Chhath Puja 2023: Chhath Puja, also called Maha Parv, is a sacred festival celebrated from November 17–20, dedicated to Lord Sun and Chhath Mata. Popular in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Uttarakhand, it occurs on the sixth day of the Hindu month ‘Kartik.’ Devotees express gratitude to the sun through rituals at riversides, involving fasting and offering prayers. It’s a significant celebration, highlighting the spiritual connection with nature and the divine.
According to Pandit Jagannath Guruji, it is believed that performing Chhath brings happiness and prosperity in life and is traditionally observed for the well-being of kids.
Chhath Puja and Fasting
The Chhath Puja, a 4-day festival, kicks off with Nahaye Khaye. Devotees fast and take a sacred dip in the Ganga, using its water to prepare a traditional meal of rice, lauki ki sabzi, and fritters on a mud chulha. This special food, free of onions and garlic, is first offered to deities and then eaten by the devotees. It’s believed to purify the body for the upcoming 36-hour fast.
The second day, Kharna, involves another fast. After sunset, devotees prepare and offer pori, kheer, gur ki kheer, and roti to the deities before eating themselves. Sharing this prasad is considered auspicious, and people often visit each other for this blissful offering in the evening.
The third day begins with a 36-hour Nirjala fast, concluding after sunrise on the 4th day. Devotees prepare for the evening argha by making thekua, a popular bhog, and decorating baskets with fruits and veggies like dabh nimbu, coconut, apple, banana, sugarcane, radish, custard apple, kasar, etc. At sunset, they go to the riverbank or create a mini pool, offering argha of milk or water to Lord Sun, praying for family well-being. The same rituals are repeated on the 4th and final day, concluding the festival as devotees offer argha to the rising sun, marking the end of the fast and celebrations.
Chhath Puja Date and Time
- Day 1 (17th November 2023): Nahaye Khaye – Sunrise 06:45 AM, Sunset 05:27 PM
- Day 2 (18th November 2023): Kharna – Sunrise 06:46 AM, Sunset 05:26 PM
- Day 3 (19th November 2023): Evening Arghya – Sunrise 06:46 AM, Sunset 05:26 PM
- Day 4 (20th November 2023): Usha Arghya, Day of Paran – Sunrise 06:47 AM, Sunset 05:26 PM
Why is Chhath Puja Celebrated?
The 4-day Chhath Puja is dedicated to family well-being, traditionally observed by mothers for their children’s health and prosperity. Today, people of all ages partake in the celebration for holistic well-being. Offering assistance to those fasting is considered highly auspicious, leading people to willingly help at the ghats and support neighbors observing the festival. Cleanliness is crucial, with local authorities ensuring even the streets are cleaned and washed, adding to the festival’s sanctity.
Lucky Colors for Each Zodiac Sign During Chhath Puja 2023
Aries (March 21 – April 19):
Lucky Colors: Red and Orange
Wearing red and orange can boost the energy and enthusiasm of Aries individuals, as these colors symbolize passion and vitality.
Taurus (April 20 – May 20):
Lucky Colors: Green and Brown
Taurus, known for its practical nature, can benefit from the earthy tones of green and brown, bringing stability and a connection with nature.
Gemini (May 21 – June 20):
Lucky Colors: Yellow and Light Blue
Expressive Gemini can amplify their energy with yellow and light blue, encouraging clarity of thought and effective communication.
Cancer (June 21 – July 22):
Lucky Colors: White and Silver
Cancer, the nurturing sign, should embrace the calming influence of white and silver, symbolizing purity and emotional balance.
Leo (July 23 – August 22):
Lucky Colors: Gold and Royal Blue
Leo, with its charismatic nature, can shine even brighter in gold and royal blue, enhancing their natural flair and leadership qualities.
Virgo (August 23 – September 22):
Lucky Colors: Green and Brown
Similar to Taurus, Virgo benefits from the earthy tones of green and brown, fostering practicality and grounding.
Libra (September 23 – October 22):
Lucky Colors: Pink and Light Blue
Libra, the sign of balance, should embrace soothing pink and light blue, enhancing the sense of peace and equilibrium.
Scorpio (October 23 – November 21):
Lucky Colors: Maroon and Dark Red
Passionate Scorpio can tap into their intensity with maroon and dark red, symbolizing depth and transformation.
Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21):
Lucky Colors: Yellow and Orange
The adventurous Sagittarius can amplify their joyous spirit with bright yellow and orange, radiating positivity and enthusiasm.
Capricorn (December 22 – January 19):
Lucky Colors: Brown and Dark Green
Capricorn, known for discipline, can embrace brown and dark green, inspiring stability and success.
Aquarius (January 20 – February 18):
Lucky Colors: Blue and Electric Green
Innovative Aquarius can enhance their unique qualities with calming blue and electric green, stimulating creativity and forward-thinking.
Pisces (February 19 – March 20):
Lucky Colors: Sea Green and Mauve
Pisces individuals can immerse themselves in soothing sea green and mauve, promoting tranquility and spiritual connection during Chhath Puja.
