The Four Days Of Chhath Puja 2023 | Rituals | Significance

What are the four days of Chhath Puja and why are they significant?

By Intimate Viewpoint

Chhath Puja is one of the major festivals of Hindus. It is celebrated in the month of Karthik in the lunar calendar and from October to November in the Gregorian Calendar. Although this festival is celebrated in many parts of the country, its importance is more in some specific states like Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, etc.

It falls on the 6th day of Diwali. It is celebrated for four days. People worship the Sun God in this festival. It is the most auspicious festival in all, therefore, the person observing this fast follows very strict rules and rituals in the four days of this festival.

The four days of Chhath puja 

* Nahaye Khaye or Kaddu Bhat, is the name by which the first day of Chhath Puja is known. The devoted takes a bath and has his/her one-time meal. They eat rice, Chana dal, and Kaddu (bottle gourd) Sabzi, that's why the day is known as Kaddu Bhat.

The meal is prepared in a neat and clean place and utensils and after taking a bath and without onion and garlic.

* Kharna or Lohanda, is the name by which the second day of Chhath Puja is known. It is observed in the evening of the day. "Kheer" is made with milk jaggery and a special rice Govind Bhog. Small Chapaties are also made and offered to God. The devotees have the Prasad after a long day of fasting without a drop of water. Guests are invited to have the Prasad. Many strict rules are followed by the devotee to have the Prasad.

* The Prasad is haveing inside a closed room that no one can enter into the room while the Prasad is taken.

* The surroundings should be calm and soundless while the Prasad is taken by the devotee.

* The Prasad is taken only one time in a plate.

* The special prasad is prepared by the devotee only.

* The Prasad is prepared on a wooden fire.

* Sandhya Aragh or Pahela Aragh, this is what called the third day of Chhath Puja. The whole day passes with hectic schedule. "Thekuas" (a kind of dish made with wheat flour, jaggery and a lot of Desi Ghee) are prepared for offering to Sun god. "Soops" (a kind of plate made with bamboo) are arranged for Sandhya Aragh. People go to a nearby pond, river or Lake to worship Sun God. The banks of all water bodies decorated with lights and garlands after cleaning.

Musical instruments are played and crackers are burnt. Thus Sandhya Aragh is done.

* Usha Aragh or Dusra Aragh, is the name for the last day of Chhath Puja. Preparations are done in the same way of Sandhya Aragh. Water and Naivedyas are offered to the Rising Sun. The devotee takes Sharbat, tea or coffee after doing all related Poojas and rituals, and distribute Prasad. Thus Chhath Puja end.