sugar levels, is easy to digest, and is a healthy source of carbohydrates that provide energy to your kids during winter.

Parwal Ki Mithai

This unique sweet transfers simple pointed gourd (parwal) into a rich delicacy. The vegetable is first hollowed out, and then stuffed with sweetened khoya and nuts, and then cooked in sugar syrup. The preparation of parwal mithai symbolizes the devotees’ willingness and dedication to put in extra effort for the sacred offering.

Kaddu Bhaat

Kadu bhaat is a traditional dish enjoyed during Chhath Puja 2024, which combines mildly spiced pumpkin curry with plain boiled rice. This dish is high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, aids digestion, and boosts overall health while supporting energy levels.

Its low-calorie nutrient profile is an ideal choice for weight loss as pumpkin’s fiber helps you feel fuller for longer, and antioxidants support heart health. You can also try this pumpkin dish for your Halloween vegetarian dish list.

Rasiyaw or Rasiya

Rasiyaw is traditionally made with rice, jaggery, and milk to create a kheer-like sweet that we enjoy during Diwali celebrations. Offered to the Sun God during the evening Arghya, rasiyaw reflects the festival’s essence of devotion and purity.

If any of your family members or friends are diabetic, you can add Satvic Foods’ Golden Milk Masala instead of using jaggery. It is made up of 20+ natural ingredients that offer natural sweetness.

Amazing Facts of Chhath Puja

Chhath Puja 2024 is one of the most fascinating festivals of Hindu culture and holds incredible scientific and spiritual significance. From ancient Vedic roots to its unique rituals, Chhath Puja holds some remarkable facts, such as:

You can not suddenly stop performing Chhath Puja once your family starts the tradition, as it is passed down through generations as a sacred commitment.

The sunrise and sunset prayer times are scientifically chosen; these are the times when UV radiation is at its lowest and makes it safe for sun exposure.

The festival has a powerful connection to both major Hindu epics, from Ram and Sita performing it in Ramayana to multiple characters in Mahabharata being associated with it.

Devotees need to fast for 36 hours, which helps in natural detoxification, optimum absorption of vitamin D and Calcium boosts the immune system before winter, and strictness and focus make you disciplined.

The parvaitin also follows the most difficult ritual schedules in Hindu tradition, like sleeping on the floor, a 36-hour waterless fast, strict dietary restrictions, and complete body purification.

Devotees can not use garlic and onion during 4-day rituals.

While most festivals focus purely on spiritual aspects, Chhath Puja uniquely combines faith with practical health benefits.

Celebrate Chhath Puja With Satvic Foods

As we all know, Chhath Puja 2024 is coming and will celebrated from 5-8th of November, and it is time to embrace tradition, devotion, and health. Satvic Foods is here to make your celebration more meaningful with offerings that respect the purity of the festival.

During this holy time, Satvic Foods products, crafted without onion, garlic, and artificial additives, align perfectly with the dietary customs of Chhath Puja, honoring both health and spirituality. During this time, you can add Satvic Foods’ Aam Ka Achar, which is free from onion and garlic, to add taste without compromising your devotional values.

Additionally, while making kheer, you can add Satvic Foods’ Golden Milk Masala in place of jaggery for its natural sweetness and to bring warmth and care to diabetic people. With a blend of 20+ herbs and spices, this masala not only adds flavor but also supports immunity and wellness during festival time.

Celebrate this Chhath Puja and embrace the purity and devotion with the natural taste of Satvic Foods. May the blessings of the Sun God bring you health, peace, and prosperity as you celebrate with loved ones.

FAQs

What is Chhath Puja

Chhath Puja is a significant Hindu festival dedicated to Sun God and his wife, Usha. It is mainly celebrated in the Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and several parts of Nepal. The festival involves strict rituals and 36-hour fasting, prayers, and offerings made to the Sun God, symbolizing gratitude for sustaining life on Earth.

When in Chhath Puja 2024?
Chhath Puja in 2024 will be celebrated from November 5 to November 8. The main festivities will fall on these days:

Day 1 (Nahay Khay): Tuesday, November 5

Day 2 (Kharna): Wednesday, November 6

Day 3 (Sandhya Arghya): Thursday, November 7 (evening offering to the setting sun)

Day 4 (Usha Arghya): Friday, November 8 (morning offering to the rising sun)

This four-day festival takes place after Diwali and is observed during Shukla Paksha of the lunar month Kartik. The ritual includes a 36-hours nirjala fast and shows gratitude towards the Sun God for a better life.

Why is Chhath Puja Celebrated?
There are several reasons behind celebrating Chhath Puja. Some of them are:

It is a way for devotees to express gratitude to Surya for providing energy and life-sustaining resources.

Many believe observing the fast can help fulfill personal wishes and bring prosperity.

The rituals are thought to promote health and well-being for family members.

It strengthens bonds as families come together to celebrate and participate in rituals.

Which states celebrate Chhath Puja?

Chhath Puja is celebrated in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and some parts of Nepal. In addition to these regions, Chhath Puja has gained popularity among migrant communities across India, leading to celebrations in cities like Delhi and Mumbai.